FOUNDER and chair of the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run, Janet Silvera, says organisers are actively pursuing expansion plans to broaden the reach and impact of the annual event across Jamaica.

She made the disclosure while speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, held at the JIS Montego Bay Regional Office in St James last Wednesday.

Silvera revealed that plans are in place to replicate the event in other locations, with the possibility of hosting simultaneous runs across different regions.

“What we wanted to do this year…was a MoBay City Run in Montego Bay…and a MoBay City Run in Kingston on May 3,” she said.

Silvera explained, however, that logistical challenges have delayed the implementation of this concept.

She noted that when organisers consulted the timing officials about the feasibility of the concept, they were advised that it would be very difficult to implement.

Despite the challenges, Silvera emphasised that expanding participation across the island remains a key objective for the future.

“There are people who would love to come to Montego Bay, can’t come…and want to run in Kingston. We need to get to that stage where people can run anywhere they are in Jamaica, get your timing, and be part of this wholesome event,” she further stated.

In addition to geographic expansion, the event chair indicated that organisers are also seeking to elevate the scale of the race by introducing longer-distance events.

The initiative is named in honour of the late Jill Stewart, an educator and community advocate who was deeply committed to youth development, health, and philanthropy.

Stewart, the wife of Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart — who is also executive chairman of the Jamaica Observer — and a long-standing supporter of the MoBay City Run, was honoured posthumously when the race was renamed in recognition of her enduring contribution to education and community development.

Silvera further underscored that the long-term vision for the event includes expanding its footprint of educational support, pointing out, “We want to…help more high schools and early childhood education institutions.”

Now in its 10th year, the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run has grown into one of western Jamaica’s premier fund-raising initiatives, providing vital support to students and institutions across the region.