KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dancehall legend Spragga Benz and media personality Patrice White are all set to join Ky-Mani Marley as ambassadors for the Jamaica Hi – 5k Reggae Run/Walk.

The deejay and White took their marks during a recent online update hosted by Jamaica’s Consul General to the Southeast United States (US), Oliver Mair.

As standard bearers for the award-winning Jamaica Hi – 5k, voted in 2024 and 2025 as the best event in South Florida by the leading online platform Jamaicans.com, they joined a team of presenters on the weekly programme highlighting topical business and cultural developments to provide a competitive edge and enhance networking within the diaspora.

The Jamaica Hi – 5k, an initiative spearheaded by Mair, will take place at Miramar Regional Park in South Florida on Saturday, May 9. The race will kick off at 7:00 am, followed by an exciting post-race celebration from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, featuring a “reggae-robics” exercise class, a health fair and a nutrition food court with cooking demonstrations.

These activities reflect the event’s core values: knowing your health numbers (health checks/records), regular exercise, proper nutrition, positive community engagement, and giving back to humanity.

The event hosted by Miramar’s Mayor Wayne Messam, invites runners, walkers, families, and supporters from across South Florida and beyond to take part in this major fundraiser for the Adopt-A-Clinic initiative, which provides essential support to healthcare facilities across Jamaica.

Spragga Benz, who also shared a promotional word on his upcoming May 30 multi-act production, Journey to Kingston, in Miramar South Florida (reflecting his own musical journey), was pleased at his assigned ambassadorial role.

“This 5k event helps to bring people together which motivates you better. I am definitely taking part….running, walking — whichever way,” he said.

The man, who in his pencil-slimmed youthful years was known as Spaghetti, maintains his frame by “still actively keeping himself moving”. He said the diaspora needs to be taking advantage of the various parks and open spaces.

White, who enjoys running like others enjoy holiday trips, presented preparation tips for both new and seasoned runners. Having 25 marathons and 60 half marathons under her proverbial belt, she cautioned new runners to avoid new workouts.

“Now just a week before the event, please don’t try anything new — and I would not be advising the seasoned runners to attempt to squeeze in more hard running. Resting in the weekend more so the day before the event is important for everyone. Watch what you eat, especially days leading up to the event,” she said.

“Have food that you’re familiar with — and do eat what’s easy to digest — pasta and sweet potatoes, more so with your protein. Hydration is critical throughout the week and remember to have between eight and 16 ounces of water some two hours before the event while you keep hydrated throughout the event,” White added.

Some 2,000 participants are expected to surpass the 1,500 entrants last year.

“It’s a great networking opportunity,” said Mair. “It’s more than an event — it’s a movement.”

Jamaica’s Consul General to the Southeast United States (US), Oliver Mair.

— Curtis Myrie