Reggae Marathon has donated $1.5 million in cash and kind to more than 100 people in Negril affected by Hurricane Melissa, reaffirming its long-standing ties to the resort town despite relocating the race to Kingston last year.

The donation included food items, clothing and food vouchers and benefited the combined Cadet Corps of Hanover and Westmoreland, the Green Island torch bearers, Negril volunteers, and volunteers from neighbouring communities who previously assisted with entertainment, infrastructure support and mobile music coordination.

Following the widespread damage caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in western Jamaica, Reggae Marathon, its organisers, the Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston, and participants in the 2025 race came together to support individuals who had played key roles in the event’s success over its 24 years in Negril.

Reggae Marathon was based in Negril for 24 years before moving to Kingston for the first time last year. Organisers have stressed that Negril remains an important part of the event’s history and identity.

Race Director Alfred “Frano” Francis said the donation reflected the organisation’s appreciation for the community that helped the event grow.

“Negril has been at the heart of Reggae Marathon for more than two decades. The support we have received from the community has been instrumental in the growth and success of the event. This contribution is our way of giving back to those who have consistently given so much to us,” Francis said.

“This donation to these various volunteer groups is just our way of saying thank you. Even as the race evolves and takes place in Kingston, our connection to Negril remains strong, and we will continue to support the community in every meaningful way possible,” he said.

This year’s Reggae Marathon will be held on December 6 at the Kingston Waterfront. Devon House will host on-site registration and packet collection from December 4-5, while online registration remains open until December 3 at reggaemarathon.com.