PUSHING the limits of endurance and fitness in a four-day expedition through Jamaica’s mountains and rivers, 30 athletes from the United Kingdom will participate in Sandals Foundation’s annual Island Challenge, to raise £100,000 to strengthen neonatal and paediatric healthcare services here.

The event, spanning the parishes of Trelawny, St Ann, St Mary, and St Andrew will see participants hiking more than 4,000 feet above sea level, up the rugged but lush Blue Mountain terrain, running along scenic coastal routes, and kayaking through rivers.

“We started in Antigua in 2023 over four days, running almost 100 kilometres. In 2024 and 2025, in St Vincent and St Lucia, we added to the run; the paddle and the hike and this year we’re in our island home, Jamaica. October 2 to 5, the Sandals Foundation will host a multiple-day endurance test, pushing [participants] physically and mentally,” director of operations at Sandals Foundation Karen Zacca said, while speaking during Tuesday’s launch of Island Challenge 2026.

The launch was held at the AC Hotel Kingston.

According to Zacca, day one of the challenge will feature an 8km community run followed by a 10km kayak trip along the White River Fish Sanctuary off the coast of Ocho Rios, St Ann.

Participants will then take on an uphill battle for the second day of activities with a challenging climb of Dunn’s River Falls, followed by a 10km rainforest trek and tree planting activity, ending at Mystic Mountains where more physical challenges await them.

On day three, 15 successful Jamaican challenge applicants will join the UK athletes for a 21km half marathon in Falmouth, the capital of Trelawny, passing Falmouth Public General Hospital, which will benefit from funds raised from the Island Challenge.

Zacca noted that the final day of events will feature a test of military endurance in Newcastle, St Andrew before a partial hike of the Blue Mountains, with a celebration in Good Hope hosted by Chukka Caribbean Adventures.

She told the event that the initiative builds on the success of previous Island Challenges, which have collectively raised more than £300,000 ($64 million) benefiting some 1,800 babies across the Caribbean.

Sandals Foundation Director of Operations Karen Zacca said the final day of events will feature a test of military endurance in Newcastle, St Andrew. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

“What started as a fun chat in a bar in the UK many years ago with our marketing affiliates at Unique Vacations UK has today evolved into a unique endurance experience. It has brought together UK donors, corporate partners, travel partners, local participants — all who love the Caribbean and who believe in giving back to the beautiful islands, specifically raising £100,000 ($21.4 million) each year, and maybe more this year if we’re good about what we do.

“All proceeds will go towards critical life-saving neonatal and paediatric needs at the Falmouth Public General Hospital, giving our families hope and giving children the healthiest possible start,” said Zacca.

Ryan Terrier, chief executive officer at Island Routes Adventure Tours, which is one of the event partners, spoke of the company’s role in curating experiences that make up the challenge.

He noted that through collaboration with Trekkers Adventure Jamaica, Mystic Mountain Limited, Tour Jamaica Limited, the Urban Development Corporation, Chukka Caribbean Adventures and the Forestry Department, the well-planned challenge will be expertly executed come October.

“Meaningful impact requires collaboration, shared responsibility and a commitment from everyone involved in tourism. At Island Routes, tourism is more than just visiting the destination. It’s about connecting with the people, the culture, the communities and the natural environment that makes it unique and makes it special.

“I just want to recognise and thank the Sandals Foundation team [and] all of our partners for their role in curating the experience and, of course, in ensuring the successful execution of this event. We look forward to continuing to develop experiences that not only focus on showcasing the beauty of our destinations but also giving something meaningful back to the people and places that make it so special,” said Terrier.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has welcomed the island challenge, hailing it not only as a way to expand Jamaica’s visibility on the global stage as a destination that offers a multitude of unique experiences, but also as a lifesaving mechanism.

“The passion that drives the island challenge, for example, is a powerful one. Because it’s not just one of physical fitness, discipline, dexterity, agility, and ability to use GPS (global positioning system) to navigate through and find your places. It’s not just about that only. It’s about why you do it. What is the passion really about? Is it physical? Is it psychological? Or is it really, authentically, autonomous? Out of your heart, out of your belly, out of your bowels?

“Is it something that speaks to who you are as a person, as a human being? And then defines why you are here. Because in the end, you will say, ‘I’m not here for me. I’m here because of others.’ And so what the foundation is doing is demonstrating practically that we are here for others. And tourism connects others,” said Bartlett.