Executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), Adam Stewart was left overwhelmed by a remarkable turnout for the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run on Sunday morning.

“It’s overwhelming, overwhelming. I’ve never seen so many people in this run, there was a sea of people,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Thousands of individuals filled the roadway along Howard Cooke Boulevard leaving mere inches between each other as they ran and walked in the cool of the early morning.

“People from the United States, Canada, all over Jamaica, Kingston, St Catherine, Westmoreland you name it,” Stewart said of the participants.

“I’m unbelievably humbled and appreciative for the love and the support and it’s a reminder why Jamaica is the most beautiful country in the world,” he added.

Participants at the start line at the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run on Sunday, May 4, 2025. (Photo: Joe Wellington)

The race was last year renamed in honour of Stewart’s late wife, Jill Stewart, who was one of the event’s biggest supporters.

Stewart said that this was symbolic of what Jill represented during her lifetime.

“What Jill represented was community, athletics and education and that is exactly what the run is all about, the whole of Jamaica, not just Montego Bay, coming together to support education while doing something that keeps you fit and healthy and this would be exactly what she would want and I am just overwhelmed at the support and the turnout,” he said.

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon said he felt “very good” about the turnout, noting that preliminary estimates put the number of participants at a record 6,500 people.

“I am happy that persons didn’t just sign up but actually came out and participated. Based on the information that we are getting this was probably the largest run in Montego Bay. We heard 6,500, usually the target is approximately 5,000,” Vernon said, adding “If we continue on this trajectory, probably by next year we have to consider utilising the perimeter road for the traffic and taking over the entire boulevard for the run.”

Minister of National Security and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang (centre) was among the participants at the Participants at the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run on Sunday, May 4, 2025. (Photo: Joe Wellington)

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the run is “a good look” for Montego Bay.

“I think the MoBay City Run is growing, it’s for a good cause and in honour and memory of Jill,” Holness said. “I think in terms of a good product as well for Montego Bay, for sports tourism and wellness, it’s a good look, and the proceeds go towards worthy causes.”

The Jill Stewart MoBay City Run is among five major running events in Montego Bay – the others being the Montego Bay Night Run, MBJ Charity Run, Breast Cancer Awareness run and the Guardian Group night run. Vernon lauded the initiatives and their contribution to national development.

“Those are five major runs in Montego Bay and of course they are all geared towards enhancing education, providing scholarships to our students and importantly towards health and wellness, so it’s a good thing for Montego Bay and we are looking forward to bigger and better things in coming years,” he said.