WITH the recent launch of this year’s Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K, Takese Foga, director of health promotion and education at the Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW), emphasised the influence Running Events Jamaica has had on promoting health and wellness across the island. The Reggae Marathon, now in its 24th year and organised by the Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston in association with Running Events Jamaica, will be held on December 8 in Negril. This event marks the highlight of another year filled with numerous impactful races orchestrated by Running Events Jamaica, Foga noted.
Undoubtedly, exercise has become increasingly popular in Jamaica. On any early morning you’ll find the streets of the country’s major municipalities full of walkers and joggers. According to Foga, the transformation in Jamaica’s health culture began in the early 2000s in response to the first Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey which highlighted non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a major concern.
The MOHW began spearheading initiatives to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and regular health screenings, which became more popular with the launch of Jamaica Moves. Running Events Jamaica emerged as a key partner in these efforts, she said, helping to popularise road races across the island. Eventually, before the COVID-19 pandemic, walk/run events had become a regular weekend activity, reflecting the growing public interest in fitness.
For over 20 years Running Events Jam.