Reggae Marathon reaffirms Negril roots

Never forgetting their roots. The Reggae Marathon team and partners rally together to provide vital relief supplies to the event’s longtime volunteers and their families in Negril. Captured are (L-R): Aileen Corrigan, Chairperson for Reggae Marathon, Danzalee McKintosh, Reggae Marathon Volunteer, Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, Reggae Marathon Race Director, Capt Stashia Jackson, member of the Green Island Cadets, Diane Ellis, Reggae Marathon Marketing Director, and Gina Harrison, Reggae Marathon Assistant Race Director.

Reggae Marathon has reaffirmed its deep-rooted connection to Negril through a $1.5M donation worth of food items, clothing, and food vouchers valued at over $750,000 to the Negril community.

For 24 years, the Reggae Marathon called Negril its home, building strong community ties before the event’s inaugural staging in Kingston last year. While the event has transitioned to the island’s capital, organisers have emphasized that Negril remains an integral part of its history and identity.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 Hurricane that significantly affected western Jamaica, including Negril and surrounding communities, Reggae Marathon, with the help of its organizers, the Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston and 2025 participants, were moved to support individuals who had played key roles in the race’s long-standing success in the region

The donation effort impacted more than 100 beneficiaries, including the combined Cadet Corps of Hanover and Westmoreland, the Green Island torch bearers, Negril volunteers, in addition to volunteers from neighbouring communities who previously contributed to entertainment, infrastructure support, and mobile music coordination, who were all impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking on the donation, Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, Race Director of Reggae Marathon, said that this donation is one that Reggae Marathon is proud of and one that reflects the organisation’s continued appreciation for Negril and its people “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,” Race Director Francis added, “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 any possible meaningful way.”

This year, the race will be held on December 6 at the Kingston Waterfront. Devon House will also be the designated venue for on-site registration and packet collection from December 4–5, 2026. Participants may also register online at www.reggaemarathon.com from now till December 3.

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