ReggaeMarathon Blog

One of my favourite quotations is from Margaret Mead, the anthropologist:  “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world: indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”

I was reminded of this on the weekend as I volunteered for the Reggae Marathon.  10 or so years ago, a small group of people decided to stage a marathon in Jamaica.  They were, and remain committed to a number of things:

1. The promotion of wellness and healthy living
2. The development of long distance running in Jamaica.  Despite, and perhaps because of its long tradition of excellence at the sprint athletic distances, up to recently distance running has not been particularly popular with Jamaican athletes
3. The promotion of Jamaica as a destination that is more than “sun, sand and sea”

Spurred by the success of the initial staging of the Reggae Marathon in 2001, this small group, known at the Jamdammers Running Club, has organized itself to stage the Reggae Marathon every year since then.  The group is not motivated by financial reward, for there is none.  Each year, it is an uphill battle to mobilise financial, physical and human resources.  There is one full-time, year round employee.  Everyone else is a volunteer.  The only thing keeping this group together and motivated is their passion and commitment to the cause of running, health and Jamaica.  And that is more than enough. 

And how has the Reggae Marathon changed the world?  Prior to the event, the hotel occupancy in Negril in the first weekend of December was about 20%.  Now, one can hardly find a room – occupancy is near 100%.  Craft vendors, taxi drivers, restaurant operators, farmers all experience increased  business, as the event is a stimulus for economic activity far beyond the race itself.

Each year, a number of charities benefit, as entrants commit to raising funds by running the marathon.  Our local charity partner in 2008 was the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, and organization committed to the reduction of the incidence of heart disease in Jamaica.  We also had runners from Joints In Motion of Canada who raised funds for the Arthritis Society of Canada, and the Yellowbird Reggae Runners, a group of travel industry professionals who raise funds to contribute to the development of their favourite travel destinations.    People who have never heard of the Reggae Marathon will benefit from the funds raised by these organizations

And then, there are the personal goals and dreams.  For Burt Carlson, it was to compete his 301^st marathon at 83 years old.  For Phillip Lawrence, it was to complete his 100^th marathon.  For Dean Sirjue, it was to celebrate his 50^th birthday with his closest friends.  For many others, it was to push their bodies beyond what they thought possible and complete a race. 

The Reggae Marathon is an event where dreams really do come true, where lives are changed.  And when one life changes, the whole world changes.  All because of a small group of committed people.

Thursday was the official launch of the 2008 Reggae Marathon.  Check out the press reports at:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sports/html/20081024T010000-0500_141689_OBS___K_ADDED_TO_DECEMBER___REGGAE_MARATHON_LINE_UP.asp

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20081024/sports/sports6.html

What does this mean?

1. To those who are on a 12 week training program, it means that you are halfway there!
2. To those who are racing, it means time to order that second pair of running shoes, to break them in for the race
3. To those who are still thinking about it, but have not yet committed, you have 6 weeks!  Don’t delay, go to http://www.reggaemarathon.com/register.php and register today!
4. To supporters of runners, it means time to step up the support of your loved ones in their training program
5. To members of the Jamdammers Running Club, the hosts, it means deciding what you will be volunteering to do this year
6. To the Planning Committee, it means “countdown” has started
7. To the hotels in  Negril, it means time to make sure the Pasta Party is planned and organized, and rooms are ready
8. To the Negril community, it means getting ready – cleaning up the route, organizing special events
9. To the businesspeople in Negril it means ordering or making adequate stock of goods for sale
10. To all, it means time to arrange transportation – be it flights from outside Jamaica or car or bus from other parts of Jamaica; time to make hotel bookings or other arrangements for lodging; time to make babysitting and other arrangements for the weekend (unless you are bringing children, which is always an option)

Whoever you are, whatever role you plan to play in the Reggae Marathon, Half-Marathon and/or 10k on December 6, you have 6 weeks left!

Here are some rave reviews from participants in the Reggae Marathon that speak to the organization of the event:

By the way, your race is the best organized of all the marathons I have run, so far, including New York and Chicago.  Keep it up “Mon.”

 - Emmanuel A. Enujioke, Ph.D.

Congrats are in order! You and your staff did a wonderful job of organizing the Reggae Marathon & Half-Marathon – it was a fantastic event!  From the pasta party, to the drums at the start, to the reggae music along the course, this race was one of my most memorable yet! (And having completed both the ING New York City Marathon and the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, believe me, that’s no small statement).  The race was well-organized, festive, and unique, and could be appreciated by Jamaicans and tourists alike.  What a great way to close out the year!

-  Tiffany A.C. Hamilton

I thoroughly enjoyed this marathon. I have run over 15 marathons in several different states in the USA including Maui Marathon, Las Vegas, Marine Corps, Miami, Tampa, Disney and several others.  This is truly the best because the amenities, friendly atmosphere and definitely the most awesome pasta party.  I plan on making this an annual event.  It is truly the best kept marathon secret.
- Dianne Worrell

My 2nd RM and I had a great time, many thanks to your attention to detail and hard work.  The experience was wonderful, hope I’ll be around for more.

- Chrystal

What to say, great race, very well organized, lots of support from the aid stations and the spectators, music everywhere, scenic route. Certainly there were things or times that were sketchy or tense, I have a great memory and can’t think of a single one of them

- Joe

Want to say that this is my second year running the marathon and again, I can not compliment you enough on how well organized it is

- Marian Burton

So what makes the organization of this event so special? A few things:

1. The race was conceptualized and is hosted by the Jamdammers Running Club, a group of committed distance runners in Jamaica.  Why do we do it?  Simply – because of our love and passion for running – and for Jamaica.  Few Jamdammers ever run the marathon - we are all busy, and lovingly, working
2. The volunteers – a small group of volunteers works tirelessly year-round to make the run a success.  However there are other volunteers just prior to and on the day who really make the experience super-special.  These include, but are not limited to:
   1. The Scouts – Scouts pack the runners bags, man the water stops, and are generally available for any task required to make the runners have a great experience.  They come from all across the island, and demonstrate the vitality and commitment of our young Jamaicans
   2. Members of the Negril and adjoining communities who volunteer for water stops, volunteeer support, the RM start and numerous other activities
   3. The Negril hotels – who host the pasta party, provide accommodation for the volunteers and ensure that they are on-hand to cheer on runners throughout the race
   4. The medical community – one thing you are not short of in the Reggae Marathon is medical support.  Indeed, there is so much of it that you are likely to have one of our top surgeons and two or three other doctors handing you hydrating fluid at water stops!
   5. The government – the security forces, the Ministry of Health, the Jamaica Tourist Board and others all give their time, energy and resources
   6. Musicians – live bands, and DJ taxis at the water stops provide invigorating, motivating music for those grueling miles

 These are just some of the volunteers who will be present on December 6 to make sure you have the most amazing marathon, half-marathon or 10-k experience EVER!

Tropical Storm Gustav just raged over Jamaica dumping inches, or more like tons of rain.  The eastern side of the island was seriously affected.  Negril, being on the westernmost tip of the island, was less so.     

What type of weather can you expect at the Reggae Marathon?

First thing to know is that the hurricane season runs from June to November, so there is no need to worry about getting caught in a hurricane.   

Typically, temperatures in Negril vary from lows of 20.35°C to highs of about 32.05° C.  December is one of the coolest months, but don’t be fooled, it’s still hot – in the low 30s in the day!  December is a moderately dry month – about 400mm rainfall compared to October when we can get up to about 800mm!  So, there is a chance that you will get a little rain – but it will be quite welcome to cool you off!

This is one of the reasons we chose December for the Reggae Marathon, and why we start the race before the crack of dawn – to catch the coolest time of the year and the day.  And as the morning of the race wears on, and the temperature rises, you can rest assured that there will be more than enough water and hydrating fluids at every mile to quench your thirst and cool you off!