The Reggae Marathon doesn’t end when you cross the finish line.  It may feel that way heading down the finish chute and hearing the finish line announcer shout out names above the sounds of the reggae music.  I’ve had lots of those experiences over the years, but it’s the after-the-finish experience at the Reggae Marathon that I look forward to.

Make sure you get your finisher’s medal.  They are really cool.  Last year I almost missed getting mine as I ran across the finish line.

Then I head directly to the cooling tent.  The feeling of the cool mist is fantastic and I had one of the volunteers dump cold water over my head last year.

From the cooling tent, I head directly to the coconut water where volunteers cut open a fresh coconut.  It really is the best for aiding in recovery.  But don’t take my word for it; check out this article for some more information on what makes it a nearly ideal post-run drink.

Then I make a bee-line for the ice cold  Red Stripe Beer.  Ahhhh…..need I say more?

I head over to the bag check after I am fully refreshed and make my way to the beach.  There massage right on the beach can’t be beat.

And last but not least, my swim in the Caribbean.  I always run in running gear and all although I take my running shoes off first.

The post race party and awards ceremony get underway a little later on in the morning right at Long Bay Beach Park.  Excellent entertainment that includes dancing right on the beach; it should be an excellent line-up once again this year.

Those are the Reggae Marathon essentials.  With a few more days on the beach in the Capital of Casual, Negril, the vacation only gets better…

Until next time…

Reggae Marathon RunninGuy

Note:  Photos courtesy of Errol Anderson Photography