Following the recent launch of this year’s Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K, Takese Foga, Director of Health Promotion and Education at the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), highlighted the impact Running Events Jamaica has had in promoting health and wellness across the island. Now in its 24th year, the Reggae Marathon is organised by Kingston’s Jamdammers Running Club in collaboration with Running Events Jamaica and will take place in Negril on December 8. Foga noted that the event will be the highlight of a year packed with a number of impactful races organised by Running Events Jamaica.
Without a doubt, exercise is becoming increasingly popular in Jamaica. In the early hours of the morning, streets in the country’s major municipalities are filled with walkers and joggers. According to Foga, the transformation of Jamaica’s health culture began in the early 2000s as a response to the first Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey, which highlighted non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a major concern. The Ministry of Health began spearheading efforts to promote healthy eating, physical activity and regular health checks, which became even more popular with the launch of Jamaica Moves.
Running Events Jamaica emerged as a key partner in these efforts, helping to popularize road races across the island, she said. After all, before the COVID-19 pandemic, walking/running events had become a regular weekend activity, reflecting the growing public interest in fitness.
For over 20 years, Running Events Jamaica has been promoting healthy lifestyles through running, bringing communities together, fostering national pride in health and physical activity, and inspiring hope for less fortunate citizens. Its extensive portfolio of races, including collaborations with a variety of organizations, has also promoted public education on health issues. For example, specialized events such as the Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness Walk-Runs have integrated health education and highlighted the importance of preventative measures.
Given the country’s health situation, Foga said prevention is a key message to promote public health awareness. According to the Pan American Health Organization, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer account for 80 percent of deaths in Jamaica. The Ministry of Health’s latest Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey also revealed that one in three Jamaicans has high blood pressure, one in two is overweight or obese, and one in eight has diabetes.
Mr Foga emphasised the importance of walking and running as part of the national strategy to tackle the NCD epidemic by increasing participation in physical activity across the island.
“Events like the Reggae Marathon have been pivotal in addressing physical inactivity, a major behavioral risk factor for NCDs,” she said. “The Ministry of Health’s collaboration with Running Event Jamaica and the Reggae Marathon has fostered a broader focus on health promotion, leading to increased community-based fitness activity and increased public awareness of health issues.”
Foga said these races are not just about physical health, but also mental health.
“The communal aspect, stress relief and overall enjoyment of participating contribute to a holistic approach to wellness.”
As the organisation’s pinnacle event, the Reggae Marathon embodies this spirit, bringing tourists and locals together in a celebration of fitness and culture.
Known for its blend of athleticism and vibrant Jamaican culture, the Reggae Marathon takes place on a scenic, IAAF-certified course set to the uplifting rhythms of reggae music. This year’s event will be even more engaging and accessible with the addition of a new 5K race in addition to the traditional 10K and half marathon races. Additionally, a virtual race option will allow people from all over the world to join the health and wellness celebration.
Ms. Foga said the Ministry of Health is pleased to have collaborated with Running Events Jamaica for many years, recognizing their shared dedication to the health and wellness of the nation’s people. She further noted that the Reggae Marathon is a testament to the efforts of both parties and demonstrates the transformative power of such efforts in helping to improve public health outcomes.
