Reggae Marathon donates $1.5m to Negril community

Reggae Marathon reaffirmed its deep-rooted connection to Negril through a $1.5 million donation 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 first-ever staging in Kingston last year.

While the event has transitioned to the island’s capital, organisers have emphasised that Negril remains an integral part of its history and identity.

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

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

Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, race director of Reggae Marathon, said they are proud to have donated, noting that it 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,” he shared.

“This contribution is our way of giving back to those who have consistently given so much to us,” he 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 is the designated venue for on-site registration and packet collection from December 4-5.

Participants may also register online at www.reggaemarathon.com, from now until December 3.