Jamaica is gearing up for marathon season in December with the 10th anniversary of the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K, Jamaica’s premier international marathon event. The runs take place on Dec. 4 with marathoners, sports enthusiasts and beginners converging in Negril. Stretching from Long Bay Beach Park, situated along Negril’s famed white-sand beach, to the town of Negril and then north to Green Island, the race features reggae music at each mile. The Marathon is operated to world-class standards, with the race set on an International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) certified course featuring water/aid stations for every mile. Cooling stations are equipped with misters and iced towel wraps, and medical stations are positioned along the course, manned by a multi-disciplinary medical team with a helicopter on call. In an effort to increase participation, American Airlines has partnered with Reggae Marathon by offering additional gateways and fare discounts for participants.
The Marathon weekend kicks off with registration and a two-day Marathon Expo, Dec. 2 and 3, where participants and supporters will find race gear as well as the best of Jamaica’s art and craft. On Dec. 3 is the internationally rated gourmet Pasta Party. The post-race Village Bash and Victory Party at Long Bay Beach Park is the perfect release after a gruelling 26.2 miles. Stays at the all-inclusive, four-star Sandals Negril start at US$175 per night. The five-star Beaches Negril is offering rooms starting at US$189 per night, and the five-star Breezes Grand Resort & Spa Negril has a starting rate of US$179 per night. (http://www.reggaemarathon.com , http://www.visitjamaica.com)