1 month ago
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The annual Reggae Marathon, staged in downtown Kingston for the first time in its 25-year history, was hailed as a success after more than 17,000 participants, in the 5K, 10K and half-marathon events, crammed the streets of the capital early yesterday morning for the iconic road race.
Race director Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis said the participants themselves described the event as a success, and that they intend to continue the race in the capital for the foreseeable future.
“One thing about road racing is, I like to listen to the participants and what they say. And they have said it was a well-executed event.
“There are always challenges and things we can do better, but we look forward to the next opportunity to do so.
“So we look forward to doing better in 2026. We are extremely thankful for how things turned out in our first time here. And as for now it is Kingston,” he said.
According to unofficial reports, there were participants from more than 20 countries, and Francis is pleased the race has maintained its international appeal.
“We had three different categories totalling 17,000-plus persons. And I can’t name the amount of countries represented here, but we had many persons from different countries here today,” he added.
Winner of the women’s half-marathon, Cecile Heinrich, had her doubts when it was announced that the race would move to Kingston, but she totally enjoyed yesterday’s event.
“I have been living here (Jamaica) for a year. I am from France. At first, like everyone else, I was a but disappointed it was not in Negril because Negril is so beautiful.
“Everyone doesn’t like change. But after a few months, I was like, it’s not too bad. I live here, I can do the route. You have the advantage of being from here, kind of. But I really liked it,” she expressed.
Winning her event added extra spice to her participation, she said.
“Last year I was also very excited, because I am from France and I had never won any race. It’s really competitive. I came second (last year), but was really disappointed because I didn’t get a statue. So this year I am getting a statue (winning trophy). And it is very beautiful,” she commented.
Men’s half-marathon winner Garfield Gordon said the Kingston route is a bit more challenging but he thoroughly enjoyed it.
“The route was not bad. Negril was easier, because this one (Kingston) has a lot of turns. But I still managed to come out and take it home,” he said.
“I was happy to reach the finish line, because the last part got tough. The first 15K was pretty easy but the real race started during the final 15K. I had to push to the end. I am happy. It is my first time winning the half-marathon. I’ve won the 10K about four times and this is my second time in the half-marathon, and so I am really grateful,” he added.
Gordon took the men’s half-marathon in one hour 12.40 minutes, ahead of Kemar Leslie in 1:13.40. On the women’s side, Heinrich (1:31.13) finished nine minutes ahead of Dondie Williams in second-place with 1:40.28.
The men’s 10K event went to Ryan Achau in 33 minutes 10 seconds, with the female equivalent going to Florence Nafamba 42.25.
Raheem Walker took home the men’s 5K in 16.31, while Gizelle James took the female version in 21.38.
English (US) ·