Let me tell you a little bit about the magic of the Reggae Marathon. Whether you’re looking to run or race, participants have the opportunity to choose from a 5K, a 10K, or a Half-Marathon. With the community’s incredible energy, breathtaking views, and the unique Jamaican atmosphere, the event is more than just a race—it’s an experience that lingers long after the finish line. If this sounds like the kind of adventure you’d love, now is the perfect time to book your trip for the 25th anniversary Reggae Marathon in Kingston. Or, if you’re craving a warm winter getaway in 2025, head down to Negril for some rest and relaxation while soaking in the island’s vibrant culture. 

Looking back at the 2024 Reggae Marathon in Negril, the magical atmosphere that surrounded the event was undeniable. The warm and welcoming community spirit was palpable, with locals and visitors alike coming together to celebrate both the race and the rich Jamaican culture. From the start line on Seven Mile Beach, participants marvelled at the stunning views as the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the ocean. The energy was infectious, with music from the DJ stations lining the course helping everyone stay motivated. Whether it was the breathtaking scenery, the delicious food, or the vibrant interactions with fellow runners, the Reggae Marathon proved to be more than just a race—it was an immersive celebration of Jamaica’s spirited culture. 

The Reggae Marathon: A Celebration of Community and Wellness 

The Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston hosts the annual Reggae Marathon, “Jamaica’s premier long-distance road race,” where the focus is on the people, not just the race. While there is prize money and trophies for the winners, including  renowned sculptor, Basil Watson’s designed trophies of Bob and Rita Marley for the half marathon champions, the event is truly about the sense of community. 

For 2024, a new 5K race was added alongside the 10K and Half-Marathon, so there’s a distance for everyone to join in. While last year’s route hugged the shores of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, offering an unforgettable sunrise experience as you cruise along the course, you can bet that this year’s event will offer similar memorable moments. And with DJ sets energizing the crowd every half mile, the event is as much a party as it is a race. 

Other Marathon Weekend Highlights 

• The world-famous pasta party features Rasta Pasta and other delicious local and international offerings. Last year’s guests enjoyed the sunset over Seven Mile Beach while eating their pre-race meal, with entertainment provided by local steel drummers. I’m sure this year’s pasta party in the historic downtown waterfront district will also bring a new magical experience for all participants. 

• After crossing the finish line, runners are greeted with a freshly cut coconut and an ice-cold local Red Stripe. It’s a must-do photo op with the coconut and Red Stripe in hand, ideally while soaking in the view of the ocean. 

Reggae Marathon Details 

• Race Date: First Sunday in December (December 7, 2025) 

• Getting there from Canada: Fly direct to Kingston, Jamaica (KIN) from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) with daily flights 

• Prize Money: Over $10,000, plus the Bob and Rita Marley Trophies for the top male and female in the Half-Marathon 

• BQ (Boston Qualifier): YES! 

• Temperature: ~30°C daily 

• Race Start: 5:30 a.m. 

Looking to Escape Winter? 

Longing for the warmth of summer even when the deep freeze has set in? If you’re looking to escape the chill next winter, consider heading to Jamaica. With the 2024 Reggae Marathon tracing Negril’s beautiful Seven Mile Beach, it should be on your list of places to check out. Consider the family-owned, community-operated Charela Inn, nestled on the stunning beaches of Negril, Jamaica. 

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly, long-time staff, including the hotel owner and manager, Daniel Grizzle, who makes you feel like part of the family. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Charela Inn is famous for its commitment to both guests and staff, breathtaking views of the Seven Mile Beach, and the palm trees that dot the landscape. As I chatted with guests who had been coming back for more than 20 years, I understood why they kept returning. From the naturally shaded, pristine white sand beaches to the delectable dishes blending Jamaican ingredients with French flair, I could see myself returning annually to my Charela family.  

For an extra dose of relaxation, book a massage with Sandra, whose massage hut is located at the edge of the resort. As you listen to the ocean waves and breathe in the salty air, you’ll drift into a state of pure relaxation. At breakfast, indulge in local flavors like callaloo and sip on freshly brewed Jamaican coffee. Be sure to experience their exquisite five-course gourmet dinner at least one night. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this resort offers something for everyone. 

Charela Inn Details 

• Getting There: Fly into Montego Bay (MBJ) and take the Juta Shuttle to Negril 

• Amenities: Private beach, impeccable cuisine, stunning sea views (recommended: sit out on the beach with a spritz and watch the sunset) 

• Location: Situated on 7-mile beach, the hotel offers easy access to local shops, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and a 7-mile walking paradise 

• Room Details: Book an ocean-view room to hear the waves as you relax on your deck. Rooms are spacious, clean, and equipped with very comfortable beds. 

• Weather: 30°C 

• Contact: www.charelainn.com 

Race Origins and Race Future 

The Reggae Marathon was founded in 1995 by the Jamdammers, a group of passionate runners from Kingston, Jamaica. Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, the Race Director and a previous president of Jamdammers, along with his wife Diane, Sponsorship Director, oversee the event, which is part of a series of over 22 races they organize throughout the year. As they emphasized during the pre-race briefing, “This event is not about the race; it’s all about the people and the experience,” promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering a sense of community through distance running. 

For 2025, the Reggae Marathon will see exciting new developments as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The race will be hosted at Kingston’s Historic Waterfront District, offering participants a fresh perspective of Jamaica’s rich history and natural beauty. With a new location, the new race category, and continued emphasis on the community spirit that defines the event, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year that both honors the race’s legacy and introduces new opportunities for runners to connect with Jamaica in unique ways. 

Website: www.reggaemarathon.com  
Instagram @ReggaeMarathon
Facebook: Reggae Marathon

Feature image by ESIROM, Reggae Marathon

Before lacing up, prioritize safety:

Assess the Conditions

• Footing: Icy sidewalks and snowy trails can be treacherous. Specialty gear like microspikes or snowshoes is great but heavy and can change your stride. So, let’s think of it as ‘Is it safe for me to go run outside without slipping and sliding in my running shoes?’. Stick to routes where standard running shoes will suffice.
• Temperature: Everyone’s skin is different, so know your limits. We all have a threshold temperature at which our skin freezes. If frostbite is a risk, it may not be worth running.

Bearing these two things in mind, I got to thinking about the joys of running in really cold winter weather when I was out for a run one time. It was sunny, windy, -18C (felt like -27C; learn about wet and dry bulb temperature to understand why it feels colder). I had an awesome run and stayed warm for about 80 minutes before the weather got the better of me. I had no set time to run, so I ran by feel, for enjoyment, and probably could have stayed out longer, but it just wasn’t necessary. And for this first time in a long time, it wasn’t my hands or feet that got the better or me, but my tushie!

My Recommendations

• Start Warm

Forget the myth that you should feel cold/cool for the first 5-10 minutes of your run. What bollocks! Just like warming up for a race I put on a layer I had every intention of shedding once I felt too hot, which I did about 9 minutes in. I believe this kept my hands and feet warm through my entire run. I ended up dropping off my heavy mittens on this run. I equate it to my core starting and staying warm, and I only ended up needing lighter gloves. My hands came home toasty warm!

• Take a Bathroom Break 

Just before putting your running shoe on, go to the bathroom again. A ski racing coach once told me – if you need to pee, you’ll get cold faster. Whether or not the science backs this up, it’s advice I follow religiously.

• Wear Full Coverage Undies

I believe most men run in some sort of underwear that holds their ‘junk’ in place, and usually it comes with full butt coverage as well. Ladies – I recommend wearing a granny panty. Something thick and comfortable will provide extra warmth for your cheeks. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. And pro tip – always pull your undies up first post-bathroom. There’s nothing worse than wrinkly clothes in your neither-regions. 

• Keep Those Extremities Warm

I think I have a circulation issue, which means my fingers and toes get rather cold, rather quickly. Liken it back to my alpine ski days where I often had frostbite on my hands and feet, these have become quite sensitive in the cold.
Hands: I always run with a pair liner gloves and often start with these in my pocket. While I usually get cold hands, they often start clammy. I usually try to take my mitts on and off to dry my hands and not soak my mittens but inevitably they get wet. The warm wet goes to cold wet very quickly. That liner layer is your buffer. If you know you have a really long run planned, you can also consider stashing an extra pair of liners in your pocket.
Feet: It’s all about the right socks. Good wool socks, not the cheapies, but really good wool socks are magic. I have awesome wool socks that I used back when I was a cyclist. Since I wear them relatively infrequently and they have lasted a very long time. I come back to them every winter knowing they will keep my feet toasty warm.

• Layers

You can always take a layer off, but if you don’t have the layer on to begin with, there is no way you can add it on!

Top Layer: Invest in windproof vests and jackets. As a runner, vests and windbreakers have become some of my go-to pieces. Blocking the wind from your core is crucial for warmth.

Legs: Don’t neglect wind protection here, either. I goofed with this step on one of my runs and it’s why I had to head home. I only had two layers on the bottom, three if you include my granny panties, but none of these had any wind block to them. Lesson learned, find a pair of pants to block the wind and keep your quads and butt warm! I often layer a pair of tights overtop of crops and compression socks – I find it’s a good way to have some flexibility in the layers.

Head: On really cold days I will wear a headband underneath a toque (a beanie for my American friends!). This not only adds a layer to prevent brain freeze, but it’s usually much easier to wash a headband compared to a toque (the pom-pom doesn’t usually take the washing machine kindly!).

The Joy of Winter Running

If you have never run just after a snowstorm or in the dead of winter, I highly recommend it. Go to your nearest park. One, you will probably have the park to yourself, but secondly, the silence is deafening. It is different than a summer sunrise, it’s beautiful in a way that is unique to each of us. Winter running offers a unique beauty you won’t find in any other season. Even if winter running really isn’t for you, I highly recommend driving to your nearest park and just standing to witness the awesomeness in simplicity.