Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Melissa Crooks (left), manager, marketing and communications at PanCaribbean, hands over the sponsorship cheque for the Reggae Marathon and half marathon to Alfred 'Frano' Francis (right), race director, during the press launch at th Court Hotel in St. Andrew on Tuesday. Looking on are Debra Valentine (second left), president of the Jamdammers Running Club, and David Shields, deputy director of the Jamaica Tourist Board. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

COME FOR the run ... stay for the fun! That is the theme the seventh Reggae Marathon will be based upon this year.

Again, the world-renowned event, the Reggae Marathon and half marathon, will take place on the western side of the island in Negril on December 1.

At the event's launch at th Court Hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday, it was announced that the top three men's and women's finishers in the marathon would take home $75,000, $50,000 and $25,000 while the half marathon's top three would claim $37,000, $25,000 and $12,000.

The top five schools will get between $20,000 and $4,000 while Masters marathon competitors who place will get $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000.

The Ministry of Health, one of the sponsors, will offer cash prizes of $250,000 for corporate teams with first place to get $100,000, second $75,000 and third $50,000.

The event, which will see the top male and female runners taking home the Bob and Rita Marley trophies respectively, will include the Canadian and American charity group Joints in Motion and its contingent of more than 200 marathoners.

Competitors from Japan expected

Marathoners from Japan are also expected to compete at the event which will run off at 5:00 a.m. at Long Beach Park.

Race director, Alfred Francis, said the event was "growing in popularity both nationally and internationally and this year, in addition to the large groups out of Canada and the United States of America, who have shown interest.

Digicel and The Gleaner are, once again, playing their parts in various ways.

The telecommunication giants will, again, provide the timing system. In addition, it will provide phones for the winners along with the youngest winners of the marathon and half marathon.

World-renowned event

"It is our pleasure to be a part of Reggae Marathon once again. The event is world-renowned," said Digicel's sponsorship and promotions manager, Maurice Bryan.

The Gleaner's Corporate Affairs Officer, Terry-Ann Wilson, said her company was always pleased to be associated with the venture.

"We always look for activities to promote healthy lifestyles," Wilson said.

During The Gleaner's Challenge contest, three runners - Kenisha Griffiths, Diana Blake-Bennett and Earl Stewart - emerged victorious and will participate at the event.

The Gleaner Company will pay for a doctor's visit, their entry fees and for accommodation and transportation.

Howard Aris, president of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) was present at the launch to give the event his blessings.

"We are very proud to be associated with the event," stated the JAAA boss, who said his association was committed to taking long-distance running to another level.

"When you think of track and field in Jamaica you think of sprinting," said Aris, who promised his organisation was going to build up long-distance running.

In doing so, he said: "We at the JAAA will look at the young athletes in this event."

Feedback: anthony.foster@gleanerjm.com