Blue Run 5K record turnout fuels call for greater prostate awareness

THE Blue Run 5K recorded its biggest staging to date, with 4,859 people registering for the event, up from 3,990 in 2025, while 2,803 completed the race on Sunday, compared with 2,186 last year. Organised by Running Events Jamaica and powered by Guardian Life, the fourth staging brought participants to New Kingston for a morning of running and walking while promoting prostate cancer awareness, early detection and men’s health. Running Events Jamaica Race Director Alfred Francis said the record turnout showed the growing support for prostate cancer awareness. “We are extremely pleased with the response to this year’s Blue Run,” he said. ”To see a record number of participants come out and run, walk and support the cause demonstrates the power of community when we come together around an issue that matters. The Blue Run has always been about more than the race itself. It is about creating greater awareness, encouraging men to take their health seriously and using the platform of sport to get people moving and talking about prostate health. We are grateful to everyone who participated and helped us make this our biggest staging yet.” Prostate cancer was the leading cancer diagnosed among Jamaican men in 2022, with 1,599 new cases, accounting for 43.1 per cent of all new cancer cases among Jamaican men, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s Global Cancer Observatory. It was also the leading cause of cancer deaths among Jamaican men. Proceeds from the 2026 Blue Run will support the Jamaica Cancer Society’s prostate cancer screening, education and community outreach programme, including subsidised screening, outreach clinics and educational materials. Jamaica Cancer Society Executive Director Roshane Reid-Koomson said the event was helping to bring the conversation about prostate health into communities. “Prostate cancer continues to have a significant impact on Jamaican men and their families, yet too many men still delay taking action when it comes to their prostate health. Initiatives such as the Blue Run are important because they bring this conversation into the community in a way that is accessible, visible and engaging. When thousands of people come together to run, walk and support the cause, it creates an opportunity to reach more men, challenge the hesitation around screening and reinforce the message that early detection matters. We are proud to partner with an initiative that is helping to turn awareness into action,” Reid-Koomson said. The Jamaica Cancer Society screened 889 men for prostate cancer in 2024 through its clinical and community outreach programmes, according to its annual report. In the 5K Run, Julius Itubo was first among the men, followed by Kemar Leslie and Royale Gordon. Shian Lewis led the women, ahead of Felicia Compass and Jovi Rose. Duwell Allen led the men’s 5K Walk, with Gladstone Johnson second and Errol Williamson third. Natasha McKenzie, Carlene Wallace and Karene Staple were the top three women. Guardian Life President Meghon Miller Brown said the continued growth of the event highlighted the importance of combining physical activity with health advocacy. “The continued growth of the Blue Run is a powerful sign that more Jamaicans are recognising the importance of men’s health and the value of early detection. At Guardian Life, we believe protection goes beyond financial security. It also means helping people live healthier, longer lives. Through our continued support, we are proud to help create greater awareness around prostate health and encourage more men to get screened, know their status and take proactive steps to protect their health,” Miller Brown said. Francis said the organisers would build on the response to this year’s event. “Every person who registered, showed up, encouraged someone to participate or supported the event in another way contributed to what we achieved this year. We want to continue building on that momentum and making the Blue Run an even stronger platform for prostate cancer awareness and community participation,” Francis said.