Pink Run’s historic turnout delivers ‘powerful message’, says organiser

MORE than 17,000 people registered for the 2026 Jamaica Reach To Recovery (JR2R) Pink Run, held on October 25, marking the highest registration in the event’s history and reinforcing public support for women affected by breast cancer. Held at Emancipation Park under the theme Miles and Miles of Hope, this year’s event attracted 17,424 registrants, more than 1,000 above the nearly 16,000 recorded in 2025, marking the highest registration in the Pink Run’s history. The turnout represents a significant milestone for the annual fund-raiser, which aims to raise J$30 million to support women navigating breast cancer and improve access to screening services in Jamaica. Sandra Samuels, president of JR2R and herself a breast cancer survivor, welcomed the strong participation, noting that the event’s growth reflects the importance of continued public engagement and collective action in addressing the impact of breast cancer. “More than 17,000 people coming together for this year’s Pink Run sends a powerful message: Breast cancer is not a fight that women should have to face alone. But showing up for one morning is only part of the work. We must turn this collective support into lasting change by improving access to screening, helping women navigate the cost of diagnosis and treatment, and ensuring that no woman is left without the care she needs because of her financial circumstances or where she lives. Every step taken at the Pink Run brings us closer to that goal, and we must carry that commitment forward long after the event is over,” Samuels said. The proceeds from the 2026 Pink Run will support JR2R’s ongoing work assisting women affected by breast cancer, including financial assistance for medical expenses such as diagnostic tests, surgery and medication, as well as other essential needs that arise throughout their treatment journey. The funds will help ease some of the financial burden faced by patients and their families, enabling more women to access the care and support they need. A significant component of this year’s fundraising effort will see 50 per cent of the funds raised going towards the Jamaica Cancer Society’s (JCS) purchase of a new mammography machine. The initiative comes amid continued calls for greater access to screening across Jamaica, where the cost of private services, travel requirements and limited availability of mammography facilities can present challenges for women. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has been working to improve access to screening through existing initiatives, including support provided through the National Health Fund (NHF). Effective September 24, 2026, the NHF increased its annual mammogram subsidy from J$3,000 to J$3,800, providing eligible beneficiaries with greater financial assistance towards the cost of screening. The benefit is available to women aged 40 -74. Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton, who attended the event, highlighted the importance of the Pink Run in raising awareness about breast cancer, encouraging healthier lifestyles and drawing attention to the need for greater action. “[We have] 17,000 strong today on the streets of Kingston. You are here for the best cause you can find, on behalf of all our women and our men. Breast cancer affects all of us. The truth is, what we are doing today is to highlight and create awareness, to promote a lifestyle of nutrition and physical activity, and also to engage a cause that requires a lot more attention,” Tufton said. Private sector support also contributed to the event’s focus on improving access to screening. The Beauty Concepts offered 10 mammograms for women over 40 as prizes during the Pink Run, while Apex Radiology also donated a gift certificate for one mammogram, further contributing to efforts to make screening more accessible. Beyond raising awareness and advocating for improved screening access, JR2R continues to provide practical support to women navigating the financial demands of breast cancer care. Between January 2025 and April 2026, JR2R allocated approximately J$11.2 million to assist 210 women affected by breast cancer. The support helped cover a range of medical expenses, including diagnostic tests, heart tests, MRI and CT scans, surgery and medication. The Pink Run also recognised the achievements of participants who placed among the top finishers in the running and walking categories. In the men’s running category, Julius Itubo secured first place, followed by Royale Gordon in second place and Chris Wanjiku in third place, while Ronesha Rhule, Felicia Compass and Shian Lewis placed first, second and third, respectively, in the women’s running category. In the men’s walking category, Duwell Allen took first place, with Omroy Samuels and Elijah Emmanuel Vaughan placing second and third, respectively. In the women’s walking category, Natasha McKenize claimed first place, followed by Deidre Lewis in second place and Karene Staple in third place.