Reggae Marathon returns to Kingston, sets sights on growth

THE streets of downtown Kingston are set to come alive with the sound of running shoes, reggae and international camaraderie as the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K returns to Jamaica’s capital on Sunday, December 6, 2026, marking the event’s 26th staging and second consecutive year in Kingston. Following a successful transition from Negril to Kingston for its 25th anniversary in 2025, organisers are building on the momentum of last year’s event with an expanded focus on attracting runners locally and internationally, showcasing the capital’s cultural identity and creating an experience that blends running, wellness, music and Jamaican hospitality. The 2025 Kingston staging welcomed more than 1,700 registered runners, with participants travelling from the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Russia, Estonia and Uzbekistan, among other destinations. Over its history, the Reggae Marathon has attracted runners from more than 25 countries, reinforcing its position as a significant fixture on Jamaica’s sports tourism calendar. With the race now firmly established in Kingston, organisers are looking to grow that international community while making it even easier for Jamaicans to experience the event. “The move to Kingston opened a new chapter for Reggae Marathon, but we are not simply repeating what we did last year,” said Aileen Corrigan, who was appointed Reggae Marathon chairperson earlier this year, succeeding Ian Kelly. “We are looking at how we can continue to grow the event, attract more runners from Jamaica and overseas, and create an experience that gives people even more reasons to come to Kingston, run Kingston and discover Kingston. The response to our first year in the capital showed us what is possible, and we are excited about where we can take it from here,” Corrigan added. For 2026, Reggae Marathon is leaning further into the character of the capital, with the race route continuing to take participants through some of Kingston’s most recognisable landmarks and spaces, including the National Gallery, Supreme Court, Water Lane Artwalk and the Kingston Waterfront. Organisers are also partnering with the Kingston International Festival, with Reggae Marathon serving as the kick-off to the eight-day celebration of Jamaican creativity and culture, which runs December 6-13. The partnership provides an opportunity to connect the international running community with Kingston’s wider cultural offering. The event will also introduce Devon House as the new home for pre-race activities, including registration, packet collection and the much-anticipated Pasta Party, with further details to be announced. The Finish Line Bash will continue at the Kingston Waterfront following the races. Chris Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica and a long-standing partner of Reggae Marathon, highlighted the event’s role in contributing to the wider story of Brand Jamaica. “Reggae Marathon demonstrates the power of building a strong local brand that can contribute to the wider story of Jamaica. By bringing together Kingston, reggae and international sport, the event offers a uniquely Jamaican experience while giving the city and country a platform to engage audiences from around the world. As we continue to strengthen Brand Jamaica, we must recognise and amplify the homegrown events, businesses, culture and talent that help define who we are and what we have to offer. Reggae Marathon is a great example of how, by building our local brands with purpose and pride, we can collectively build an even stronger Brand Jamaica,” ISSA said. A key focus for the 2026 staging is encouraging more people to make running part of their lifestyle, while creating a pathway for those who may be new to the sport. To support this, Reggae Marathon has partnered with Sweat & Salty Run Club on the Road to Reggae Marathon Race Series, a programme of community runs across Jamaica designed to encourage people to get active and prepare for the December event. Participants at the community runs will also receive discount codes towards registration for Reggae Marathon. The initiative is expected to help broaden the event’s reach beyond established runners, encouraging first-time participants to take their first steps towards race day. Race Director Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis said the 2026 event will build on the lessons and successes of the Kingston debut. “We learnt a lot from bringing Reggae Marathon to Kingston last year, and the most important thing was seeing how much the city embraced the event,” said Francis. “For 2026, we want to build on that foundation. We want runners to have a great race, but we also want them to enjoy everything that makes Kingston special. From the route and the music to the activities before and after the race, every element should feel distinctly Jamaican and distinctly Reggae Marathon.” Organisers are also placing greater emphasis on highlighting the best of Kingston along the race route, giving visiting runners a closer look at the city while encouraging local spectators and communities to participate in the atmosphere. Mayor of Kingston Councillor Andrew Swaby, who last year welcomed the event’s debut in Kingston, said the return of the marathon is an opportunity for the capital to build on that momentum. “We are delighted to welcome the event back to Kingston for the second consecutive year. Reggae Marathon has become more than just a race. It is a celebration of movement, wellness, music, culture and community. Last year, Kingston welcomed Reggae Marathon for the first time; the response was tremendous. This year’s staging promises to build on that momentum,” he said. The 2026 event will feature the Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, with internationally certified courses and the signature Reggae Marathon experience of music, hydration and cooling stations along the route. The races will begin from the Kingston Waterfront, with the Half Marathon starting at 5:45 am, the 10K at 5:55 am and the 5K at 6:00 am. Registration for the 26th Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is currently open, with the event taking place on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at the Kingston Waterfront. Participants can register through the official Reggae Marathon website.