KINGSTON, Jamaica – When runners assemble on December 4 at the start line for Jamaica’s 10th annual Reggae Marathon, participants from Team Lipstick’s inaugural co-ed destination training camp will be lining up for the marathon, half-marathon and 10K. Team Lipstick, the northeast USA’s largest and most successful all-female triathlon team, with chapters in New York City, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey, will be in Negril, Jamaica, for a week-long training camp that culminates with the Reggae Marathon, Jamaica’s premier international marathon event.
“Jamaica has a long and distinguished history in track and field athletics and music,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “This is a special event because it combines sports and reggae in a tradition that’s been honored for 10 years now. In previous years the marathon has attracted support and endorsement from such groups as the American Heart/Stroke Association (ASA) and the Heart Association of Jamaica. With this year’s participation of Team Lipstick, Jamaica further establishes itself as a sports, health and wellness destination.”
Participants in Team Lipstick’s inaugural co-ed training camp will stay at the Rock House in Negril. Each day, they will be offered six hours of training sessions to choose from, including runs, swims and yoga classes, plus daily lectures. The week-long camp ends with the group’s participation in the Reggae Marathon.
According to Founder and CEO of Team Lipstick Laura Cozik, participants are excited to get racy in Jamaica at the Reggae Marathon. “We couldn’t imagine a more perfect place than Jamaica, with its gorgeous beaches, stunning resorts, laid-back atmosphere, and—most of all—the warm, friendly Jamaican people. Having been to the race last year, I can definitely say it will be the highlight of our trip, with a start line under the stars, tiki torches and reggae bands on the route, and a finish line on Negril Beach,” noted Cozik.
Following a route from Long Bay Beach Park along Negril’s famed seven-mile white-sand beach to the town of Negril, and then north to Green Island, the race features pulsating reggae music at each mile. The Marathon is operated to world-class standards, with the race set on an International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) certified course featuring water/aid stations at every mile. Cooling stations are equipped with misters and iced towel wraps, and medical stations are positioned along the course, manned by a multi-disciplinary medical team with a helicopter on call.
The Marathon weekend kicks off with registration and a two-day Marathon Expo, December 2 and 3, where participants and supporters will find race gear as well as the best of Jamaica’s art and crafts. On December 3, the internationally rated gourmet Pasta Party provides carbo-loading at its best. Finally, the post-race Village Bash and Victory Party at Long Bay Beach Park will offer the perfect release after a grueling 26.2 miles.
Since the event was launched in 2001, runners have come to Jamaica from over 18 countries to experience the greatest race in the Caribbean. Reggae runners and walkers who wish to register online for the 2010 Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K event should visit www.reggaemarathon.com.
