KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s capital will be abuzz with excitement as running enthusiasts from around the world converge on the entertainment and cultural mecca for the inaugural Kingston City Run, scheduled for March 8 – 11, 2013.
Organized by the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association’s (JHTA) Kingston Chapter, the weekend event will include a carnival fete, a health and wellness fair as well as a 5K race/walk and half marathon. Chief Running Officer for Runner’s World Magazine and running coach for the popular Runner’s World Challenge training program Bart Yasso is among the international participants confirmed for the half marathon.
Kingston City Run is an excellent addition to the city’s calendar of events and the Jamaica Tourist is one of the major sponsors of the event.
“We are pleased to join forces with the Kingston Chapter of the JHTA for this inaugural event showcasing the capital city,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Our hope is that race participants will explore Kingston’s rich culture and history, scenic offerings and active nightlife during their visit.”
The proposed route has been crafted to highlight some of Kingston’s most iconic attractions. The run begins at the picturesque Emancipation Park located on Knutsford Boulevard and includes Devon House, Hope Botanical Gardens, Bob Marley Museum, Vale Royal, Jamaica House and Kings House to name a few.
“The inaugural Kingston City run is slated to be an annual event, marrying Kingston’s natural assets to the hub where Jamaica’s top athletes work, train and live. Kingston has long been positioned as the sports, entertainment and cultural capital of the Caribbean and this event will serve to highlight this in a unique way,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, Area Chairman of JHTA – Kingston Chapter.
An exciting weekend package is being offered by Kingston area hotels including accommodations, airport transfers, entrance to the Welcome Night Carnival Party hosted by Bacchanal Jamaica on Friday, entrance to the Health Fair & Expo on Saturday hosted at the Wyndham Kingston (inclusive of pre-race warm up training sessions with JamFit), race registration and entrance to the After Party hosted at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Accommodation packages are available from The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, The Altamont Court Hotel, The Wyndham Kingston, The Jamaica Pegasus, The Spanish Court Hotel, The Knutsford Court Hotel and Hotel Four Seasons. Optional day tours to Port Antonio and Ocho Rios as well as other tours of Kingston and surrounding areas are also on offer. Visitors are encouraged to take in Kingston’s night life at popular sports bars such as “Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records” and “Cuddyz,” Courtney Walsh’s sports bar.
Proceeds from the event will go towards providing sustainable support to the homeless through four main charities: Open Arm Drop-in Shelter, Marie Atkins Night Shelter, Food for the Poor and The Missionaries of the Poor.
Several organizations have recognized the value of this addition to the events calendar and have pledged their support. They are the Norman Manley International Airport, Club Kingston and the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association.
For reservations and more information on the Kingston City Run, call 1-876-926-3635-6, or visit
www.kingstoncityrun.com or www.facebook.com/kingstoncityrun
