2019 Kingston City Marathon a running vacation
Published:Thursday | October 11, 2018 | 12:00 AMJason Cross/Gleaner Writer
For its 146th anniversary as the capital of Jamaica, Kingston will receive a three-day tribute in March 2019, in the form of the Kingston City Marathon, which is poised to bring together thousands of locals and foreigners.
The inaugural international event will be staged from March 15-17 and will be open to persons interested in a 5K run/walk, a 10K or a half-marathon.
Speaking to The Gleaner at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel during the launch recently, Nicola Madden-Greig, co-chairman of the Kingston City Run, organisers of the marathon, said participants will enjoy a special "runcation".
Kingston World-renowned
"Kingston has always punched above its weight. We want to be known for more than just sprinting. Long-distance running is something we are looking at. This is an important development to help Kingston. Most major cities have a marathon, which is part of their identity. Kingston is a world-renowned city," she said.
"We are the birthplace of five musical genres. We have the seventh largest natural harbour in the world. We have a wonderful cultural asset in Kingston. It is like a running tour of Kingston, a runcation."
Madden-Greig also pointed out that special flight and hotel packages will be on offer.
"We will have all sorts of street dances. Friday night, they can go and see that. You will be in the shadows of the Blue Mountain [you can go Blue Mountain as well]. At the same time, if you want to go somewhere in Ocho Rios, we will be offering tour packages. You can even stay longer than the three days if you want," she said.
The courses of the run have been measured by Bernie Conway, international measurement administrator for the Americas.
The event's partnering entities are the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, Jamaica Tourist Board and the Norman Manley International Airport.
Proceeds from the event will target the homeless population through specific charities.
Registration can be done for the event at www.kingston cityrun.com.