Inaugural Blue Run 5K in aid of prostate cancer fight

THE INAUGURAL staging of the Blue Run 5K Road race will have, as its goal, aiding in the fight against prostate cancer.

The event, set for Emancipation Park on September 17 at 6:30 a.m., is the brainchild of Running Events Jamaica.

During the event’s launch at Fidelity Motors Ltd on Hanover Street, downtown Kingston, Alfred ‘Franno’ Francis, director of Running Events Jamaica and meet director, spoke about the importance of fighting issues like prostate cancer.

“It is impossible to attain our full potential when we continue to ignore the deadliest non-communicable disease in Jamaica and the severe impact on our society. Today I speak specifically to prostate cancer, the silent killer, described by consultant urologist of the University Hospital of the West Indies, Dr Belinda Morrison,” said Francis

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Jamaica as well as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths,” said Francis,

According to Francis, Jamaica has the highest incidences of prostate cancer in the world.

“Without debating the point, it is essential that we catch it early. As a nation, we need to work towards and take pride in wearing the badge as one of the healthiest nations in the world,” said Francis.

The launch also revealed the race’s route.

Competitors will begin on Oxford Road before moving to Seymour Avenue, then on to Montrose Road, Lady Musgrave Road, St Lucia Avenue, Trinidad Terrace, before ending on Knutsford Boulevard.

Francis also announced a three-race championships pitting high schools against each other.

The Blue Run 5K is the first of the trio that will include the Build with Bertie Charity 5K, and the Burger King 5K.

High Schools, separated into boys and girls, will vie for the Lois Lake-Sherwood Trophy to be presented at the end of the Burger King 5K on November 12.