InterviewFocus on a race

9 questions to discover a marathon : Reggae Marathon

21 Jan, 2010 (Thu)

Diane Ellis is the Sponsorship and Marketing Director for the Reggae Marathon event – one of the world’s top ten Marathon events, noted by the London Paper in 2008.

Hello, on December 4th 2010, you’ll be organizing the Reggae Marathon . Can you tell us where it is located?

The Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K is located in the beautiful resort town of Negril, Jamaica, famous for it’s seven mile stretch of white sand beaches, and also popularly known as,‘the capital of casual.’

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This will be the 10th edition of the race. Why was it created in the first place?

The event was created to build an international marathon event in Negril that would also serve as a vehicle for sports tourism, and additionally, build a foundation for long distance running in Jamaica, primarily known as the ‘sprint capital of the world.’

What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?

The route is an out and back course, mostly flat and fast, and runs parallel to the famous stretch of white sand beaches.

How many runners do you expect on Saturday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?

We expect over 1,500 as we celebrate our tenth anniversary on December 4. Our runners are primarily recreational, seeking to enjoy the event and the run, though the course is certified and runners can qualify for the Boston Marathon and any other IAAF event.

Reggae Marathon - Rasta runner
Credit : Errol Anderson – Reggae Marathon

Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?

On Saturday morning the following races are run simultaneously with the Marathon – the Half Marathon & 10K races.

At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?

The weather is usually sunny and the 5:15 Am Race Start for all race events, ensures that runners get a cool and early start to finish ahead of the midday sun.

Have you planned festivities around the marathon?

The Race is part of a weekend of events, beginning with Registration, Thursday Dec 2 ; the world’s best Pasta Party, the night before the event on Friday Dec 3; and Victory Party, post race with popular reggae acts.

Reggae Marathon - Pasta party
Credit : Errol Anderson – Reggae Marathon

The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Negril before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?

Negril offers something for everyone: from the sea, sun and beach activities ; viewing Negril’s famous sunset from Rick’s Cafe; visits to nearby waterfalls such as YS Falls or Mayfield Falls or participating in adventure tours or eco tours to Negril’s protected Royal Palm Reserve.

In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Reggae Marathon?

Come for the Run, but stay for the Fun, enjoy the Music !

Thank you Diane
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