Reggae Marathon returns to Kingston, sets sights on growth

THE streets of downtown Kingston are set to come alive with the sound of running shoes, reggae and international camaraderie as the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K returns to Jamaica’s capital on Sunday, December 6, 2026, marking the event’s 26th staging and second consecutive year in Kingston. Following a successful transition from Negril to Kingston for its 25th anniversary in 2025, organisers are building on the momentum of last year’s event with an expanded focus on attracting runners locally and internationally, showcasing the capital’s cultural identity and creating an experience that blends running, wellness, music and Jamaican hospitality. The 2025 Kingston staging welcomed more than 1,700 registered runners, with participants travelling from the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Russia, Estonia and Uzbekistan, among other destinations.

Over its history, the Reggae Marathon has attracted runners from more than 25 countries, reinforcing its position as a significant fixture on Jamaica’s sports tourism calendar. With the race now firmly established in Kingston, organisers are looking to grow that international community while making it even easier for Jamaicans to experience the event. “The move to Kingston opened a new chapter for Reggae Marathon, but we are not simply repeating what we did last year,” said Aileen Corrigan, who was appointed Reggae Marathon chairperson earlier this year, succeeding Ian Kelly.

“We are looking at how we can continue to grow the event, attract more runners from Jamaica and overseas, and create an experience that gives people even more reasons to come to Kingston, run Kingston and discover Kingston. The response to our first year in the capital showed us what is possible, and we are excited about where we can take it from here,” Corrigan added. For 2026, Reggae Marathon is leaning further into the character of the capital, with the race route continuing to take participants through some of Kingston’s most recognisable landmarks and spaces, including the National Gallery, Supreme Court, Water Lane Artwalk and the Kingston Waterfront.

Organisers are also partnering with the Kingston International Festival, with Reggae Marathon serving as the kick-off to the eight-day celebration of Jamaican creativity and culture, which runs December 6-13. The partnership provides an opportunity to connect …