24 Oct 2014
24 October 2014 – Marathon runners from across the world are set to descend on Negril for 26.2 miles of fun as they participate in the Reggae Marathon, one of the world's most-celebrated running events.
Taking place on Saturday 6 December 2014, this will be the 14thstaging of Reggae Marathon and up to 3,000 runners are expected in Negril, Jamaica's party capital. Competitors can take on the ultimate 26.2 mile challenge, a Half Marathon or a 10km race and compete for US $10,000 in prize money. Reggae music and 'irie' vibes will be the order of the day and runners will be welcomed at each mile marker in true Jamaican style as supporters line the streets.
To kick off the marathon preparations, a gourmet Pasta Party will be hosted on 5th December at the nearby Couples Swept Away Sports Complex. Then at 5.15 a.m on Saturday, the air horn will signal the start of the race in the cool of the December morning. The party celebrations really commence when the runners cross the finish line and join The Finish Line Beach Bash Party and awards ceremony.
All of the races start and finish at Long Bay Beach Park situated along Negril's famed Seven Mile Beach. The IAAF certified marathon and half marathon course is mainly flat, looping into the town of Negril then heading north towards the town of Green Island, before looping back to the start point for runners to cross the finish line.
Those keen to embrace this iconic Jamaican marathon, will get their own piece of Negril's laid back vibe. They too will discover the many reasons Jamaica became a favourite destination with stars such Bob Dylan, Amy Winehouse and The Rolling Stones. UK tour operators such as Thomson, First Choice and Virgin Holidays offer a range of accommodation and holiday options that will appeal to runners and those that like their holidays a little more laid-back too.
Packages for travel to Negril in December include:
Seven Nights Bed and Breakfast at Rooms on the Beach Negril, from £199 per person
Sackville Travel is offering a seven night stay at the 3 Star Rooms on the Beach, Negril from £199 per person starting on 03 December. Price is based on two adults sharing a Garden View King Room. To book, visit Sackville Travel, www.sackvilletravel.com or call 020 7326 7676.
Seven Night All-Inclusive Package at ClubHotel Riu Negril from £828 per person
Thomson is offering a seven-night, all-inclusive package at the 4 Star Plus ClubHotel Riu Negril from £828 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing and includes return flights departing from Manchester on 03 December 2014. To find out more about this holiday or to book, visit your local Thomson travel shop, www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.
Seven Night All-Inclusive Package at Couples Negril, from £1,639 per person
Virgin Holidays is offering a seven-night, all-inclusive package at the 4 Star Couples Negril, from £1,639 per person. Price is based on two adults travelling, sharing a deluxe garden view room, and includes return flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick departing on 03 December 2014. Price includes airport transfers and all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. To book visit www.virginholidays.co.uk, 0844 557 3859 or visit one of 110 stores located in Debenhams and House of Fraser stores nationwide.
To get involved or to find out more, visit www.reggaemarathon.com.
For more information on Jamaica, visit www.VisitJamaica.com.
-ENDS-
For more information or images please contact:
McCluskey International
Fiona Anderson / Lauren Hill
T: 020 8747 2170
CAPTION 1: Hundreds of runners cross the start line of the 13th annual Reggae Marathon in Negril in December 2013. Credit: Andrew Bellamy / SLEEKjamaica
CAPTION 2: Marathon runners gather at Long Bay Beach Park after completing the 2013 Reggae Marathon. Credit: Karen Fuchs
CAPTION 3: Two marathon runners pull the iconic 'Bolt pose' after completing the 2013 Reggae Marathon in Negril. Credit: Andrew Bellamy / SLEEKjamaica
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2013. Also in 2013, Jamaica earned the WTA's vote for the World's Leading Cruise Destination, Caribbean's Leading Destination and Caribbean's Leading Cruise Destination for the seventh consecutive year. Additionally, the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port was recognised as the World's Leading Tourism Development Project while Ocho Rios was named the Caribbean's Leading Cruise Port and Sangster International Airport was voted the Caribbean's Leading Airport. In Canada, Jamaica was voted the Favourite Honeymoon Destination by Travel Agents.
JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo. For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB's website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board 020 7225 9090. Follow the JTB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitjamaicauk, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jtbuk, on Instagram at http://instagram.com/visitjamaica on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/myjamaica/or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/myjamaicajtb. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
