The annual Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K event will no longer include a marathon segment, according to race director Alfred Francis.

He stated that the decision to restructure the event was made by the Board of Directors after facing constant challenges in providing the same level of runner care to marathoners as to those participating in the Half Marathon and 10K events.

Although disappointed with the decision, Francis said that it had been on the table for some time and was made to provide the best experience for participants in the Half Marathon and 10K events, as well as supporters and partners.

“Of course, we are disappointed that we have had to discontinue the marathon segment of the popular run/walk, but we have come to the realisation that the challenges are greater than our ability to provide the best experience for our marathoners,” said Francis. “With this change, we can now focus comfortably on providing the best experience for the participants in our half marathon & 10k events, as well as to our supporters and partners.”

The Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K event is organized by the Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston and has had runners from over 35 countries participating over the past 23 years, including virtual races during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 23rd staging of the event will take place on Sunday, December 3, 2023, in Negril at the usual 5:15 am start time.