With warm weather, beautiful coastal scenery, a party atmosphere and upbeat music drifting on the breeze, Jamaica’s Reggae Marathon sounds far more pleasurable than most tests of extreme physical endurance.
International runners looking for a new challenge are invited to join the Reggae Marathon – one of the few full-length marathons in the Caribbean – as it celebrates its tenth year on 4th December 2010.
Definitely one for the early-risers, Reggae Marathon begins at 5.15am to avoid the main heat of the day. The course is situated in Negril and takes runners up and down Jamaica’s scenic coast, beginning and ending at Long Bay Beach Park. Negril is famous for its seven mile beach and is consistently rated among the top beaches in the world, so as the sun rises to reveal white sands and turquoise waters, runners may well be tempted to stray from the course for a cooling dip.
The authentic Jamaican flavour of the Reggae Marathon creates a race atmosphere unlike any other. On Friday 3rd December, the night before the run, a ‘Rasta Pasta Party’ is hosted at the Couples Swept Away Resort in Negril, the marathon’s headquarters, with participants invited along to stock up on carbohydrates and enjoy an exhibition of local arts and crafts. On race day itself, the starter’s horn is accompanied by the raising of flaming bamboo torches in a ritual that has become a signature start to the marathon. Living up to the marathon’s name, live reggae music is played at regular points around the course, spurring on runners, keeping spirits and energy levels high, and keeping them in tune with the fact that they are in the home of Reggae.
Even first-time runners will see the appeal in the Reggae Marathon with the full course of 42 kilometres (km). Those daunted by the full Marathon can enter the Half Marathon (21.5km) or the 10km race which take place alongside the main event.
For more information on Jamaica’s Reggae Marathon, see www.ReggaeMarathon.com.
TRAVEL PACKAGES
- Seven nights in a Deluxe Oceanside Room at Beaches Sandy Bay in Negril cost from £1,251 per adult during December 2010 – a saving of £314pp. Price includes all flights and transfers on a Luxury Included® basis. For more information, contact Beaches on 0800 597 0001 or visit www.BeachesResorts.co.uk
- 11 nights in a standard room at the Luxury Included Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa start from £1,749 for departures on 30th November 2010. Price is based on twin share and includes transfers, return flights with Virgin Atlantic and a 5% online booking discount. To book, see www.virginholidays.co.uk
For more information ontravel to Jamaica, see www.VisitJamaica.com.
