Chat-bout.net - Representatives from close to 30 countries for Reggae Marathon

Representatives from close to 30 countries for Reggae Marathon

Representatives from some 30 countries including first time entrants from Poland, Mexico and Argentina have already booked their places to participate in this year's Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K which takes place in Negril on December 1.

The Marathon which is now in its 12th year, will see strong contingents from these countries, including a film crew from Argentina, making it the largest oversees showing in the history of the event, according to race director Alfred Francis.

Francis said the increased numbers "are due in large part to the marketing and promotional thrust on the part of both Reggae Marathon and our partners, especially Puma which has been working hard in Latin America and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) which has stepped up its promotion in that same area as well." He said the JTB in particular has been strengthening its efforts to "open gateways and new markets in Latin America and the increased interest in Reggae Marathon is a reflection of that effort."

According to Francis, this year the interest from Canada "is also strong as the number of participants is already showing signs of improving over previous years. We have always received strong support from Canada but this year increased promotion from the JTB along with our efforts is showing in the amount of queries that have been coming in and those who have already registered."

Francis said one of the aims of staging Reggae Marathon "is not only to create an outstanding event and the largest of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean but also to enhance the sports tourism product and increase the number of visitors to the island annually." In this regard, he said he welcomed the synergy that Reggae Marathon continues to establish with sponsors "and we urge others to come on board."

A recent recipient of the Abe Issa Award for Excellence which is presented to"individuals, groups and entities who have contributed significantly to the tourism industry by promoting the reputation and image of Jamaica as a tourist
destination," Reggae Marathon is also this year focussing on 'excellence', in recognition of Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence.

Since its inception Reggae Marathon has been listed four times among the world's top ten marathon events, been included twice on the Lonely Planet's Top 10 list and generated in excess of US$11 million in foreign exchange earnings for Jamaica.

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