Reggae Marathon: Francis targeting return for 2022 but virtual run will remain
Published:Tuesday | March 15, 2022 | 12:10 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
While targeting a return to the traditional Reggae Marathon for this year, Running Events CEO Alfred Francis says that they will not be abandoning the virtual format which they had to adjust to in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic.
His comments come as the first part of the 2022 Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run was held on Sunday in New Kingston with the Corporate “team bubble” run event attracting 2,500 participants. Since March 2020, road race events have been restricted to virtual runs, although an invitation-only run at the 2021 Sigma Run was held with 100 persons.
However, the return of the traditional form of the Sigma run with fully vaccinated persons has sparked optimism for Francis who is targeting a post-pandemic Reggae Marathon return in December as well as a return for other road racing events.
“In December 2022, we expect that we will have a start like we had on Sunday (at the Sigma Run) and people running off and doing their thing and we stay within the COVID-19 guidelines,” Francis told The Gleaner. “Once we are adhering to the protocols ... I’m very confident that we can continue to have events like these.”
Two hundred persons were sent off every 10 minutes to accommodate the total number of patrons who registered for the team event on Sunday. The second half of the run will take place on March 20, with Francis pleased at how the protocols were followed.
While Francis is targeting the 2022 Reggae Marathon being staged with some level of normality, he says that the virtual component which they have had to adjust to for the past two years will not be retired. Francis says he sees the option as mutually beneficial, especially for events that are to raise money for a specific cause such as the Sigma Run.
“Virtual events are here to stay. Because of what virtual does, persons globally can participate and for the Reggae Marathon, I know we had more than 30 different countries participating virtually. I know virtual meets are here to stay, so is working from home,” Francis said. “Persons from around the globe who believe in your cause can donate and also participate and feel a part of the pride and self-esteem which comes with saving and changing lives.”
The proceeds from this year’s run will go to the Kingston Public Hospital’s surgical and oncology departments. Olympic men’s 110m hurdles champion Hansle Parchment and Olympic 100m hurdles bronze medallist Megan Tapper were this year’s patrons for the run.