WESTERN SPORT - Flow-sponsored CUMI Come Run targets $3m

Paul Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Western Bureau:The annual Flow/CUMI (Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill) 5K Run/Walk and a 10K returns to the lavishly beautiful Tryall Golf Course in Hanover for its fifth staging on September 21, 2013, with more than 400 people expected to take part.

For the last 22 years, CUMI has been delivering the community service of a rehabilitation programme for the mentally ill and homeless persons, providing a safety net for Montego Bay's vulnerable citizens.

Since 2009, CUMI Come Run has been the major source of fundraising and sustainability for the CUMI trust fund that provides finance for the rehabilitation of the day centre programme.

Maximise delivery

CUMI collaborates with the Cornwall Regional Hospital's psychiatry department, supported by other NGOs, to maximise the delivery of community mental health services.

"We hope it will be a successful staging again this year as we try to raise funds to help support CUMI," said Junior Taylor, the event's organiser.

Last year's run raked in $2.3 million and although pleased with that, organisers have upped the target this year, as they hope to reach the $3 million mark.

The course will have four hydration stops, and it will feature awards for three categories. The first three finishers in the 5K and 10K runs will be rewarded, while there will be an award for the largest corporate team.

For the first time in the event's history, mile markers will be included with the results posted on the professional road race management services, runningeventsja.com.

The level of participation is expected to see an increase from 350 in 2012 upwards to 400.