During the first 12 years of Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K, it has
contributed more than US$11 million to the Negril community and the Jamaican
economy, according to data collected by Jamaica Tourist Board and Reggae
Marathon between 2001 and 2012.

 

Overall, the sports tourism industry in the United States generates US$6
billion each year.

 

A JTB survey of 2012 also noted that stopover arrivals for Reggae Marathon,
Half Marathon & 10K stood at 7 per cent for the month of November.  The
race, which is held during the first week of December, attracts visitors
from over 34 different countries across the world each year.

 

At a recent seminar hosted by Jamaica Sports, in collaboration with the
Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA), it was announced that a new Sports
Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM) had been developed to enable the
tracking of the economic impact of sporting and other events on the Jamaican
economy.  

 

At the Jamaica Sports seminar, Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K was
lauded as one of the 'star events' on the island's sporting calendar. A
UWI-commissioned study in 2014 reported that there is a high demand for road
races in Jamaica, which is indicative of a growing global trend towards
maintaining a healthy lifestyle of fitness and wellness.

 

Richard Lake, Chairman of not-for-profit Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon &
10K praised the group of volunteers who have made the annual event a unique
experience for local runners and those who visit the island to participate.

 

"We are so proud to be celebrating our 15th Anniversary this year and to
know that this event has impacted the world in such a manner that people
plan for it each year after year.  What started as a hobby for race director
'Frano' and the Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston is now a major
contributor to the Jamaican economy.  Congratulations to all who made this
possible."