testimonials
Comments on 2006 Reggae Marathon
2006 Reggae Runners Speak For Themselves
Well, yet another superb event from the Jamdammers - I thoroughly enjoyed myself again this year. I actually felt really sad that I was only doing the half marathon this time!
As usual, there was great, and unique, support from all of the organisers, which makes this such a fantastic destination race.
Fab, fab, fab!
Judy Hanley
I can’t tell you the amount of positive feedback I have personally received regarding this trip, from my coaches, my coordinators, and most importantly, all of our Strides for Hope participants! It was truly a wonderful experience for EVERYONE and I would like to express my deepest thanks to you and everyone at Reggae Marathon for all of your hard work. You all pulled together a fantastic event and we’re so glad to have been a part of it.
Shannon
The 6th Annual Reggae Marathon was of an international standard and far
superior to Barbados and Trinidad.
As they say in Jamaica: We likkle but we tallewah! Translation - We small but We BIG!
Yeah mon!
JLY
By the way, your race is the best organized of all the marathons I have run, so far, including New York and Chicago.
Keep it up “Mon.”
Emmanuel A. Enujioke, Ph.D.
Comments on 2005 Reggae Marathon
2005 Reggae Marathon Runners Speak for themselvesThank YOU, your staff and all the volunteers who made our first Reggae Marathon so much fun! The music on the course was a real treat and was sorely missed when it couldn't be heard. Speaking of the volunteers. I was particularly impressed by how polite the younger volunteers were through all the long hours at the aid stations. Having done many long distance events, I try to make sure I thank every volunteer. On Saturday I was struck by how many times I was answered with, "You're welcome, ma'am!"
Georganna Quarles
It is with heartfelt gratitude that i take this opportunity to thank you all for organising such a terrific event.It was totally wonderful and exciting and already i have a team to go with me next year. I was surprised but thrilled at how well organized the meet was and i felt proud to be a Jamaican. Keep up the fantastic work.. I am shivering with excitement at the thought of next years meet.
Jefferine Stubbs-Ruddock
Thanks again and congratulations to the organisers, Jam-dammers and all the bands and volunteers
Rory Steyn
To everyone that contributed to the organisation of Reggae Marathon 2005, I salute you!! This was my first ever marathon and it was something I will never, ever forget. It was so, so well organised and it was well worth making the effort to get to Negril to do it. Things that stand out for me particularly are the pasta party (what a feast!), the torchlit start, the reggae bands and sound systems en-route and the helpfulness and cheeriness of all the organisers and volunteers right from the start to the finish line. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry my way round, it was such a wonderful experience. The other major memory was at mile nineteen when my body started flagging again. I was then joined by a volunteer in a white car with a mobile sound system who followed me all the way to the finish line. That man will never know how much he helped me through the last few miles as, when I turned round to thank him after I'd crossed the line, he had driven off. Again, if you know him, please convey my absolute gratitude to him. He was amazingly patient and sorely needed!!! Very, very well done, Jamdammers!!!!!
Judy Hanley
Just a quick note that my wife and I had a wonderful time racing on Saturday. I think of the races we have done, this was the best. Beautiful weather, great people, lots of gatorade/water and the start was amazing. Well done (please pass on our compliments to the race director as well)!
Steve Ingle and Darci Jansen
Thank you for organising a wonderful marathon. It was perfect in every every way. Tha atmosphere was wonderful, there was no hitch in the transport, the medal looks fantastic, everything was perfect. Above all, the spirit of the jamaicans must be lauded. Thank you for letting us have a great time.
Vinod
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the full marathon. I have done over 60 marathons around the world and I think you got the event just right. Perfect in fact. I would also like to pass on my thanks to the many wonderful helpers, who make the event possible. The smiling faces and kind words en-route make the day even more special
Kenwynne barber (Mrs.)
My friend and I have just returned to England after competing in your fantastic marathon and want to tell you what a great time we had. Thank you. Without doubt yours was the happiest, most fun marathon we have ever competed in. The music was brilliant, the start was ?????? I am left with failed words it was so good. The water, a great idea. Coconuts at the end, excellent. Your people are so kind and their encouragement was superb.
Cliff Smith and Andrea Ranson, England
Just got back to England after your great marathon. Had a fantastic time. Thanks to you all. Fell in love with Jamaica and your people. We will be back.
Cliff Smith
Four runners from Lincoln, Nebraska ran the marathon for the first time. We had a great time. The marathon was well-organized and operated. This was my 26th marathon and the pre-race pasta feed was the best by light years. We liked the marathon bags that were in the packet and used them the rest of the trip.
Jim Haszard
Diane, I received my prize check in the mail on December 24. I apologize for not notifying you sooner. I had a great time at the race and I must complement you on how well organized the race was. I came down to Negril with my friend, Carl Grossman, and we have both been on the support/organization side of races in the states. We can say from first hand experience, it's not as easy as it looks. The bands, the water support, the road closures and the finish line were all well done! Also, the pasta party was the best I've ever attended. No race, including the Boston Marathon, can hold a candle to the Reggae Marathon/Half-Marathon pasta party! I hope our schedules allows us to come back for the 2006 Reggae Half-Marathon!
Best Regards, Siobhan Duffy
(Women's master's division winner of the 2005 Reggae half-marathon)
Hi, I would just like to thank and congratulate you and your team for putting on such a fantastic running event. It was my 5th marathon and Veronicas 1st half marathon, and boy was it my toughest and slowest! The organisation was 2nd to none easily eclipsing some of the "Big" marathons for support and sheer enthusiasm. We left England with a temperature of -3 now here we were running in the 80s and 90s! The cheering and encouragement to the runners was superb and much needed! The drinks stations were "manned" with great skill and boy the water bags, what a revelation! I have no doubt we will be visiting your amazing friendly island in the not to distant future. Thanks again.
Steve Powell and Veronica Roberts.
Chester, England.
Comments on 2004 Reggae Marathon
Thank you so much for such a rewarding experience. This was my 4th marathon and although it was my worst time it was one of the best. The spectators may be scarce compared to those of larger marathons, but they are real. From the excited young boys passing out water to little girls running beside you encouraging you forward. This was my fourth trip to Jamaica, and Negril is definitely a cut above the other places I have visited. Good luck with your fifth anniversary next year. I hope to be there!
Carmen Ross MATERIEL MANAGEMENT USNH Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
The Reggae Marathon boasts its pre-race pasta party as "The World's Best Pasta Party." Believe me, after attending the party I am not sure there is another that would rival it. Award-winning chefs from Negril's finest hotels competed for patron's favor in a carbo-cuisine cookoff. The varied abundance of the delicious foods to choose would fuel a runner well enough to run around the island, I'm sure!
Peter Quilty, January 2004, Florida Running & Triathlon
Comments on 2003 Reggae Marathon
Congratulations, race organizers, for putting together such a great marathon! The pre-race party was amazing with great food and steel band! Out of the 7 marathons I have done, this had the most waterstops, with all the necessary hydration in innovative and handy bags! Along the course the volunteers were eager to support us runners! The reggae music along the course infused us with energy when it was needed! Adequate security, and medical personnel was present. It was nice to have volunteers on bikes checking on runners. We were welcomed at the finish with music, food, fresh coconut milk, and enthusiastic volunteers. They were there until the last runner finished. For the novice runner, beware: it's hot when the sun is out! Also the back half of the course is hilly. You might have to let go of a PR on this marathon and settle for having an excellent time instead! I'd do it again in a minute!
N. G. from Atlanta , GA (12/10/03) www.marathonguide.com
We plan on running it every year as it has a magic, exotic feel to us. It has a New York Marathon feel as many runners are from other countries and do not speak English. The race course is along the beautiful coastline with Reggae music along the way. It also has a small town atmosphere due to the relatively small field of runners. It's extremely easy in every way as our hotel was within walking distance of the staging area and the race is very well organized. If you want a run a fun race with no pressure, and fall in love all over again, then this is your race.
Chuck & Pamela McCann
I really liked the course. A road cut through a jungle with occasional views of the Caribbean. A little rolly between 9 and 22 but nothing you'd call a serious hill. The turnaround in town at mile 3 is the only thing that keeps it from being rated 5 stars - it was still dark here and the road was rough - they should consider some added lighting here. Organization was as good as many bigger marathons I 've run.
B. F. from Seattle(ish) Washington, USA (12/20/03) www.marathonguide.com
Everyone I met involved with the race was really nice. The race was well organized. The course described as 'mostly flat' was slightly hillier than I expected (gently rolling hills). I met several other runners while there and even saw two people I know from home. If I could, I would go back to Jamaica right now. I miss the warm sunny weather.
Denise Knickman (overall female winner)
Comments on Reggae Marathon 2002
In the End . . . a Flawless Event. Jamaica's sunshine and friendly people make it the perfect December destination . . . the event is among the best around and well worth the trip. Despite the heat, race organization was flawless.
Leesa Weichert, Running Network, Chicago
Your Reggae Marathon/Half Marathon was one of the best organized and well supported running events that I have ever run.
Helen Chang, Canadian Gas BU/West Central
I wanted to congratulate you on a wonderful event . . . The volunteers were wonderful, the local residents were wonderful and I had a wonderful time.Thank you for taking such good care of me while in Jamaica. I will be back.
Charlotte L Phillips, Paralegal, New Orleans, Louisiana
Thanks to the Reggae Marathon organizers and volunteers . . . The participants truly enjoyed Negril and its people. As a first time half-marathoner runner the experience was amazing and I will return next year.
Gail Jackson, Negril Tree House, Jamaica
