testimonials - thanks
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. As I come in right at the back of the runners, my only problem was the heat---we don't get a lot of that in England. With your many watering stations, I was able to get to the finish line in one piece. As soon as my head gets back to U. K. time, I will be booking for next year. Thank you again for a great race.
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. In short we had a brilliant time. Please pass on our thanks to all who were concerned. I hope to be back in 2006 running in paradise again. Can we help? We heard you say at the awards party that your sponsors PUMA were going to be at some of the Expo's to promote your event. If they are going to be at the London one we would be delighted to appear on the stand and tell everyone, "Go to Jamaica and do the Reggae Marathon you won't have a better time anywhere else". Good luck for your 2006 event.
Cliff Smith & Andrea Ranson, England
I had such a great time and my two girlfriends did also. Yes, we'll be there next year if life spares us, with some more friends, ok. This year was one of my best years since I improved on my time from 2002, it feels good. Thanks for making reggae marathon 2005 fantastic. The goodies in our bag was awesome. Have a great holiday and to your family.
Ingrid, USA
Thank you for organising a wonderful marathon. It was perfect in every every way. The 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. Merry Christmas and have a great year.
Vinod, USA
I just wanted to let you know that I think the marathon was very well run. Everybody did a great job and I was very impressed with the entire set up. Excellent job, I hope to be a part of it next year.
Marian R. Burton
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)! While our schedules may not permit us to be back for next year, we will try to run in future races. Unfortunately (for us), we had to go home on Saturday - we left around 11AM on race day - back to the cold and snow of Canada but we had a marvelous 10 day trip at Swept Away capped off by the run on Saturday. Thanks again.
Steve Ingle and Darci Jansen, Canada
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 torch lit 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.
There were two things that are imprinted on my mind most. The first happened at mile seventeen. Unfortunately, because of tendonitis in my foot, I had to stop training six weeks before the marathon. It was touch and go whether I would be able to do the full event, but when I got to the start line, I knew I wasn't going to stop until I'd done 26.2. After seventeen miles I was hitting that wall. Then along came two young volunteers from Kingston, Philip and Sasha, and, after handing me Gu, Gatorade and water, they decided to help me along and ran a mile alongside me. I cannot thank them enough for their help and encouragement. If you can, please pass on my sincerest thanks to them and tell them I will see them again next year!
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!!!
During the final four miles my friend and greatest supporter, Rebecca Wiersma, joined me and marched alongside me. I felt like the Queen of England covering the final Glory Mile with Rebecca, my mobile sound system, an ambulance, a volunteer on a bike and a policeman!! After six hours and fifty two minutes, my marathon was over. But the memories will never be gone. Thank you so, so much. I will most definitely be back again next year. Very, very well done, Jamdammers!!!!!
Judy Hanley
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.
Jefferine Stubbs-Ruddock, Jamaica
