Who we are
The Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon is Jamaica’s premier international long-distance race event. Long distance race enthusiasts as well as beginners, have converged in Negril, Jamaica’s capital of casual, for a fun event characterized by good vibes and lots of Reggae music for the past 24 years !
In 2025, the event celebrates its 25th anniversary and moves to Jamaica’s capital, Kingston where enthusiastic supporters come out along the looped, internationally certified course to support participants. Meanwhile, hard working volunteers offer uniquely packaged water and re-hydration fluids at every mile. The pulsating Reggae music on the course also keeps participants in an “irie” spirit, as they burn the mileage.
Other related Reggae Marathon events, like the internationally rated gourmet Pasta Party and Registration & Expo, have participants and supporters alike, humming with activity. The Finish Line Beach Bash affords everyone to relax with special offerings and entertainment geared towards having the best time.
All in all, the Reggae Marathon Event is uniquely Jamaican with an international appeal.
mission
race background
What started as a loose collection of runners at Kingston’s local reservoir, Mona Dam, affectionately called “The Dam”, became a club – the Jamdammers – in June 1995.
Over the past years, the Club has grown both in size ( to over 100 members) and stature by re-writing the book on road racing in Jamaica.The annual premier event, the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K presented by the Jamdammers has become a staple of local and international road race calendars since 2001.
Despite these lofty achievements, however, one thing remains constant – the Club’s mandate and mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through distance running and to put Negril and now Kingston, Jamaica on the map as a world-class long-distance race destination.
In keeping with the Jamdammers’ overall mandate, the presentation of the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K has blossomed into an international event, included in the world’s ten best marathon events. The Club is now happy to bring more runners in the fold by the introduction of a 5K race.
aims membership
Reggae Marathon is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) since 2001. Click here to view our Certificate of Membership.
AIMS is a member based organization of more than 350 of the world’s leading distance races, from over 100 countries & territories.
board of directors
Ian Kelly
sponsors
