With plans well underway for the 2011 road racing season, the Jamdammers Running Club, organizers of the annual Burger King / Reggae Marathon Grand Prix Road Race Series which leads to the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K event in December, has announced the line-up for the three-race Series which kicks off in Montego Bay on October 9.

Registration is now open and runners and walkers who wish to participate should visit:www.runningeventsja.com for information and the relevant forms.

In outlining the details, race director Alfred “Frano” Francis said, the first race, scheduled for October 9 will be the Burger King Montego Bay 7K “in which we hope more persons will be encouraged to participate.” Starters will line-up at the second city’s Burger King, Gloucester Avenue location at 3:00 p.m. Other events include the National Health Fund Holland Bamboo 6K Run/Walk in St. Elizabeth on Sunday, October 23 also at 3:00 p.m.; and finally, the Burger King 10K in Portmore, St. Catherine on November 13 which will begin at 7:00 a.m.

Francis said those who enter will be competing for a share in the total prize purse of $400,000 with $40,000 each going to the overall male and female winners. The first to third place winners in the master’s category (over 35 age group) as well as the top three champion schools will also receive cash awards.

He explained that as in previous years, “Points will be tallied at the end of the series to determine prize winners in the various categories.” Francis noted, however, that this year “runners will have to take part in all the races in order to qualify for a share in the prize purse.”

The race director said that while the event was conceptualized to help runners and walkers prepare for Reggae Marathon, the series which was rebranded last year to reflect the involvement of the title sponsor, is proving to be even more important as Jamaica’s athletics gains increasing international prominence and the country continues its quest to unearth long distance running talent. “We believe that with the right type of support and increased participation, the Grand Prix can play a part in nurturing those who may have the ability but lack opportunity.” Francis said.

For more information: Jamdammers Running Club, Restaurant Associates Limited, and Running Events Jamaica.