Press Release - REGGAE MARATHON - 7/22/15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

             REGGAE MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 10K CONTRIBUTES 
             MORE THAN US$11 MILLION TO THE JAMAICAN ECONOMY

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." 

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