(Photo left: Baltimore's Denise Knickman took the women's title in 2003, after winning the trip to the race at a regional road race in Pennsylvania.

Known as the "capital of casual" the resort town of Negril, located on the western end of the island of Jamaica, is ready for yet another Reggae Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday December 4th, 2004. The race starts at 5:15 am to the "irie" beat of drummers and the cool vibes of Reggae music.

The first Reggae Marathon in 2001 was a huge success with more than 600 runners making their way through the 26.2-mile journey along Negril's scenic coastline. Years later, the event still attracts runners from all over the world with participants from 14 countries in 2003--some as far away as Japan and Italy. In addition, support from the local community continues to increase as spectators come out early on race morning to cheer the participants along.

This year the event will welcome more local and international runners with elite athletes making appearances in both the marathon and half marathon event. It has just been confirmed that Pamenos Ballentyne from St Vincent, winner of the 2001 and 2002 Reggae Marathon and course record holder in 2:21:05, will return with the intention of taking back his crown.

With a prize purse of JAD $1,000,000 (USD $16,000), competition is expected to be keen, especially among local participants and high school teams since prize money for their categories have been doubled for 2004. Chief among the spoils are the Bob Marley and Rita Marley Trophies created by Basil Watson, noted Jamaican sculptor, for the male and female winners of the Reggae Marathon.

The first-time appearance of our Jamaican para-Olympians, who competed in the Para-Olympics in Greece and recently the NYC Marathon, will bring a new dimension to the race and will capture the attention of the spectators expected to line the course in increased numbers.

The Reggae Marathon has introduced an athletic event of international stature to the Negril events calendar. The Marathon weekend is packed with events including the internationally acclaimed, JHTA Pasta Party with live entertainment including a Caribbean steel band; a three-day Marathon Expo at the Swept Away Sports Complex highlighting the best of Jamaica craft and athletic gear; the Village Bash featuring popular DJs, and a post-race Victory & Awards Party with more live entertainment.

Watch this site the week of December 6 for a report on the 2004 race. In the meantime, check out this report of the 2003 Reggae Marathon.