The European Union (EU) Delegation to Jamaica has launched the third staging of its annual EU-JA 5K and 10K race, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security, under the theme ‘All Together Against Violence in Jamaica’.
The race, set for March 9, will be used as the opening event of a collaborative effort by the EU and the Government of Jamaica to raise awareness against violence, particularly gender-based violence.
Her Excellency Dr Erja Askola, the EU ambassador to Jamaica, stated the race is an important event in the calendar year and stands as a continued commitment by the EU to tackle the social challenges present in the country.
“Over the past 50 years, the EU has committed to working alongside the Government of Jamaica and other agencies to address the social challenges that negatively impact Jamaica’s development goals,” she stated.
“We are encouraged by the growth of the race over the years and this year, we aim to make an even bigger impact.”
Jamaican triple jumper Shanieka Ricketts has been selected as the race’s patron as she has affirmed her commitment to standing in support of the event’s cause.
“This race is very important. It is not just a race about fitness, it is about taking a stand against an issue that has been plaguing Jamaica for quite some time,” she told The Gleaner.
“We’re taking a stand against crime and violence in Jamaica. I am encouraging everyone to come out and show their support because it is for a worthy cause.”
Richard Troupe, director of safety and security in the Ministry of Education and Youth, said while the race is important in raising awareness against violence, the fight against social injustice will not end at the finish line.
He said the event’s cause should embolden all who take part to continue to work with the goal of tackling violence in Jamaica.
“Raising public awareness is crucial and this event plays a vital role in that effort. However, awareness must extend beyond the race. After we cross the finish line and return to our daily lives, we must continue advocating against all forms of violence, especially gender-based violence,” Troupe stated at the event’s launch.
The proceeds from the event will be used to support select schools with training to identify and tackle literacy challenges.
This will be done through a partnership with the Creative Language-Based Learning (CLBL) Foundation, a non-profit organisation that trains teachers across Jamaica.
CLBL Foundation Executive Director, Mandy Melville, said the proceeds from the race will help in their summer programmes to train both teachers and students.
“This run will allow us to have a summer programme where we will able to give the teacher intense instructions in the methodology,” she explained. “At the same time, we’re able to give the students intense remediation.”
DOWNTOWN KINGSTON
Race Director Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis said a major draw for the race will be the display of the artworks present in downtown Kingston.
He expects a major turnout as the race has continued to grow in numbers each year of their three-year existence.
“This event will be staged under the beautiful backdrop of downtown Kingston. Since 2023, we have set out to have 2,000 persons and we overshot our estimates. Last year, we had set out for 3,000 and we had overshot our estimates, so this year we’re going for 4,000 persons,” he explained.
Registration for the race will close on March 1 with the cost of registration at $2,500. Each race registration package includes a race day T-shirt and a race day bib with chip.
