Reggae Marathon 2026: Running Kingston on 6 December
The Reggae Marathon returns to downtown Kingston on Sunday, 6 December 2026, for its 26th staging and second year in the capital. Whether you plan to run the Half Marathon, take on a 10K or 5K, or just cheer from the roadside, here is what you need to know before race weekend.
A new home, a long history
For 24 years the race was a fixture in Negril before it moved to Kingston for its 25th anniversary in 2025. According to the Jamaica Observer, last year's Kingston staging welcomed more than 1,700 registered runners, with participants travelling from the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Japan and beyond. Over its history the event has attracted runners from more than 25 countries.
The race is organised by the Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston and sanctioned by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, according to the official 2026 fact sheet.
Negril hasn't been forgotten. After Hurricane Melissa, organisers and runners delivered food, clothing and food vouchers to more than 100 of the race's long-time volunteers and their families in Negril and neighbouring communities, AIMS reported.
The races and start times
All three races start from Nethersole Place on the Kingston Waterfront:
- Half Marathon at 5:45 am
- 10K at 5:55 am
- 5K at 6:00 am
The fact sheet says the course stays open for four hours, with aid stations every mile, cooling stations with misters and iced towels, medical teams along the route, and reggae music at every mile. The minimum age is 14 for the Half Marathon and 10 for the 10K and 5K.
The route takes in some of downtown's best-known sights, including the National Gallery, the Supreme Court, the Water Lane Artwalk and the waterfront itself. Organisers told the Observer they want visiting runners to get a closer look at the city and local communities to join in the atmosphere.
Race weekend at Devon House
Pre-race activities have a new home this year at Devon House. The fact sheet lists:
- Friday, 4 December: registration and packet collection, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Saturday, 5 December: registration 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, packet collection 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and the Pasta Party from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Sunday, 6 December: race day, followed by the Finish Line Bash on the Kingston Waterfront
There is no race-morning registration or packet collection, so make sure you collect your bib on Friday or Saturday.
How to register
Registration is online through the official Reggae Marathon website. The online deadline is midnight on 3 December 2026, with on-site registration at Devon House on 4 and 5 December. The fact sheet notes that entries cannot be refunded or transferred, and name changes aren't allowed, so double-check your details before you submit.
New to running? Organisers have teamed up with Sweat & Salty Run Club on the Road to Reggae Marathon Race Series, a set of community runs across Jamaica for people who want to get active and build up to race day. Check the race's website and social pages for upcoming dates.
More than a race
This year the Reggae Marathon also kicks off the Kingston International Festival, an eight-day celebration of Jamaican creativity and culture running from 6 to 13 December. That makes race weekend a good excuse to stay in town and explore the capital's food, art and music.
Tips for race day
- Plan your journey. Expect road closures downtown early on Sunday morning, and arrive well before your start time.
- Train for the heat. The fact sheet forecasts around 24°C at the start, but it warms up quickly once the sun is up.
- Hydrate the day before, and don't try new shoes or new food on race morning.
- Spectators: bring water, a hat and your loudest voice. Runners say the crowd makes all the difference.
Whether you are chasing a personal best or walking the 5K with friends, the Reggae Marathon is one of the best ways to see Kingston on foot. Lace up and enjoy it.