Professional and amateur runners from across the Caribbean will converge on Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Saturday, July 5, for the eagerly anticipated Eighteenth CARICOM Road Races, a marquee sporting event held in conjunction with the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Rose Hall coastline, this year’s event will feature three race categories: a 10-kilometre (10K) open run, a 5K run, and a 5K walk, all kicking off at 6:30 a.m. EST from the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.
The CARICOM Road Races form part of the regional bloc’s ongoing push to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Speaking ahead of the event, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett stressed the value of physical activity as a tool for regional health promotion.
“On Saturday, 5 July, the Region’s well-known athletic prowess will be on display…this annual event is part of regional efforts to highlight the importance of physical exercise to good health and quality of life,” Dr Barnett said.
Davion Leslie, Programme Manager for Human Resource Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, echoed those sentiments, adding, “The CARICOM Races reflect Member States’ commitment to leverage the integration movement to foster a culture of health and wellness across the Region.”
Top finishers in the 10K event will walk away with cash prizes of USD 1,000 for first place, USD 500 for second, and USD 250 for third. The CARICOM Chairman’s Trophy (Male) and the CARICOM Secretary-General’s Trophy (Female) will also be up for grabs in the 10K category.
Last year’s race was cancelled due to Hurricane Beryl’s impact on Grenada. However, the 2023 edition, held in Guyana, saw Attoya Harvey of Guyana claim top female honours, while Nicholas Romany of Trinidad and Tobago led the men’s field. Trinidad and Tobago also dominated the male podium, with Donnel Francis and Tafari Waldron securing second and third places.
The CARICOM Road Races are open to all male and female athletes—professional or amateur—who are nationals of CARICOM Member States and Associate Members. Beyond medals and trophies, the event is seen as a celebration of Caribbean unity and a platform to promote healthy living across the region.
