Thousands of eager participants flooded the streets of Montego Bay, Jamaica on Sunday, May 5th, to show their support for the eighth edition of the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run.
As dawn broke, people began congregating along the Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, now known as the Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, eager to secure their starting positions at the Old Hospital Park.
The event, which kicked off at 5:00 a.m., boasted a diverse array of attendees, including local celebrities, government officials, and enthusiastic community members.
A tribute to Jill Stewart
The run, rebranded in honor of the late Jill Stewart, wife of Sandals Resorts International and Appliance Traders Group Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, garnered significant attention.
Speaking with JIS News, Stewart expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming turnout, emphasizing his wife’s passion for racing and the event’s meaningful impact on the community.
The event transcended geographical boundaries, attracting both local and international participants.
Stewart highlighted the event’s potential to bolster health tourism, noting the palpable sense of camaraderie among attendees from various backgrounds.
Commendation and collaboration
Moreover, Montego Bay Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, lauded the event organizers for their meticulous planning, which ensured the smooth execution of the run.
Acting Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Eron Samuels echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the positive implications of the event for Montego Bay’s tourism sector.
Exceeding expectations
Race Director Janet Silvera expressed astonishment at the unprecedented turnout, with participation numbers surpassing initial projections by a staggering margin.
She attributed this success to the event’s namesake, Jill Stewart, describing her as a revered figure within the community.
A legacy of giving back
The MoBay City Run, conceived by Silvera, has become synonymous with philanthropy, having raised nearly $30 million to support underprivileged students in western Jamaica through scholarships.
Silvera remains optimistic about achieving this year’s fundraising target, underscoring the event’s enduring legacy of altruism.
