File
André Gutzmore (left) leads on his way to victory in the Reggae Marathon last year.

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

A strong contingent of local and international athletes are slated to face the starter this morning, when the seventh renewal of the an-nual, Reggae Marathon and Half Marathon unfolds along a scenic course in Negril, starting at 5:00 a.m.

"We have approximately 700 entries to date and entries are not yet closed," said Alfred Francis, the race director. "Everything is now in place and all the indicators are suggesting yet another fantastic event."

The event, which is being staged under the theme 'Come for the run, stay for the fun', will unravel against a backdrop of pulsating reggae music along the entire 26-miles marathon course. In addition, as is now customary, the early morning start will fall under the glare of flaming bamboo torches.

Top-flight competitors from Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Africa and Japan, will be matching strides against Jamaica's best for the coveted Bob Marley and Rita Marley trophies, which will go to the male and female winners, and lucrative cash prizes.

The marathon, which has Jamaica's Andrew Gutzmore and the United States' Euleen Josiah-Tanne as the defending male and female champions respectively, will see the top three male and female finishers pocketing $75,000 (winners), $50,000 (second) and $25,000 (third) respectively.

HALF MARATHON

In the Half Marathon, which has Jamaicans Wainard Talbert and Tamica Thomas as the defending champions, the prize package is as follows: $37,000 (winners), $25,000 (second) and $12,000 (third).

"While I am positive that Gutzmore (Andrew) will be here to defend his title, I am not sure about the other defending champions," said Francis. "If they do not all return, this will indeed be an opportunity for other talents to come to the fore."

In addition to the professional runners, the event is expected to feature several schools and corporate teams, who will be vying for lucrative cash prizes courtesy of sponsors such as the Ministry of Health and The Gleaner Company.

Among the schools, the top five finishers will receive $20,000 through to $4,000; among the Masters, the top competitors will pocket $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000; while among the corporate teams, they will collect $100,000 (first), $75,000 (second) and $50,000 (third).