Bart Yasso of Rodale's Running World is here to participate in the inaugural Kingston City Run. The Kingston City Run will embrace a weekend of pure adrenalin and fun incorporating two race events: A half-marathon and 5K race/walk.

Yasso has coached thousands of marathon runners enrolled in the Runner's World Challenge since 1987 and is an inductee in the Running USA Hall of Champions. Not only will he participate in the race itself, but will be giving a talk at the Health & Fitness Expo tomorrow at the Wyndham Kingston.

The American's credentials are expansive and he is the creator of the 'Yasso 800s', a workout that predicts marathon race pace by running 800 metres 10 times. This technique is extremely popular in Europe and in Italy. He is also the author of My Life on the Run, having run marathons worldwide - from Boston and New York to Antarctica and Mount Kilimanjaro, and at least one on all seven continents.

Warm-up session

The weekend will kick off today with a welcome carnival party hosted by Bacchanal Jamaica at Mas Camp. Tomorrow will feature a Health Fair and Expo, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a pre-race warm-up session poolside at the Wyndham Kingston hosted by JamFit.

Sunday is raceday with both races starting at Emancipation Park on Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston. The half-marathon will begin at 6:15 a.m. and the 5K at 6:45 a.m. Chip Timing for the race is provided by Odessey Timing

The route for both races has been crafted to highlight some of Kingston's most iconic attractions, including Emancipation Park, Devon House, Hope Botanical Gardens, Bob Marley Museum, Vale Royal, Jamaica House and King's House, to name a few. The route will start at picturesque Emancipation Park.

The event also has a charitable purpose, with funds being raised to provide sustainable support to the homeless population. Four main charities have been selected to benefit: The Marie Atkins Night Shelter, The Open Arms Drop-in Centre, Missionaries of the Poor and Food For The Poor.