Tru-Juice 5K targets record support to aid Linstead Public Hospital

After raising a record $8.2 million for the Linstead Public Hospital last year, the Tru-Juice 5K Run/Walk is returning on Sunday, June 7, with organisers aiming to surpass last year’s turnout of 4,800 registered participants and deepen the event’s impact on healthcare in St Catherine, with Linstead Public Hospital being the beneficiary.

This year’s staging is expected to offer an even more enjoyable race-day experience, with organisers adjusting the main venue to reduce congestion and improve the before-and-after flow for participants. Runners and walkers are also being encouraged to bring a change of clothes and enjoy a refreshing post-race dip in the river that runs through the Tru-Juice property.

Peter McConnell, managing director of Trade Winds Citrus Limited, said the event remains deeply personal to the company because of its connection to the communities surrounding its Bog Walk operations. He noted that while Trade Winds Citrus Limited supports initiatives across Jamaica, Linstead, Bog Walk, and Ewarton remain priority communities for the company.

“This event is very important to us because the benefit comes right back to Linstead Public Hospital and the communities it serves,” McConnell said. “We support initiatives across Jamaica, but Linstead, Bog Walk, and Ewarton remain our priority communities. We want more people from the area to come out, take part, enjoy the route, enjoy the river afterwards, and help us make an even greater impact.”

Now in its 11th staging, the Tru-Juice 5K continues to stand out as Jamaica’s only off-road 5K experience, offering runners and walkers a scenic route through the Tru-Juice orchards in Bog Walk, while raising support for Linstead Public Hospital. Proceeds from this year’s event will again go towards the provision of much-needed medical equipment and other resources to strengthen healthcare delivery at the facility.

The Tru-Juice 5K begins with warm-up activities at 6:30 a.m., followed by the run at 7 a.m. and the walk at 7:10 a.m. The entry fee is $3,000, and the event is open to individuals, families, corporate teams, schools, churches, community groups, and fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Registration is now open, and persons are encouraged to secure their spot early and prepare for a morning of movement and enjoying Jamaica’s only off-road 5K experience at the Tru-Juice orchards.