Organisers pleased with ‘race execution’ of Sigma Run 2026

Organisers of the Sagicor Sigma Walk/Run 2026 said they are pleased with the execution of the 28th staging of the event, but there is still room for improvement.

Almost 15,000 participants lined up for the annual event in New Kingston last Sunday and race director Alfred Francis of Running Events Jamaica said many strategies had to be implemented to exercise good crowd control and race execution.

“The race execution was much better (than previous years). As we learn, each year we try to improve on what we do. We had a wider finish and a sterile finish. The hydration stations were well organised, there was increased medical presence on the road, everything was good,” he said.

Francis said he was happy the event received such a large support.

“It was a fantastic event. We were very concerned and nervous that we wouldn’t get the numbers based on the participation we usually get from the west, but I must say we surpassed last year’s figures in participation and also in the funding,” he said. “We had set a target of $150-million and we made $152m.”

Five schools from the west, which were damaged by Hurricane Melissa are to be the beneficiaries of this staging.

“This year we had live tracking so you could follow your loved ones. We are always seeking innovative ways and we stay tuned to what’s new technology-wise and we send our team members to get acquainted with whatever is new and we also purchase new equipment. We are evolving,” he said.

Francis said though he had organised hundreds of races, he is still learning and there is still room for improvement.

“I see ways were we can still improve on this one and make it better. I am looking forward to Sigma number 29 and it is going to be even more special because I hope by that time we would have made a significant repair impact on the west and the kids from the west we would love them all to come out and be in Sigma 29,” he said.

Garfield Gordon, who won his fourth Sagicor Sigma Run title, said he was happy to run for the west.

“I am always happy to come out and support a good cause and this is going towards education and head,” Gordon, who is the middle-distance coach at St. George’s College, said.

He completed the race in 16 minutes and 45 seconds, but it took many participants over an hour.

Though this is a charity run and a not competitive race, he encouraged Jamaicans to stay fit and compete in more events like Sigma.

“I think it is good for people to exercise at least three times a week because it is good for our health,” he said. Dandie Williams crossed the finish line in 22 minutes 35 seconds to capture the women’s category.