The Reggae Marathon 2011

Huddled under the stars in Negril, it was easy for me to declare "this is the best race in the universe!” The Reggae Marathon was compiled of three races; a 10K, half and full marathon. To be honest, I didn’t expect it to be. Jamaica more so than any other island in the West Indies is very laid back. I assumed that this horizontal style of living would affect the organisation of the race. I am happy to report that I am wrong. In the lead up to race day, it was a pleasure to watch people get some last minute training in on the beach and say good morning to those with seasoned marathon legs.After meeting a lovely Japanese runner, who was doing this race for the FIFTH time, I walked the mile and a half to the marathon expo to retrieve my bib, timing chip and goody bag. The volunteers and employees of the race were most helpful when my number couldn’t be located. (It was in the media tent) and I happily purchased THE BEST RUNNING LEGGINGS YOU EVER DID SEE before collecting my wristband that would allow me entry into the pasta party that night. As the sun made way for the moon and the sky turned a hot pink, it was time to stuff my face. The road leading up to the expo was jam packed with cars; the atmosphere was friendly and competitive. People spoke of other runners in high regard, while a talented steel pan band gave an awesome rendition of Chris Brown’s Beautiful People.They had every type of pasta going; lasagne, bolognese, mac and cheese. Bread; lots of bread, it was a carb-loading dream. Washed down with Red Stripe it was the perfect way to end the night and prepare for the race. Come 9pm, they started to wind it down due to the fact that we all had an early start.Before I knew it, it was 3:30am and my alarm was letting me know it was time to do the ting! The race kicked off promptly at 5:15am and in the eleven years of its succession it had never began late. I was not about to hold this start up! I knew they wouldn’t wait. It was hot, very hot. The one-mile warm up to the start line, saw me removing my t-shirt, which was now soaked in sweat. It was twenty four degrees and the sun had not yet risen. ,1000 runners took their place at the start line and before I knew it we were off.This was my first race trying two new things; running watch free and running solo dolo. I thought I would be nervous but I WAS IN JAMAICA! How could I be? One thing I noticed is that this race is perfect for people of ALL ages and abilities. The Jamaican police close the road off until 12pm giving people six hours to complete the race of their choice. The start of the race was not waved. Usually this annoys me but the road was so wide it was easy to navigate through walkers and leisurely joggers. Given the fact I decided to do away with any kind of timekeeping gadget, it was easy to know when you had hit each mile, as there were water stops at EVERY MILE! This deserves a write up in itself. Too many times have I had to wait until the 5K mark to quench my thirst. I think all races should take note. Water and Gatorade came in plastic bags, which could be bitten to ensure you could get fluid without getting it all over yourself, and the GU was already opened.Once those that were only doing the 10K turned off to the finish line, the crowds began to thin. I admit seeing the finish line but knowing you were only half way was a little disheartening. The sun was now high and hot but the views of the Negril Bay beach were incredible and so were the crowds. Not a mile passed without someone cheering me on or offering up proposals of marriage!All jokes aside I was starting to wonder why I had not worn a hat. I could actually feel my scalp frying. The sun was getting the better of me. And I still had four miles to go!The steward at mile nine could tell I was struggling and pulled me off the course. I cannot speak highly enough of the first aid staffers. They worked quickly to calm what was clearly heatstroke. Once I made it clear that I would not be pulling out, I was happily back on the road. The stretch from mile 10 to 13 were the calmest of any race, I could take in the smiles, cheers and the plod of those who bravely took on the 26.2.Before I knew it, I was approaching ‘Bob’s mile’ the final furlong before I could grab my medal and a Red Stripe. I had earned both. As I soaked up the sounds of the reggae band, whom had been up before the dawn, I came over the finish line, feeling stronger than I began.“You look, like you’ve only been running 10 minutes!” My friend noted. I laughed. Nothing could have been further from the truth. As I was given an impromptu cold bath, by a very eager male steward, I made the promise to run the full 26.2 in 2012. Because the Reggae Marathon, is every runners paradise.