Vacation and run in Negril, Jamaica at the December 2010 Reggae Marathon

The Best Pasta Party at Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica Friday December 3, 2010 the night before the Reggae Marathon run!

Don't take our word for it, here is what Bob Moore of the Washington Post has to say about the Reggae Marathon:  http://www.runwashington.com/news/2296/314/

You can be in Negril, Jamaica for the Reggae Marathon this December.  The truly 'all inclusive' vacation/run trip departs Toronto for Jamaica on Thursday, December 2.  You rendezvous at Pearson Airport where you get your special Goodie Bag.  The first of two. 

After the plane trip you arrive in Montego Bay late afternoon and are transported by private coach to Negril in time to catch a spectacular sunset from the beachfront of the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort in Negril.  That and cocktails on the beach of course. All included in the vacation trip price.

Day 2, December 3 is a free day.  If you are running, you should plan to go out for a slow 3 miler around 9 am after the sun is up.  You will get a feel for the conditions.  Take the sun, temperature and humidity in Negril seriously.  Plan to drink at every water stop (every mile).  The Reggae Marathon has the best hydration system:  bagged Gatorade and water.  There is really no need to bring your own along.  You may want to bring your own gels however.  Check Running Room for the special 'hot weather' gels.

And then you hit the Negril beach. 

Around 5 pm or so Friday evening head toward the Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex for the Pasta Party.  You can pick up your race kit at that time along with your second Goodie Bag.  The Reggae Marathon registration is included in our 'all inclusive' vacation price. The hotels and resorts along the beach in Negril compete to see who can offer the most and best pasta.  All-you-can eat.  Hot, cold...too much to list.  You will leave fully carbo loaded.  And this is included in the price of the trip if you are a registered runner.

The Reggae Marathon Pasta Party also has live music which really gets you into the Jamaican groove. 

But don't dawdle, Day 3 dawns dark and early with the 5:15 am start.  Plan to be at the start/finish area by 4:30 am latest.  The atmosphere is electric with loud reggae and energetic announcers.

You start on time.  The race organizers are serious about this.  Blazing torches illuminate the start then its off into the dark for the first 5 miles as you loop into the town of Negril before heading back to the start/finish line.

Drink at every stop!  This cannot be stressed enough.  The temperature is into the 20's even at this early hour.

Then enjoy the run.  Music at every stop.  You will actually hear the music from about 1/2 mile away from each stop.  Cool experience to run toward the music...you will appreciate this later in the morning...especially if you are running the full marathon.

If you are running the 10 K or 1/2 Marathon, you will be done as the sun breaks the horizon.  And since this is Jamaica after all, Red Stripe and coconut water shortly after you cross the finish line.  Full marathoners will have to wait a little longer.

Then after a quick post race dip in the Caribbean its back to the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort for more sun and fun before heading out the the post-race awards party Saturday evening (transportation to this event along with admission is included...did we not say 'all inclusive'). 

Sunday and Monday, Day 4 and 5 again at leisure.  Breakfast, beach, lunch, drinks, beach, drinks, beach, supper, party! Repeat.  All food and beverage at the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort is included in your vacation price.  Whew!

Tuesday Day 6 is departure day from Negril back to Montego Bay for your flight back to Toronto.  You get breakfast on the beach and a final swim before heading via private coach back to the airport.

The price for this running vacation is less than than $1,500!  Less if you are not running.  All inclusive:  airfair to/from Toronto to Montego Bay, Jamaica; transfers to/from Montego Bay to Negril; Reggae Marathon race registration and Pasta Party at Couples Swept Away; all food and beverage at the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort; Goodie Bags; all taxes.  The final trip price will be firmed-up once air fares are confirmed.

10 rooms are on hold. That's 20 people.  Act now to reserve your exclusive run vacation this December Please email us directly at chris.morales@bell.net by March 31 to get details on how to confirm your place.

And remember, this is a fund raiser for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario.  To make a donation, just click on this link, 'moralesBcause' to make a secure donation via credit card on our donation site.

Will you be joining us in Negril, Jamaica this December for the Reggae Marathon run vacation?