"I run to eat". Where have I heard that before? From just about every runner I know. A variation: "I run to drink". Combine the two and ... Food, glorious food! And beer of course. Running is the only thing that keeps this runner from expanding up to size 42 pants with an elastic waist and a drawstring. I do love to eat and drink! In my head I eat well; some of my non-running friends think I live on gels and energy bars; what I really eat is too much and too salty! Just like in this chart below:
16 years in the making; 35 countries and counting. Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica. What began as a dream hatched by the Jamdammers Running Club in Kingston, Jamaica has now grown into an annual event that draws runners from all over the world to enjoy a running vacation in the beach resort area of Western Jamaica, Negril. 'What is the Reggae Marathon Experience?" was the question asked over cold Red Stripes by a non-runner who was experiencing Reggae Marathon for the first time. A simple question loaded with nuance and depth probing to the heart of business and branding. As a lifetime runner working in the marketing business, I was hooked. First of all, Reggae Marathon is a running event. Three running events are included: Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K. That by itself is not absolutely unique...many races include multiple distance events to appeal to a broader group of runners. It's extremely well organized. Runner care is top notch from start to finish. This is a big deal! Reggae Marathon is a 'Destination Running Event'. There is a large and growing group of runners who choose and plan for races in 'Exotic Destinations'. The Mauritus Marathon is probably one of the most remote and exotic destination running events on the planet! Jamaica with it's oversized ego and national braggadocio around running is exotic...and a relatively short plane trip to get to for Europeans and Americans from North and South. The miles long beach of white sand and warm sea water is well known as a fun and relaxing destination for beach loving vacationers. Mashing up running and vacation is at the heart of the Reggae Marathon Experience and the key to the success of the Brand. The last few years has seen an explosion of groups of runners self-organizing around the trip to Reggae Marathon to connect and re-connect with their running friends. Social Media has helped: Runners connect online all year anticipating meeting up 'for reals' on the road and on the beach in Negril.
The Reggae Marathon Experienced!
Chris M Morales
chris.morales@bell.net @ChrisMoralesTO
647 393 3855
The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not associated with any other group or organization
I got hooked on Reggae Marathon when Bob Moore and his wife Debbie took Sally and I under their wings at my first Reggae Marathon 8 years ago. I finished well after the crowds and musicians had left for the morning. But there they were in the blazing mid-morning sun waiting for my finish! As the photo here shows, I was spent! I even forgot to get my finisher medal! Sally grabbed it for me. I ran the race but she earned that Finisher Medal! That was my first Reggae Marathon Experience...the start of an 8 year run.
The Regae Marathon Experience is highly personal. Each Reggae Marahoner enjoys their own personal experience but there are three main ingredients: People, Music, Negril. Combine with your own special 'spices' to create your own Reggae Marathon Experience. But be warned... Once experienced it becomes an obsession!
We're obsessed with our mobile devices: 1.8 hours per day spent on our mobile devices connected to the Internet. Combine that with the statistic that 78% of Facebook users are mobile only and the opportunity for business owners is clear: Think Facebook Mobile First!
Chris M Morales
chris.morales@bell.net @ChrisMoralesTO
647 393 3855
The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not associated with any other group or organization
