WITH the fast-approaching Tru-Juice Cross Country 5K Run, slated for Sunday, June 1, the Tru-Juice team last Sunday hosted a dry run and invited some of Jamaica’s hardcore runners, including members of Trueform Fitness; We Got the Runs; and Pacers Running Jamaica.

After digging into the Bog Walk, St Catherine terrain, the route was given a stamp of approval.

“On behalf of Trueform Fitness, We Got the Runs and the Pacers Running Club, I would like to thank Tru-Juice for inviting us out to test the route for their up-and-coming 5K run. “Last year we did the race and were adequately challenged by the route, and this year the same will hold true,” said head of Trueform Fitness Jair Lyons, who spoke on behalf of the other invited teams. “I’m excited and pleased to see the introduction of an off-road, trail run-style 5K into the mix of regular road races.

“This taps into a different level and style of fitness training, moving away from the traditional mode of running,” Lyons continued. “It also offers something new and different for the regular runners to look forward to, and I would like to see more of these events introduced in Jamaica.”

Managing Director of Trade Winds Citrus Ltd Peter McConnell explained the reason behind the upcoming run.

“Tru-Juice is Jamaica’s undisputed premium juice brand, so naturally we appeal to consumers that are interested in a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “Along with consuming healthy products like Tru-Juice, exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, so Tru-Juice is always looking for opportunities to associate our brand with events that appeal to the health conscious consumer.”

WHAT MAKES THE TRU-JUICE CROSS

COUNTRY 5K RUN DIFFERENT?

McConnell said, “Almost every weekend, there is a 5K event somewhere in Jamaica attended by a combination of hardcore athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Many of these events are in Kingston and most are run on asphalted roads. But the Tru-Juice event is one of a kind in that it has a genuine cross-country feel.

“It is run on our farm roads – a combination of dirt, grass, marl, and sand – that meander through Tru-Juice’s citrus orchards. The terrain is riddled with twists and turns and if it rains before the big day, participants will have the opportunity to get muddy – adding to the outdoor experience. There is also a cycling component for both adults and children, which is limited to Mountain Bicycles because of the terrain.”

The 20km cycle race is four laps around the same 5K run/walk course, but in the words of McConnel, it requires a “combination of strength, endurance and, most importantly, riding skill”.

So outside of the amazing scenery as the trail loops through the Trade Wind Citrus’ Bybrook Farm, Bog Walk orange groves, the second staging of the Tru-Juice Cross Country 5K Run is bound to challenge the most hardcore runners and fitness enthusiasts.