MARATHON season will signal its official start with the running of the first of the two-race Burger King Reggae Marathon Grand Prix Series in Mandeville, Manchester.

The Burger King 7K Run/Walk, which was traditionally held in Montego Bay, will take place in Mandeville on Sunday, October 26, beginning at 3:00 pm at the Burger King, Caledonia Avenue in Mandeville.

According to race director, Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, the move “is a deliberate attempt by the organisers to involve a broader cross section” of the “population in road racing and the fitness revolution that is now taking root across the island”.

He added: “We believe that Mandeville is ready for this event at this time and we welcome the continued partnership of Burger King, our title sponsor, who has been supporting our efforts over the years and working with us to make this happen.”

On October 26, participants will begin the race at Burger King, Caledonia Avenue after which the route continues on to Brumalia Road then to Ward Avenue and back to Caledonia Avenue.

Francis said following the Mandeville event, the next and final race in the series will be the Burger King Portmore 10K Run/Walk and School Relays.

As is customary, this will begin at the Burger King, Portmore Mall in St Catherine at 7:00 am. The route will then take participants left on to Portmore Parkway, right to Naggo Head Drive, right on to Gregory Park Main Road, right to Passage Fort Drive, then right back on to Portmore Parkway, left to Dawkins Drive and then back to Burger King where the race will end.

Contestants in the series will vie for a total prize purse of $1,000,000.

Entrants are reminded that there will be no race day registration. Entry forms are available online from www.runningeventsja.com.