DURING the first 12 years of Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K, it has contributed more than US$11 million to the Negril community and the Jamaican economy, according to data collected by Jamaica Tourist Board and Reggae Marathon between 2001 and 2012.

The race, which is held during the first week of December, attracts visitors from over 34 different countries across the world each year, according to a recent news release.

At a recent seminar hosted by Jamaica Sports, in collaboration with the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA), it was announced that a new Sports Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM) had been developed to enable the tracking of the economic impact of sporting and other events on the Jamaican economy.

At the Jamaica Sports seminar, Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K was lauded as one of the ‘star events’ on the island’s sporting calendar. A UWI-commissioned study in 2014 reported that there is a high demand for road races in Jamaica, which is indicative of a growing global trend towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle of fitness and wellness.

Richard Lake, Chairman of not-for-profit Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K praised the group of volunteers who have made the annual event a unique experience for local runners and those who visit the island to participate.

“We are so proud to be celebrating our 15th Anniversary this year and to know that this event has impacted the world in such a manner that people plan for it each year after year. What started as a hobby for race director ‘Frano’ and the Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston is now a major contributor to the Jamaican economy. Congratulations to all who made this possible.”

The sports toursim industry is big business in the United States, generating US$6 billion each year, the release said.