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Reggae Runnerz

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A group of people running in the park


A reggae runner logo with two men running on the side.Reggae Runnerzâ„¢ are runners from various running groups across the U.S.
who have come together to
“RUN WHERE THE SUN MEETS THE SEAâ€
at Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica.

 Our Runcation takes place in Negril, Jamaica, in December, offering a break from the cold. It’s a time for Runnerz & Cheerleaderz to reunite with friends worldwide at the Reggae Marathon. This annual event marks the end of the running season and has been going strong for 13 years. What started with 12 participants has now grown to 550 Runnerz and Cheerleaderz, all thanks to word-of-mouth within the running community.

As a collective group, Reggae Runnerz proudly supports the Green Island School in Jamaica with each participant contributing a $20 donation.  Throughout the years, Reggae Runnerz has donated over $128,000 to assist students with their exit exam fees and to fund the school’s Track & Field Team’s participation in the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.  Green Island School Students excel academically, agriculturally, and athletically.  Reggae Runnerz also sponsors athletes from the track and field team to join the Reggae Marathon, allowing them to compete against other high schools in the area.

 

 

Dawn’s Hope

Dawn’s Hope Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded by the family of the late Dawn Davis Calhoun in remembrance of her life and legacy. Dawn was a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend who lived an amazing life. In 2015, after being in remission for 11 years, she was re-diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Instead of letting this devastating news define who she was, Dawn lived “OUT LOUD†and on full display for everyone to see. This was her mission…her calling!!! She would go on to complete multiple marathons, half marathons, and numerous half Ironman competitions.

Donations benefit the Dawn Davis Calhoun Foundation, whose mission is to provide financial support for metastatic breast cancer research and the warriors battling this devastating disease.

A woman holding up her medal in the water.

A seal that says green island high school excellence today, a reader tomorrow, and a leader.

Education is central to the international community service of Reggae Runnerz. To this end, we have adopted Green Island School located in Green Island, right outside of Negril. Green Island School is one of the few schools still remaining on the “shift system†in Jamaica. This means that part of the student body attends school in the morning (first shift), the other half of the student body attends in the afternoon (second shift). Dr. Addie Ellis, Education Advocate for Reggae Runnerz,interviewed several students regarding their view of the shift system as well as their feelings about education, the needs of Green Island School, and their hopes for the future. Scholar athlete Vanesha Pusey, student at Green Island stated, “When I want to finish school I want to continue with my athletics and then become a nurse. The shift system takes away from our education. The thing we need most is to end the shift system because students need more hours in school.â€A group of people holding giant cheques in front of each other.

Green Island School students excel both academically and athletically. As a rural school they have a high quality agricultural program that provides options for students to developtheir skills for post-secondary employment options. The school needs additional classrooms to accommodate its ever-increasing student body. In addition, they require funding to upgrade technology, athletic fields, and for security.

The Reggae Runnerz education leadership team enjoyed their visit to Green Island. Dr. Ellis said, “As a researcher on issues of homelessness and poverty, the challenges that the school face appear overwhelming. The commitment of the teachers to provide a quality education is to be commended. When I met the students at Green Island the word that came to mind was determined. I look forward to continuing to contribute with both time and finances to these phenomenal students!â€

ADVOCATING FOR QUALITY EDUCATION IN NEGRIL, JAMAICA.

WE RUN, WE SUPPORT, WE RELAX, AND WE HAVE FUN!!!!