The European Union (EU) Delegation in Jamaica is set to host the second edition of the European Union-Jamaica 5K & 10K road race on Sunday, March 10, in downtown Kingston.
The event is aimed at uniting approximately 3,000 participants to demonstrate their support and solidarity with the government and citizens of Jamaica in their efforts to stand against crime and violence.
The event, which is being held under the theme “All Together, Against Crime and Violence”, was recently (January 31) launched at the EU Delegation office in Kingston.
Currently, the EU provides funding support to the All-of-Government’s Citizen Security Plan, which is an initiative that seeks to contribute to more coordinated and effective interventions for the improvement of the security environment for citizens, as well as to address some of the root causes that contribute to crime and violence.
With research indicating a correlation between low literacy levels and increased rates of crime and violence, the EU will be using the proceeds from this year’s 5K and 10K run to fund a literacy summer camp for two primary schools. Last year’s proceeds were used to fund a literacy summer camp at Kingston High School.
“The EU is keen on supporting Jamaica’s sustainable development agenda, which directly impacts the quality of life for all Jamaicans. At the forefront of that agenda is citizen security. Together, in partnership with the Government of Jamaica and other key stakeholders, the 5K and 10K events are part of our collective effort to raise social consciousness and awareness of the importance of having an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to tackling the social vulnerabilities that are triggers for crime and violence”, said Marianne Van Steen, EU Ambassador to Jamaica.
Ambassador Van Steen said that the EU views education as a crucial component in tackling crime and violence. She encouraged Jamaicans to come out to support the run as a demonstration of their understanding that all the society needs to work together to improve the security environment while supporting education and literacy.
“Collaboration and partnership underpin this event; it is about showing how uniting around a common cause can bring about change within society in a meaningful way and how much can be achieved when stakeholders and citizens come together”, she said.
Alfred “Frano” Francis, race director of Running Events Jamaica, said that the 2024 staging promises to be even more exciting, especially for long-distance race enthusiasts, with the 10K run as an added boost.
He shared that the first 3,000 finishers in the run will each receive a medal.
“Downtown Kingston is a cultural mecca, and the racecourse is a beautiful and scenic route that family and friends can come out and enjoy as they take in Kingston’s rich cultural heritage, the beautiful Artwalk and coastal boardwalk, all while supporting a great cause”, Francis said.
