Kingston City Run exceed $5M target raising $6M for charities serving the capital’s most vulnerable

Five charities receive $1.2 million each as Kingston City Run strengthens its impact on communities across Jamaica

 The Kingston City Run (KCR) has once again demonstrated the power of community, corporate partnership, and collective action, surpassing its fundraising target and generating more than $6 million to support organisations serving some of Jamaica’s most vulnerable citizens.

At a special handover ceremony, organisers presented cheques of $1.2 million each to five beneficiary organisations: Open Arms Development Centre, Marie Atkins Night Shelter, Missionaries of the Poor, Food For The Poor, and Alpha Institute, reaffirming the event’s commitment to addressing homelessness and improving the lives of individuals and families facing hardship. Additionally, Alpha Academy High School was presented with J$100,000.00, winning the largest participating school from the “Rep Your School Challenge”.

The funds exceeded the event’s original $5 million fundraising target by 20 per cent, a remarkable achievement made possible through the support of sponsors, participants, volunteers, and partners who rallied behind the Kingston City Run’s mission.

Co-Chair of Kingston City Run, Nicola Madden-Greig, described the achievement as a powerful example of what can be accomplished when purpose and partnership come together.  “Today is about far more than a fundraising milestone. It is about hope, dignity, and opportunity for thousands of Jamaicans who depend on the services provided by our beneficiary organisations. Despite a highly competitive events calendar and challenging economic conditions, our sponsors, participants, volunteers, and partners embraced the vision of Kingston City Run and helped us exceed our goal. Every dollar raised represents a commitment to strengthening lives and communities.”

Madden-Greig noted that careful financial management and disciplined cost controls enabled the organising team to maximise the impact of every contribution received.

Current estimates indicate that Jamaica is home to more than 2,600 homeless individuals, with more than half residing in Kingston and St. Andrew. Through its beneficiary partners, Kingston City Run directly supports initiatives that provide shelter, meals, healthcare access, education, counselling, and social support services for vulnerable populations.

Co-Chair of Kingston City Run and President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Christopher Jarrett, praised the commitment of sponsors and supporters whose contributions translated into meaningful assistance for those in need.  “The true success of Kingston City Run cannot be measured solely by the kilometres covered on race day or even by the funds raised. Its success is measured in the lives that will be touched because of what we have accomplished together. The more than $6 million being handed over today will help provide shelter, nourishment, education, care, and opportunity to individuals who need it most. This is a demonstration of what is possible when the private sector, public sector, volunteers, and communities unite behind a common purpose.”

Jarrett added that the event has evolved into a powerful platform for social change while simultaneously showcasing Kingston as a vibrant destination for sports, culture, and community engagement.  “This event continues to demonstrate that tourism, community development, and social responsibility can work hand in hand. We are building something much bigger than a race. We are creating a movement that not only transforms lives but also positions Kingston as a dynamic city where people come together to make a difference.”

Representing beneficiary organisation Open Arms Development Centre, General Manager Natasha Gabbidon-Blake expressed gratitude for the continued support received through Kingston City Run.  “The support we receive from Kingston City Run goes directly into helping us care for and empower some of the most vulnerable members of our society. These funds will strengthen our ability to provide shelter, support services, and opportunities for individuals seeking a pathway to a better future. On behalf of the families and individuals whose lives will be impacted, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every sponsor, participant, volunteer, and organiser who made this possible.”

The 2026 Kingston City Run attracted strong participation despite adjustments to the race format following recent challenges, including the effects of COVID-19 and Hurricane Melissa. This year’s staging featured successful 5K and 10K races, community engagement activities, enhanced entertainment offerings, and the introduction of the “Rep Your School” competition, which brought new energy and youth involvement to the event.

Organisers also recognised the invaluable contributions of sponsors and partners whose support was instrumental to the event’s success, including the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Airports Authority, Courtleigh Hospitality Group, and numerous other corporate partners, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Special recognition was also given to the hundreds of volunteers, including students from universities across Jamaica, whose dedication ensured the seamless execution of the event.

Looking ahead, organisers announced ambitious plans for the 10th staging of Kingston City Run on March 14, 2027, including the planned return of the Half Marathon and the possible reintroduction of the Full Marathon, subject to sponsorship and operational support.

The vision for 2027 includes expanding the event into a multi-day festival featuring health and wellness activities, cultural experiences, and increased international participation, while seeking to significantly increase funds raised for charitable causes.

“We are already engaging sponsors and partners for 2027 because we believe the potential impact is even greater,” Madden-Greig said. “Our goal is not only to grow the event but to deepen its impact on the communities and organisations we serve. Together, we can help create lasting change.”

As cheques were presented to beneficiary organisations during the ceremony, the moment served as a powerful reminder that Kingston City Run is about much more than athletic achievement—it is about transforming compassion into action and ensuring that those most in need are not left behind while celebrating Kingston as the sports, entertainment and cultural capital of the Caribbean.