Sonia Haboub, a Dubai-based distance runner, CEO, and PhD professor, has been appointed the global ambassador for the Reggae Marathon Kingston 2025. This significant 25th anniversary edition of Jamaica’s premier international running event will relocate from its long-time home in Negril to the vibrant capital city of Kingston. The move marks a new chapter for the Reggae Marathon Kingston, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Jamdammers Running Club, the event’s founding organization. This is a key development for Jamaica running events.
A New Chapter for Reggae Marathon Kingston
For 24 years, the Reggae Marathon Kingston has been synonymous with Negril’s scenic beaches. However, for its landmark 25th staging on December 7, 2025, the race will embrace the cultural heart of Jamaica in Kingston. This historic shift aims to showcase the versatility of the event and the dynamic backdrop of the capital city, offering participants an experience steeped in culture, music, and authentic Jamaican hospitality. This is a pivotal moment for Reggae Marathon Kingston and a fantastic opportunity for Kingston Jamaica running.
The Reggae Marathon Kingston will feature World Athletics-certified courses for the Half Marathon, 10K, and the increasingly popular 5K. Runners will traverse a route through Kingston’s urban landscape, passing significant cultural landmarks such as the National Gallery, the Supreme Court, and the vibrant Water Lane’s Artwalk murals, before concluding along the Kingston Harbour waterfront. Organizers anticipate continued strong international participation from countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, and Japan, alongside local Jamaican talent in this exciting international running event.
Ian Kelly, Chairman of Reggae Marathon, expressed enthusiasm for the transition, stating, “The transition to Kingston represents an exciting opportunity to showcase the versatility and appeal of the Reggae Marathon brand”. The Jamaica Tourist Board has endorsed the move, viewing it as a significant boost for winter tourism and sports tourism in Kingston, encouraging longer stays and deeper exploration of the city’s offerings, making Reggae Marathon Kingston a key fixture for Jamaica running events.
Sonia Haboub: The Globe Runner Scholar’s Inspiring Journey as Reggae Marathon Ambassador
Sonia Haboub, internationally recognized as “The Globe Runner Scholar,” brings a compelling personal narrative to her ambassadorship for the Reggae Marathon Kingston. Born in Italy to a multicultural family and now based in Dubai, Haboub has cultivated a life that harmoniously blends academia, international athletics, and global citizenship. She is a PhD professor, an elite athlete who has competed in numerous countries, and the CEO of The Globe Runner Scholar, a platform dedicated to intercultural connection through sports and learning. As Sonia Haboub ambassador, she brings a wealth of international experience to the Reggae Marathon Kingston.
Haboub’s journey has been profoundly shaped by her experience overcoming early-stage cancer. This health challenge served as a powerful catalyst, inspiring her to pursue her passions with unwavering determination. She views running not merely as a sport but as a source of therapy, freedom, and clarity, empowering her to break away from conventional paths and live a life driven by curiosity and purpose, an ethos that resonates deeply with the spirit of the Reggae Marathon Kingston.
A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Empowerment at Reggae Marathon Kingston
As the 2025 Global Ambassador, Haboub aims to leverage her platform to highlight the Reggae Marathon’s intrinsic connection to culture and community. She emphasizes that the event is far more than a competition; it is a celebration of shared experiences and Jamaican culture sports. Her personal mission aligns seamlessly with the marathon’s ethos of weaving together athletic achievement with the vibrant spirit of Jamaica, including its renowned music and hospitality, a hallmark of the Reggae Marathon Kingston.
Beyond her personal athletic pursuits, Haboub is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment. Her non-profit organization reinvests a significant portion of its proceeds into providing academic support for young athletes, fostering their potential in both sport and education. She believes in the power of movement as a bridge between people, places, and purpose, aiming to inspire women and youth across the Caribbean and globally to embrace running as a tool for personal growth and opportunity, a mission that the Reggae Marathon Kingston wholeheartedly supports.
2025 Reggae Marathon Kingston Event Highlights
The 25th Reggae Marathon Kingston promises a rewarding experience for all participants. Race day on December 7, 2025, will kick off early with the Half Marathon and 10K starting at 5:15 AM, followed by the 5K at 5:25 AM. The event will feature a prize pool exceeding JMD $1.5 million, with top finishers receiving cash prizes and the prestigious Bob Marley and Rita Marley trophies. All finishers will be awarded commemorative medals and official 25th-anniversary Reggae Marathon t-shirts, commemorating the Reggae Marathon anniversary.
Traditional race weekend events, such as the ‘World’s Best’ Pasta Party and the Victory Party and Awards Ceremony, will be adapted to the Kingston setting, offering new opportunities for engagement. The Reggae Marathon continues its tradition of supporting Jamaican youth, notably through its High School Boys & Girls 10K Championships, which awards laptops to winning schools. This move to Kingston signifies not only an evolution of the race but also a commitment to showcasing a broader spectrum of Jamaica’s rich culture and vibrant spirit to the world, establishing the Reggae Marathon Kingston as a premier Jamaica running events destination.