The Blue Run 5K delivered its biggest staging to date, with 4,859 registrants compared with 3990 registrants in 2025.  This year,  2,803 participants completed the event on September 20,  up from 2,186 in 2025, setting a new participation record while raising awareness about prostate cancer and encouraging Jamaican men to take a more proactive approach to their health.

Organised by Running Events Jamaica and powered by Guardian Life, the fourth staging brought participants to New Kingston for a morning of running, walking and community engagement, with this year’s event continuing the Blue Run’s focus on prostate cancer awareness, early detection and men’s health.

For Race Director of Running Events Jamaica Alfred Francis, the record turnout reflects the growing willingness of Jamaicans to support an issue that continues to affect men and families across the country. “We are extremely pleased with the response to this year’s Blue Run. To see a record number of participants come out and run, walk and support the cause demonstrates the power of community when we come together around an issue that matters. The Blue Run has always been about more than the race itself. It is about creating greater awareness, encouraging men to take their health seriously and using the platform of sport to get people moving and talking about prostate health. We are grateful to everyone who participated and helped us make this our biggest staging yet.”

Running For A Cause

The need for continued awareness remains significant. Prostate cancer was the leading cancer diagnosed among Jamaican men in 2022, accounting for 1,599 new cases, or 43.1 per cent of all new cancer cases among Jamaican men, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s Global Cancer Observatory. It was also the leading cause of cancer deaths among Jamaican men. 

The Ministry of Health and Wellness similarly identifies prostate cancer as the most frequent cancer in Jamaica and advises that screening is available through the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE). 

Against this backdrop, proceeds from the 2026 Blue Run will support the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and initiatives focused on raising awareness about prostate cancer, encouraging men to prioritise their prostate health and promoting early screening and detection. 

The funds will specifically support the JCS’s prostate cancer screening, education and community outreach programme. This includes subsidised screening services, outreach clinics and educational materials, as well as efforts to reach men who may face financial or geographic barriers to accessing screening. The contribution will also support timely referrals and follow-up care for men who require further assessment.

The Jamaica Cancer Society has provided prostate screening through its clinical and community outreach programmes, with its 2024 annual report recording 889 men screened for prostate cancer, including screening conducted through collaborations with Guardian Life and the Society.

Roshane Reid-Koomson, Executive Director at the Jamaica Cancer Society, said, “Prostate cancer continues to have a significant impact on Jamaican men and their families, yet too many men still delay taking action when it comes to their prostate health. Initiatives such as the Blue Run are important because they bring this conversation into the community in a way that is accessible, visible and engaging. When thousands of people come together to run, walk and support the cause, it creates an opportunity to reach more men, challenge the hesitation around screening and reinforce the message that early detection matters. We are proud to partner with an initiative that is helping to turn awareness into action and grateful to everyone who continues to lend their voice, resources and support to the fight against prostate cancer.” 

Race-Day Results

The competitive field also saw strong performances across both the 5K Run and 5K Walk categories. In the 5K Run, Julius Itubo placed first among the male runners, followed by Kemar Leslie and Royale Gordon, while Shian Lewis took first place among the female runners, followed by Felicia Compass and Jovi Rose. In the 5K Walk, Duwell Allen led the male category, with Gladstone Johnson and Errol Williamson placing second and third, respectively, while Natasha McKenzie, Carlene Wallace and Karene Staple secured the top three positions among the female walkers. 

For title sponsor Guardian Life, the continued growth of the event demonstrates the value of combining community, physical activity and health advocacy. “The continued growth of the Blue Run is a powerful sign that more Jamaicans are recognising the importance of men’s health and the value of early detection. At Guardian Life, we believe protection goes beyond financial security. It also means helping people live healthier, longer lives. Through our continued support, we are proud to help create greater awareness around prostate health and encourage more men to get screened, know their status and take proactive steps to protect their health. We commend Running Events Jamaica, every participant and our fellow partners for helping to make this year’s staging another meaningful step forward for men’s health in Jamaica,” said Meghon Miller Brown, President, Guardian Life Limited

Francis said the response to this year’s event also provides a strong foundation for the Blue Run’s continued growth. “Every person who registered, showed up, encouraged someone to participate or supported the event in another way contributed to what we achieved this year. We want to continue building on that momentum and making the Blue Run an even stronger platform for prostate cancer awareness and community participation.”

With the 2026 staging now complete, Running Events Jamaica is encouraging participants and supporters to carry the message beyond race day by continuing conversations around prostate health and taking proactive steps towards screening and early detection.