Jamaica is expecting a record number of countries to participate in the 10th staging of the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K events set for December 4 this year.

Last year the year saw the participation of 21 nations, which was seen as a big boost for Jamaica's sport's tourism. Expectation for the level of participation is high this year.

Diane Ellis, director of sponsorship, of the event said that the "entries are still coming in" and anticipation is high that last year's figure will increase.

The Reggae Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10k event will start at the Long Bay Beach Park situated along Negril's famous Seven Miles Beach. The course will pass through the town of Negril and then heads towards the town of Green Island.

Sports Tourism is one of the island's fastest growing sectors and is attracting a plethora of sponsors, in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports and the Jamaica Tourism Board (JTB), is on board to cash on its popularity.

John Lynch, chairman and director of the JTB, affirmed that the event would give a major boost to the already flourishing tourism industry in the country. In his words: "It promotes Jamaica in all markets. This is a great event for Negril, the start of the Winter season and the timing could not have been better."

His views were confirmed by the Minister of Sports, Olivia "Babsy" Grange who expressed hope that the Reggae Marathon will bring visitors to the island. "I truly believe that the world of sports respects and has fallen in love with Jamaica. If we organise our events the way we know how to, and if we invite the world, they will come," she said.

With the high season of tourism fast approaching, Jamaica rentals are all geared up to welcome the visitors. The island boasts a host of Jamaica villas and cottages facing the Caribbean Sea or Jamaica apartments in tourist centres like Ocho Rios to cater to all tastes, group sizes and budgets. If you are interested in booking your own private space on the island, you can browse our Silver Silver Sands Jamaica rentals.