Pictured: Director of Tourism, Donovan White addressing invitees to the Kingston City launch on Monday October 6, 2025, at the Courtleigh Hotel in Kingston.
KINGSTON; Jamaica; Monday October 13, 2025 — Director of Tourism, Donovan White, has called on organizers of the Kingston City Run to take bold steps in positioning the event as a premier international marathon, attracting runners and fitness enthusiasts from across the globe.
Speaking at a media launch in Kingston last week Monday, Mr. White lauded Kingston City Run for its significant contribution to promoting health, wellness, and charitable giving, while highlighting its potential to become a major tourism driver for the capital city.
“The Kingston City Run has all the right ingredients — a vibrant city, warm people, rich culture, and a scenic route that captures the heart of our capital. With strategic development, this event can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s top marathons, from Boston to Berlin,” said Mr. White.
The Tourism Director emphasized that the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) remains committed to supporting events that showcase the island’s diversity beyond its beaches, spotlighting Kingston as a dynamic hub for sports, culture, and urban tourism.
Today, sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the industry. More tourists are interested in sport activities during their trips whether sports are the main objective of travel or not. Sports tourism generates around 10% of the world’s expenditure on tourism and has an estimated growth rate of 17.5% between 2023-2030.
Pictured: L-R, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg, Co-founder and Organising Committee Co-Chair, Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Christopher Jarrett, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and Robert Hill, Chief Executive Officer of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) and Town Clerk. The occasion was the launch of Kingston City Run at the Courtleigh Hotel in Kingston on Monday October 6, 2025
“Beyond the numbers, sports tourism can promote social, economic and environmental action, it accelerates development and can leave a long-lasting positive legacy. This year’s execution will have an added experience of a pirate’s theme in support of Kingston Pirates Week and overall Kingston’s rich heritage,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.
Since its inception in 2013, the Kingston City Run has combined fitness and philanthropy, raising funds for various charities while drawing both local and regional participants. The call to elevate the event aligns with Jamaica’s broader strategy to expand sports tourism and city-based visitor experiences.
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