Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston celebrate 25 years

“Exercise is not a substitute for medication but it helps to alleviate or relieve some of the symptoms associated with some illnesses. Since starting with Jamdammers, I have not stopped exercising, but I vary my participation from time to time,” Bhoorasingh said.

Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases and improving your quality of life.

Since the club’s inception 25 years ago, with the support of its formidable and talented members, the organisation has established a reputation of successfully executing and managing running events while fostering healthy life habits, excellence and personal best practices among its members.

According to Bhoorasingh regular club members run about 20 miles per week and others at least five miles twice per week. Some persons, he said, ran more miles especially when they are in preparation mode for a race meet.

What started as a group of runners at Kingston’s Mona Reservoir, in June 1995, evolved into one of the most popular clubs of any kind in Jamaica -  known today as the Jamdammers. The Jamdammers have come a long way. With over 100 members, they have established themselves as one of the leading running clubs in Jamaica through the organisation of at least 10 road races each year, the establishment of the Jamdammers Grand Prix series and the annual hosts of The Reggae Marathon in Negril.

Managing partner of the legal firm DunnCoxx, John Leiba, one of the club’s founders, said their initial start at the Mona Dam was the need for a softer surface to run on, instead of utilising the road.

“We knew it was a private property and running was not allowed, but we were not deterred and the club grew exponentially,” Leiba said. “Health and wellness is one of the fundamental cores of the club, and this has been maintained over the years.”

“It is great to celebrate 25 years, and we have maintained most of our members since inception and added others as well. We have also had very limited migration, namely persons that are now living overseas. When they visit Jamaica, they participate in activities of the club,” Leiba added. 

To commemorate the club’s 25th anniversary celebrations, a number of activities were planned including a race executed at Mt. Hermon in St. Ann.  Over 30 active members, including members that have been with the club since its inception and former Olympians, including Bertland Cameron and Juliet Campbell participated in the event.

Club president, Cheryl Wright said they were excited to be able to maintain such an amazing legacy. “We are now at the peak of Jamaicans being encouraged to foster health and wellness practices. It is great that the Jamdammers Running Club,  has been promoting this initiative for 25 years, long before the national focus. This period of time is no easy feat and health, fitness and wellness is important for everyone’s overall well-being,” Wright said.

Each week different activities are held, including a virtual run event. The race took the runners over the Spanish Bridge, by the White River and back to the Mt. Herman property.

Race organiser, Alfred ‘Franno’ Francis, said the club epitomized the true spirit of giving than receiving.

“They have been promoting healthy lifestyle through running, and have made a tremendous impact on persons that have committed themselves to a healthy lifestyle,” Francis said.