background/history
Out of Many - One
What started as a loose collection of runners at Kingston’s local reservoir, affectionately called “The Dam”, became a club — the Jamdammers — in June 1995.
Over the past ten years, we have grown both in size (over 80 members) and stature by re-writing the book on road racing in Jamaica. The annual Jamdammers Grand Prix Series and our premier event — The Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon — have become staples of local and international road race calendars. Despite these lofty achievements, however, one thing remains constant — the feeling of camaraderie and fun that ensures “once a Jamdammer, always a Jamdammer”.
Each week, club members gather for a Saturday run of 10-miles or so. At this juncture we can estimate over 500 organized club runs and potlucks where we’ve run in and around our home city of Kingston and various parts of our beautiful island. The highlight of the weekly run is undoubtedly the après-run breakfast to which we all contribute good food and lively conversation.
At the heart of the club’s activities are our own personal goals and accomplishments. Each year the Jamdammers participate in marathons and half marathons. We make our presence felt by wearing the distinctive colours of the Jamaican flag while our support team position flags along the marathon route.
Our marathon accomplishments to date are:
- Marine Corps Marathon, Washington DC, October 1996
- New York City Marathon, November 1997
- Carib Cement Marathon, Kingston, February 1998
- LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon, October 1998
- Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon, January 1999
- Jamaica International Marathon, Kingston, February 1999
- Venice Marathon, Italy, October 1999
- LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon, October 1999
- Suzuki Rock n’ Roll Marathon, San Diego, June 2000
- Twin Cities Marathon, Minneapolis, MN, October 2001
- Reggae Marathon, Negril 2001
- New York City Marathon, November 2002
- LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon, October 2003
- Baltimore Marathon & Half Marathon, October 2005
In keeping with the Club’s overall goal to bring middle and long distance running in Jamaica to world-class prominence, our members form an experienced pool of race management and technical resources to successfully organize road race events.
Our most notable achievement to date is the annual Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon held in the resort town of Negril, every first Saturday in December. In its fifth year, the Reggae Marathon is our way of offering a world-class experience to visitors and Jamaicans by combining the best of Jamaica — sports, music and tourism in one single event. The event is certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and is a member of the Association of International Marathons (AIMS).
As non-profit organization and member of Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA), the Jamdammers actively raise funds and seek sponsors and joint partners to support the road-racing program on a sustainable basis. We are one of the largest sponsors of Reggae Marathon.
Our annual Jamdammer “bashment” — the Party Marathon — is an eagerly anticipated social gathering on the Kingston party scene and is the main vehicle used to drive our fundraising efforts.
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. On the serious side, they provide a forum for planning club objectives and we often invite speakers to educate and inform our members. We are, however, equally serious and enthusiastic when it comes to having fun after most meetings.
Updated May 2006
