Canadian Running – September-October 2019

Mayfield Falls

Also within striking distance of

Negril (about a 40 – 60 minute

drive, depending on road condi-

tions), tucked in the island’s

western mountains at Birch ’s

Hill, is Mayfield Falls, a welcome

respite from the heat. Multiple

local operators offer guided tours

of these falls, featuring natural

swimming pools (including

the famous “washing machine”

pool) and 21 freshwater cascades,

small enough to cool off under

without getting swept down

the river. Afterward, sample the

tasty local fare on site, such as

coconut chicken, curry lobster

and coconut shrimp and wash it

down with a Ting, a popular soda

pop throughout the Caribbean.

What are you waiting for?

Grab your running shoes and

“ lively up yourself ” in Jamaica

this December.—DC

“We’ve been able to fuse the marathon with entertainment,” Says

Donovan White, director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board.

“The extended stay in Negril for people coming in for the marathon

allows them to travel for their passion. People who are travelling for

fitness find another reason to come to Jamaica every December to see

the friends they make over the years.”

Jamaica is the largest island in the Commonwealth Caribbean, and

geographically diverse due to its volcanic origins, resulting in three

distinct regions: the eastern mountains, famous for Jamaica’s prized

Blue Mountain Coffee; the central valleys and plateaus and the coastal

plains. Nearly half the island is over 300 metres above sea-level, and

much of it is covered in lush rainforest, which means there’s more to

explore on the island beyond the hotel-dotted beaches.

Zimbali Culinary Retreats

Foodies will enjoy Zimbali Culinary Retreats, tucked away in the

tropical forest an hour’s drive east of Negril. The eco-friendly hotel

and restaurant make for an adventurous gastropod ’s dream that

includes local fish, rice and tropical fruits (including Jamaica’s

famous ackee fruit) harvested from the on-site organic farm and

surrounding river system. Meals are served in an open-air dining

area high among the trees that connects to the rest of the property by

elevated walkways. Enjoy the views, sip chilled wine or Red Stripe

beer with fellow guests and be patient; the chefs and wait staff work

on ‘Jamaica Time.’ There’s also a cooking studio, too, if you want to

put on your own chef ’s hat while at Zimbali.

DESTINATION

NEGRIL,

JAMAICA

DATE December 8, 2019

DISTANCES 10K, half-marathon, marathon

COURSE DESCRIPTION Flat, alongside

famous Seven Mile Beach

SIDE TRIPS Mayfield Falls, Zimbali Retreats

HOW TO GET THERE Direct flights through

Air Canada, WestJet and more

WEBSITE reggaemarathon.com

The Reggae Marathon

runningmagazine.ca Canadian Running 41

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