‘I hope this is now a trend’

TAJAY MITCHELL, a student of Northern Caribbean University, will line up for the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run (JSMCR) this year, and he is hoping that others like himself will benefit from an initiative that make his appearance a possibility.

Mitchell is one of 500 students from high schools and tertiary institutions who will be sponsored by RIU Hotels & Resorts Jamaica at a cost of $1.2 million.

“I hope this is now a trend that they are starting to support students here in western Jamaica. This is the first that RIU is doing this and we hope that they continue to do this over the years, so that other students will be able to participate in the run.” Mitchell said.

RIU’s student sponsorships will cover race registration, T-shirts and participation materials, removing financial barriers and allowing students to join a movement that promotes personal growth and civic pride.

“We want to have fun, too, but some of us just cannot afford to register. I really love and appreciate the initiative because it is free for students,” said Mitchell of the May 4 event at Harmony Beach Park.

RIU is also fielding one of the largest corporate groups, with a contingent of 1,000 participants, including staff, partners, and now, students.

Frank Sondern, RIU’s regional director of operations, Jamaica, said the sponsorship is more than just a donation, it’s a direct investment in the region’s future.

“We are not just building hotels, we are building communities,” Sondern said. “By sponsoring 500 students, we’re giving them a chance to be part of something greater. This isn’t just about running; it’s about building confidence, promoting health, and supporting education.”

Sondern noted that RIU has supported the JSMCR since its inception 11 years ago, and while the group was absent last year as it launched its newest property, Riu Palace Aquarelle, it was determined not to miss 2025.

“This event aligns perfectly with who we are as a company. It has a proven track record of transforming lives through education. Our team was disappointed to miss last year, but this year we’ve come back with renewed energy and purpose,” he added.

The JSMCR has raised more than $33.5 million for scholarships and school resources since it began. The proceeds help students from western Jamaica access tertiary education, covering tuition, school supplies, and even infrastructural support for institutions.

“These students are the future of Jamaica. Giving them the opportunity to participate fosters a sense of belonging and motivation. It tells them, ‘You matter. Your goals matter. And we are here to support you’,” Sondern said.

RIU’s projects lso include the ‘Saving the Reefs and Parrot Fish’ initiative in collaboration with the Montego Bay Marine Park, and the establishment of an obstetrics clinic in Negril, serving residents in western Jamaica.

“Whether it’s marine conservation, healthcare, or education, RIU stands behind Jamaica. This run is just one more way we continue to walk or run alongside the communities that support us,” Sondern concluded.

The Jill Stewart MoBay City Run will feature both 5K and 10K races and a walk, with proceeds continuing to fuel life-changing education initiatives across the region.