MBJ Charity Run targets education support

The MBJ Airports Foundation is aiming to raise additional funds for education through its annual Charity Run/Walk, with registration now open for the September 6 event at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

The 2026 staging, being held under the theme ‘Supporting Academic Dreams’, marks six years of the initiative, which has provided more than $71 million in educational grants to students and institutions across western Jamaica and directly benefited more than 3,300 students.

The 5K Run/Walk is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m., with a warm-up session starting at 5:30 a.m. Registration closes on September 4 and is available online through Running Events Jamaica.

Sharon Hislop-Holt, manager of commercial business development and marketing at MBJ Airports Limited and a director of the MBJ Airports Foundation, said funds raised from last year’s event were particularly important following Hurricane Melissa.

“The $30 million raised from the 2025 staging came at a critical time and went directly towards supporting students and educational institutions rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, predominantly across western and southern Jamaica. This support proved especially significant given the severe impact on schools and institutions in these regions, where learning was extensively disrupted,” she said.

The foundation indicated that this year’s event will continue its support for individual students as well as educational institutions, while providing assistance to those in need of help to pursue their education.

“Every registration and every dollar raised brings us closer to helping another student stay in school. Over the years, we have seen the difference this initiative makes in communities, not just across the west, but islandwide. This year we are aiming to create an even greater impact,” Hislop-Holt said.

Participants will also have an opportunity to win prizes, including hotel stays and airline tickets. Prizes will not be limited to the top finishers, as bib numbers will be randomly drawn throughout the morning’s activities.

Registration costs $2,500 for adults, $1,500 for children 12 and under and $2,000 per person for groups of 15 or more. Event shirts are available separately for $2,500.

Alongside the run/walk, applications are open for the foundation’s Education Grant Award. Students and community organisations seeking assistance have until September 30 to submit their applications online.

The run/walk is powered by Running Events Jamaica and supported by corporate sponsors and partners, including title sponsor the Airports Authority of Jamaica.

Participants are being directed to designated airport parking areas and the MEET parking lot on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in Montego Bay.

Registration Details

Adults: $2,500

Children 12 and under: $1,500

Group of 15 or more: $2,000 per person

Event shirts are sold separately at $2,500.

Grant Applications

Alongside registration, the Education Grant Award application is now also open to students and community organizations seeking support. Grant applications close September 30 and must be submitted through the online platform at www.mbjairport.com/mbj-charity-run/walk-grant-guidelines-application.

The Run/Walk is powered by Running Events Jamaica and supported by a wide network of corporate sponsors and partners, including title sponsor - the Airports Authority of Jamaica.

Follow MBJ on Instagram at mbjairportsltd for updates related to race day.