Burger King 5K expands focus

BURGER KING Jamaica launched the 2025 staging of its 5K & Relay event with the grand announcement of a $2 million prize pool.

The investment, which has doubled since last year’s staging, represents the largest ever for this event and comes as the company expands its community-development efforts.

According to Burger King head of sales and marketing, Nadia Kiffin Green, the annual running event, which has traditionally targeted schools and youth athletes, has surged in popularity over the years. This, she says, has led to the full inclusion of student-athletes, schools, corporate Jamaica, Jamaican community members such as clubs, churches, gyms, organisations, and the like.

“Over the years, the Burger King 5K and Relay has been on a trajectory of increasing accessibility and participation. So this year, we are going even bigger and better as we allot just over $2 million in cash and prizes to a wider range of participating groups. And while we will continue to support schools and student-athletes with their development, we are also challenging others in our communities to join because at Burger King, we are dedicated to building strong communities through fitness endeavours like the BK 5K & Relay,” said Kiffin Green.

Last year, for the first time, the run was hosted at the Emancipation Park in Kingston with the biggest turnout yet from schools and corporate Jamaica, and this year’s event, scheduled for Sunday November 9, targets even more participants.

Meanwhile, prizes this year are also seeing an update as Burger King is dispensing with the ‘Big Finish’ prize previously awarded to the school with the largest number of finishers in the best time and instead has adopted the ‘Crown Challenge’, choosing to spread the love with prizes for schools, corporate, clubs, and other teams.

This year’s prize pool structure includes:

● Crown Challenge Champion - Largest Corporate team: $300,000 in prizes

● Crown Challenge Champion - Corporate Team - Best Time: $200,000 in prizes

● Crown Challenge Champion - Gym or Club - best Time: $200,000 in cash and prizes

● Crown Challenge Champion - Largest School team: $200,000 in cash

● Crown Challenge Champion - School Team - Best Time: $360,000 in prizes

Prizes will also be awarded to the top male and female coaches, male and female runners, relay teams, and winning school teams across race categories.

In addition, for the first time, every participant will receive a Burger King 5K & Relay shirt with their registration package and as Burger King has continued to do, provide free Burger King to every participant and a medal for participants who cross the finish line.

Kiffin Green added encouragement for community members ahead of the run, stating: “I want to take this opportunity to say that while we have gym members, clubs, individual runners, and athletes young and old vying for a spot as Crown Challenge champions, the run and relays are ultimately about coming together as corporate citizens, families, schools, and community members to participate in healthy competition and camaraderie. Come out and participate and let’s make this the best run yet.”

The company reiterated that it hopes the Burger King 5K & Relay will continue to grow in its capacity as a staple on Jamaica’s athletics calendar, providing a platform for up-and-coming athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and all community members alike.

This year’s 5K and Relay is being sponsored by Rainforest Caribbean and McCain Calatin.