Jill Stewart MoBay City Run a Celebration of Community, Charity

The Jill Stewart MoBay City Run has cemented its place as one of Jamaica’s most anticipated sporting events, drawing thousands of participants, locally and internationally, to celebrate health, community, and education.

What started as a humble initiative has blossomed into a vibrant festival of unity and purpose, and the largest run of its kind in the tourism capital.

Behind this vibrant event is journalist and businesswoman Janet Silvera, a dedicated community advocate and visionary who envisioned much more than just a race.

Her passion for uplifting others evolved into the creation of the MoBay City Run in 2013, a 5k/10k run and walk, to raise funds to benefit needy students.

In 2024, the event was renamed in honour of the late wife of Sandals Resorts International’s executive chairman, Adam Stewart, who was a longtime supporter of the event.

“Jill Stewart was a passionate supporter of community initiatives, athletics, and education. Her legacy lives on through this annual event, which now bears her name, symbolising her powerful commitment to uplifting Jamaican youth,” Ms. Silvera said.

The event, now a fixture on the national calendar, exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives to foster positive change.

Over the past nine years, it has raised more than $30 million to support approximately 4,000 needy students in western Jamaica, helping them access quality education and brighter futures.

As the run/walk expanded from its start point at the Old Hospital Park to the sprawling, picturesque Harmony Beach Park, so too has its impact and influence.

Notable participants such as Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who came out to this year’s event held on May 4, is a testament of its growing impact.

“With each passing year, the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run cements its place as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s sporting and philanthropic landscape. It is poised to reach newer and bigger heights, drawing even more participants and support. The future looks bright for this celebration of resilience, community, and purpose, proof that when Jamaicans come together they can move mountains,” Ms. Silvera told JIS News.

“Today, it attracts locals and visitors alike, with the 2025 edition witnessing an overwhelming turnout of an estimated 6,500 participants, including a new record that underscores its rising prominence,” she added.

Adam Stewart, overwhelmed by the event’s growth, expressed his pride and gratitude.

“It’s overwhelming, overwhelming. There was a sea of people from the United States, Canada, all over Jamaica, running, walking, celebrating. This is exactly what Jill would have wanted,” he told JIS News.

Mr. Stewart said that the event’s core values of community, health, and education, are a fitting tribute to his late wife’s life.

The Jill Stewart MoBay City Run is part of five major running events in Montego Bay, including the Night Run, MBJ Charity Run, Breast Cancer Awareness Run, and the Guardian Group Night Run.

These events, collectively, contribute to national development by supporting health, wellness and education.

“They are all geared towards enhancing education and health. Montego Bay is becoming a hub for sports tourism and community development,” said Montego Bay’s Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, who was among the participants.

Local business leaders and event supporters also praised the event’s positive impact on the community.

Western Jamaica businessman Shawn Moses called it “hands-down the best Jill Stewart MoBay City Run, to date,” emphasising its role in fostering community spirit and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Public Relations Executive at Sandals, Lyndsay Isaacs, shared her enthusiasm.

The atmosphere was joyful, energetic, and inspiring.

The after-party was fantastic, and everything ran smoothly thanks to great logistics. I can’t wait for next year,” she said.