The inaugural Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) 5k was held on October 15, 2011, at Baisley Park in Queens County, New York, in conjunction with Awesome Power Track Club. The event’s success, sparked interest amongst community leaders and sport stakeholders across the Diaspora prompting invitations for TJB, to stage 5K’s in various cities across the eastern seaboard of the United States.
The purpose of this event is to showcase local talent as well as promote healthy lifestyles amongst all age groups within our community, especially our youths. The funds raised will support TJB’s programs, mainly its hospitality services which include the provision of meals, transportation, accommodations and medical care for Caribbean athletes participating at the annual Penn Relays Carnival at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. The organization also embarked on a Defibrillator to Schools program approximately six years ago ensuring that these life-saving devices are available to athletes participating in sports at high schools in Jamaica.
In its inaugural year, the meet attracted over 70 participants. In 2012 the event registered over 200 runners and attracted several hundred spectators.
The format of the event is a 5K Run, a 1 Mile Run and a 5K Walk. Age categories run form 10-under an d up to 100. Participants are placed in their respective age groups, each with its own top three winners. The overall top male and female winners of the 5K Run, are awarded automatic entry to the Reggae Marathon, held annually in Negril, Jamaica, W.I.
The Reggae Marathon is one of the marquis events on the road race calendar. This provides great exposure to the TJB Brand and the Caribbean community.TJB and the organizers of Reggae Marathon have a synergistic relationship, one which will only grow stronger as the event grows.
