KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s premier charity running event, the Sagicor SIGMA Corporate Run, has achieved an unprecedented philanthropic milestone by collectively raising over J$1 billion since its establishment. The 2026 edition, themed “Run for the West,” concluded with a record-breaking J$152 million, exceeding its J$150 million target to support hurricane-affected educational institutions in western Jamaica.
Organized by the Sagicor Foundation Jamaica, this 28th annual event specifically targeted the restoration of five schools severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa: Hopewell High School in Hanover, Green Pond High School in St James, Little London High School in Westmoreland, along with Salt Marsh and Mayfield Primary and Infant Schools in Trelawny and St Elizabeth respectively. The generated funds will facilitate comprehensive infrastructure repairs including roofing, classroom renovations, sanitation facilities, electrical systems, and water storage solutions, ensuring thousands of students regain access to safe, functional learning environments.
Christopher Zacca, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica and Chairman of Sagicor Foundation Jamaica, characterized this achievement as a powerful demonstration of national solidarity. “Surpassing the J$1 billion threshold represents more than a numerical milestone; it embodies the profound compassion, generosity, and collective spirit inherent within the Jamaican people,” Zacca stated. He emphasized how the event consistently demonstrates the transformative societal impact achievable through unified purpose, annually strengthening communities across the nation.
The 2026 run attracted an extraordinary 30,939 registered participants, maintaining the event’s status as the Caribbean’s largest and most impactful charity road race. Since its 1999 inception, the initiative has supported over 35 charitable organizations and national projects, delivering critical assistance to hospitals, educational institutions, and vulnerable populations island-wide.
Notable personalities including Olympian and 100m World Champion Oblique Sevillle, former Cabinet minister and Miss World Lisa Hanna, and recording artist Kemar ‘Ding Dong’ Ottey contributed significantly to raising national awareness and participation. The competitive aspect saw Garfield Gordon claiming the men’s title with a time of 16 minutes 57 seconds, while Dandie Williams secured the women’s category victory in 22 minutes 35 seconds.
The symbolic cheque presentation occurred at the Knutsford Boulevard start line, attended by education officials including Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister for Education, Skills, Youth and Information, alongside principals from the beneficiary schools and Sagicor representatives, marking another historic chapter in Jamaica’s corporate social responsibility landscape.