Downtown shines bright - Incident-free Digicel 5K Night Run/Walk Published: Tuesday | November 5, 2013

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Scores of persons getting ready to hit the road.

IF THERE were any lingering doubts about being downtown Kingston after dark, these should have been put to rest with the second staging of the Digicel Foundation 5K Night Run/Walk .

More than 7,200 persons registered for the race, a 30 per cent increase over last year, and thousands lined the streets to cheer on participants.
"It was a truly heart-warming moment to see just how many people came out for the 5K," declared Judine Hunter, programme manager for special needs at the Digicel Foundation.
"The support was outstanding from corporate Jamaica, our partners, the media and the participants. Our sponsors not only contributed to the event, but most of them signed up teams.
"Even our beneficiaries brought teams, NAZ Children's Centre, in MoBay, chartered a bus and brought a team of over 50 persons, and Genesis Academy in Kingston had a team of 60. I want to thank each and everyone who came out on Saturday (October 26). It was your participation that made this event a success," Hunter added.
Residents of downtown Kingston shared Hunter's enthusiasm.
"This was good, man," said Norma who made the short trip from her house on West Street to see the start of the race.
"Me walk beside them go right up to parade, but is only thru me did have the two babies mek me never walk all the way," she added.
There were no reported incidents during the event. Clive, who lives on Mark Lane, was not surprised.

Nobody never trouble nobody

"Everything did criss. People just walk and nobody never trouble nobody. Not even a pickpocket or a chain grab," said Clive as he declared that the people of downtown Kingston are always happy and supportive when entities such as Digicel stage events in the market district.
That support was well appreciated by Samantha Chantrelle, executive director, Digicel Foundation
"The 5K Night Run/Walk would not have been a huge success without the exceptional support of all involved," remarked Chantrelle.
"It is your support that will help to build, improve and empower 11 special-needs schools and organisations. We hope that, with your continued backing, the Foundation will be able to extend our scope of work in the special-needs sector and keep that light shining."