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MoBay Night Run raring to go for Anchovy High
February 26, 2026
The MoBay Night Run 5K Run/Walk is revving up for its third staging, with this year's renewal shifting its purpose to rally support for nearly 800 students of Anchovy High School in St James, who are still battling to rebound from Hurricane Melissa's devastation.
The event was officially launched on Tuesday evening at Pier 1 Restaurant in Montego Bay, where the Howard Ward Benefit Foundation unveiled plans for the Easter Weekend festivities set for Saturday, April 4, at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay.
Dr Lavern Stewart, principal of Anchovy, emphasised the importance of corporate support to ease the rebuilding process and support students who have faced multiple challenges, including the impact of COVID-19.
"The devastation was quite severe, especially from our Dr Fidel Castro campus, which is our junior campus. It houses our grades seven and eight students, and that enrolment is about 757 students," Stewart told STAR SPORTS.
"We know that the contribution that is made from this event will be a significant one, and one that will impact the lives of all our students in a very meaningful way."
With 5,000 participants flooding the streets last year, this year's renewal promises another highly supported, high-tempo night of racing along a revamped route, blending speed, spirit and solidarity in a powerful show of support for young students in need.
The principal noted that based on what has happened to the students, she had to relocate them to the main campus.
"The students, especially the ones in grade 11 now, would have been the ones who were most severely affected when they were in grade six when COVID-19 hit in 2020. So, there is another devastation at both ends of each of those milestones, they are experiencing a devastating event," said Stewart.
Set to begin at 7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. warm-up, the night run will have a pre-carnival atmosphere, kiddies village, food court and prizes.
Howard Ward, chairman of the event, says it continues to evolve beyond a race.
"The MoBay Night Run is about more than fitness and entertainment. It is about giving young people access to opportunities through education and showing that even in challenging times, our community can come together with purpose," he said.
"Each step taken along the route is a step towards creating opportunities for our young people and inspiring hope in western Jamaica.
"From the high-energy carnival vibes to the meaningful impact every participant helps create, this event embodies what we can achieve when we come together with purpose, passion, and pride. We invite everyone, families, fitness enthusiasts, and corporate teams alike to join us, not just to run, but to make a difference," added Ward.
Meanwhile, Alfred 'Franno' Francis, race director at Running Events Jamaica, said the event is seen as a significant community effort, promoting fitness and charity.
"I know a lot of people were daunted by the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and doubtful about having their race, but I said it is even more necessary now. School fee money is gone into fixing roofs and the kids are in need now," Francis said.
