This December, the 24th annual Reggae Marathon in Negril will host runners from around the world. Among the thousands of participants, one notable entrant stands out for her unique journey, both on and off the track. As one of the ambassador’s for this year’s event, Jamila Souffrant, who is 41 and a leading voice in personal finance in the United States and host of the acclaimed Journey to Launch podcast, will be running her first-ever half marathon. Her participation in the event will also serve as a celebration of the one-year anniversary of her debut book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness—released just days before last year’s Reggae Marathon.
A Family Affair and a Journey of Growth
Souffrant, a Jamaican-American who lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and three children, sees her participation in the Reggae Marathon event as deeply personal. Born in Jamaica, she moved to the United States as a baby, but her connection to the island has remained strong. “Running in the Reggae Half Marathon feels like a homecoming,” Souffrant said. “This half marathon is not just about fitness for me—it’s about celebrating my roots and all the personal growth I’ve experienced since launching Journey to Launch.”
Jamila will also use the race to celebrate her book’s anniversary, a publication that has transformed the lives of many by providing practical steps toward achieving financial freedom. In the book, Souffrant shares her journey from saving $169,000 in two years to becoming a go-to figure in the world of personal finance. Her insights have been featured in major outlets such as Forbes, Money Magazine, Essence, and Business Insider, underscoring her rise as a trusted voice on financial independence. Her journey speaks to her commitment to discipline, growth, and perseverance—qualities she will tap into, she says, to run her first half marathon.
The Reggae Marathon Event: A Global Event of Culture and Endurance
Known for blending athleticism with Jamaican culture, the races attract runners from over 25 countries each year. With options ranging from the half marathon to a new 5K race, the event has something for every participant, whether they are seasoned athletes or casual runners.
Set against the backdrop of Negril’s famous 7-mile white sand beach, the event embodies a unique blend of sport and celebration. Participants will enjoy the sounds of reggae music at every mile, an unforgettable way to experience Jamaica’s culture while pushing themselves to achieve personal goals. This year’s races have already drawn significant international attention, with high numbers of registrants from the USA, Canada, and Europe.
Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, Race Director, is excited to welcome Souffrant to the roster of participants. “Jamila’s story of financial empowerment is inspiring, and it aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Reggae Marathon—pushing past limits and achieving personal success. Her journey adds to the rich tapestry of stories that make this event special.”
More Than a Race
Jamila Souffrant’s decision to run the half marathon is not just a personal fitness challenge; it mirrors the journey she has taken in life. Growing up as the daughter of a single mother who moved to the United States for a better life, Souffrant learned early the importance of discipline and perseverance. Her father, Ras Junior Manning, a renowned Rastafarian leader whose work often focused on economic empowerment, passed away in 2010. Souffrant credits her mother’s resilience and her father’s legacy for inspiring much of her work with Journey to Launch.
Her podcast, which has more than 4 million downloads, and her book have helped countless people achieve their financial goals, but for Souffrant, this half marathon represents a different kind of victory. “Running 13.1 miles will be the longest distance I’ve ever attempted, and doing it in Jamaica, where my roots are, makes it even more meaningful,” she said.
A Marathon for the Mind, Body, and Soul
The Reggae Marathon continues to be more than just an event—it’s a celebration of health, fitness, and the Jamaican spirit. Runners of all levels will gather in Negril for a race day that features the half marathon, 10K, and the debut of the 5K race. A prize pool exceeding US$10,000 awaits the top finishers, including the coveted Bob Marley and Rita Marley trophies.
With its flat, scenic course certified by World Athletics and a reputation for excellence, the Reggae Marathon continues to attract praise from international publications like Men’s Running magazine in the UK and the 100 Half Marathons Club of the USA.
A Journeyer in Every Sense
For Souffrant, the parallels between running the half marathon and achieving financial freedom are clear. Both require determination, focus, and long-term commitment. Whether helping her Journeyers eliminate debt and save for the future or pushing herself toward her own physical and financial goals, Souffrant has shown that any journey worth taking demands effort and belief in the process.
