Latoya Grindley, Features Writer

Runners and walkers line up at the starting line, get on your marks, get set and go! You can be among the hundreds of persons expected to attend this year's annual Sigma Corporate Run.

The event runs into its 10th year on March 9 and is the brainchild of Pan Caribbean Financial Services Limited. Being a charity event, proceeds will go towards renal care units at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston Public and Cornwall Regional hospitals.

This year's theme is "Run to Support Life" and the goal is to raise $5 million. Each year, corporate companies and the wider public are invited to participate in this challenge. The run will start on Knutsford Boulevard, onto Constant Spring Road then Ruthven Road, Half-Way Tree Road and end at Emancipation Park.

To participate, interested persons and companies are asked to register as well as to pay a fee which will go towards the worthy cause. Registration ends on February 25.

Charity event

No one is to be left out of this charity event because while it is a corporate run, there will be categories for three groups - for persons wishing to run, walk or to participate in wheelchairs.

For the first time this year, there will be a challenge for companies, 'The Ultimate Sigma Corporate Challenger' where the fastest male and female will represent their company.

Winners of this challenge will be given the chance to donate $100,000 on behalf of the company to a charity organisation. There will also be entertainment.

The Sigma Corporate Run is being held in collaboration with the National Health Fund and among the numerous sponsors, The Gleaner Company stands tall being a Gold Sponsor of the event.

While the event is not discriminating against anyone's fitness level, it is advisable that certain preparations be made to prepare for the day's activities. And as such, Pan Caribbean will be hosting training programmes for interested persons.