Sandals Grande Antigua’s Kamar Thomas has smashed his own personal record to claim first place in the 10K Run at the ninth annual Jill Stewart Montego Bay City Run in Jamaica. Thomas, who is a member of the water sports department, completed the race with an impressive time of 33 minutes and 39 seconds.
Reflecting on his victory, Thomas expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am happy for the support I received from the Sandals Sports and Social Club that covered the cost of my travel expenses allowing me the opportunity to participate in this run. I am happy I was not only able to challenge myself but also make my workplace and the people of Antigua proud.”
Originally, from Jamaica, Thomas began his track and field journey in Antigua and currently serves as the Aqua Center supervisor at Sandals Grande Antigua. In this role, he provides vital support and mentorship to his team, ensuring the smooth operation of the Aqua Center.
While water sports is what he does professionally, running is his passion, and Kamar has become known for his dedication to long-distance events, consistently excelling in various marathons and earning numerous accolades along the way.
“Running for me is basically a lifestyle. It is the one thing that keeps me motivated and in a clear headspace always. It provides me with an overall body workout that keeps me healthy and fit at my age,” he shared.
Sandals Grande Antigua General Manager David Latchimy congratulated Thomas on his recent achievement stating, “Kamar is a star! Balancing his duties at work while finding time for training and participating in several marathons, he continues to make us very proud. We pledge our continued support as he makes all of Antigua proud!”
The annual charity event – renamed in memory of the late wife of Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart – attracted close to 7,000 participants, including notable public figures such as Jamaica Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang.
The Sandals Executive Chairman said he was overwhelmed by the support, “I’ve never seen so many people in this run—there was a sea of people. People from the United States, Canada, all over Jamaica—Kingston, St Catherine, Westmoreland—you name it,”
The Jill Stewart Montego Bay City Run, known for its charitable mission, encapsulates the values Jill Stewart held dear: community, fitness, and access to education. According to Stewart, “what Jill represented was community, athletics, and education, and that is exactly what the run is all about. The whole of Jamaica, not just Montego Bay, coming together to support education while
doing something that keeps you fit and healthy… this is exactly what she would want, and I am just overwhelmed at the support and the turnout.”
In the 10K marathon, Thomas was followed closely by Leslie and Marvin Hamilton, who finished second and third with times of 33:45 and 36:37, respectively. In the female category, Tonya Busse emerged victorious with a time of 45 minutes and 4 seconds, while Lesa Powell and Sheila Pinto secured second and third places with times of 54:58 and 56:24.
Sandals Resorts extends heartfelt congratulations to Kamar Thomas on his impressive performance and looks forward to supporting him in his future athletic endeavors. In fact Kamar already has his sights set on the Sandals Foundation Island Run which takes place in Saint Lucia in October.
Photo Captions:
0001- Kamar Thomas in action during the 10k marathon at the ninth annual Jill Stewart Montego Bay City Run in Jamaica.
0002- L-r Kamar Thomas with Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart at the ninth annual Jill Stewart Montego Bay City Run in Jamaica.
0003- Kamar Thomas receiving his trophy and gift during the prizing giving ceremony at the ninth annual Jill Stewart Montego Bay City Run in Jamaica.
About Sandals® Resorts:
Family-owned Sandals® Resorts offers adults-only getaways that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler service and signature suites, including the Caribbean’s first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation. Championing the region it calls home, Sandals demonstrates the transformative power of tourism and its impact on lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.
Media Contact:
Leon Norville
Public Relations Manager
Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa
Tel: 1-268-736-9194
