From the breathtaking Blue Mountain soaring more than 4,000 feet above sea level to the refreshing Dunn’s River – one of the world's most iconic waterfalls, the island’s beauty and community will be on show as the Sandals Foundation brings its premier paediatric fundraising event home in Island Challenge Jamaica 2026.

From October 2- 5, the philanthropic organisation in partnership with Sandals Resorts, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Island Routes Adventure Tours, and British Airways will bring together some 30 UK athletes, local and international partners in Ocho Rios for an unforgettable four-day endurance experience across land and sea.

Covering the parishes of Trelawny, St. Ann, St. Mary, and St. Andrew, participants will run scenic coastal routes, kayak through crystal waters, trek through Jamaica’s breathtaking landscapes and hike up the country’s famous mountain to raise £100,000 to strengthen neonatal and paediatric healthcare services at hospitals serving critically ill infants and children along Jamaica's northern corridor.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, says the decision to bring the Island Challenge to Jamaica pays homage to the resilience of the nation as families and institutions continue to rebuild stronger after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

"As our road to recovery continues, we wanted to create another opportunity for corporate partners, Jamaicans and the world to share their love and support for our island’s communities. The strength of our health services is fundamental to giving families hope and through this Challenge, participants and partners will positively transform the neonatal and peadiatric care within our hospitals– giving our children a fighting chance,” says Clarke.

For Dr Kerry-Ann McKenzie, Consultant Paediatrician at Falmouth Public General Hospital, the new equipment will significantly improve the standard of care.

"We lost all of our equipment and beds and have been displaced, currently operating with just one single designated bed in our Accident & Emergency department. This donation of equipment from the Sandals Foundation will greatly improve the standard of care we are able to offer to the paediatric population in Falmouth and the surrounding environs.

"Since Hurricane Melissa, our team has shown extraordinary resilience, treating patients in conditions no hospital should have to operate under. We are rebuilding step by step, but the road to full recovery is long, and support like this brings us closer to restoring the level of care our community deserves. For a hospital that has been stretched to its limit since the storm, this isn't just equipment — it's a lifeline that restores our ability to protect the most vulnerable among us, our children," says Dr McKenzie.

The four-day Challenge includes:

• Day One: A 8km community run followed by a 10km kayak along the White River Fish Sanctuary

• Day Two: An ascent of the world-famous Dunn's River Falls, followed by a 10km rainforest trek and tree planting activity

• Day Three: A 21km half marathon through the beautifully preserved Georgian town of Falmouth, passing the beneficiary Falmouth Public General Hospital

• Day Four: A military endurance challenge in Newcastle, St. Andrew before conquering partial hike of the Blue Mountain some 4,500 feet above sea level

“The Island Challenge was born out of an idea of the Managing Director of Unique Vacations UK and Europe, Karl Thompson, who has been working to mobilize a number of UK donors and travel partners. To solidify the Jamaican connection, we will also have 15 spots for locals to participate – running side by side in the 21 Km half marathon through Falmouth on Sunday October 4,” says Event Coordinator and Director of Operations at Sandals Foundation, Karen Zacca.

The initiative builds on the success of Island Challenges held in Antigua & Barbuda in 2023, St. Vincent & the Grenadines in 2024, and Saint Lucia in 2025. Collectively, the event has raised more than £300,000, benefiting approximately 1,800 babies across the Caribbean.

Joining the list of local partners making the historic 2026 event possible are Wisynco, Trekkers Adventures, Tour Jamaica Limited, Urban Development Corporation, Jamaica Observer, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, Chukka Caribbean Adventures Jamaica, Forestry Department, Oxford Trading Jamaica Limited, The Best Dressed Chicken, Rainforest Foundation, Mystic Mountain, and Digicel Jamaica. International partners include Hearst, Mail Metro Media, Accord Marketing, Hays Travel, CC Hospitality Group, RedPill, InPrint, Piqniq, Mobile Media and TripAdvisor.

To donate to the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge Jamaica 2026, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/islandchallenge2026.

To register for Day 3 of the Island Challenge Jamaica – https://form.jotform.com/262154934564866

For more information about the Sandals Foundation and the important projects the charity supports each year, visit www.sandalsfoundation.org.