Kingston, Jamaica — The Gibson-McCook Relays, a cornerstone event in the track and field calendar, returns to the National Stadium in Kingston this Saturday, drawing an impressive lineup of over 2,600 athletes for its 47th edition.
This year’s meeting, the largest since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Jamaica Observer, promises an afternoon filled with top-tier athletic competition, featuring local and international high school teams, as well as some of the country’s most celebrated senior athletes.
Where to watch the 2024 Gibson-McCook Relays?
Fans unable to attend in person can still catch all the action live. The event will be streamed online at 1spotmedia.com, with coverage starting at 9:20 AM for a fee of US$10.99, ensuring enthusiasts worldwide won’t miss a moment of the competition.
Winners in the male and female team categories will each be awarded $100,000, with an additional $75,000 going to championship event record-breakers. The coveted Neville “Teddy” McCook Trophy and a $150,000 prize await the team with the best overall performance, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
In a significant update to the program, the 2024 relays will introduce men’s and women’s 1,500m open events, a departure from the traditional 800m races, adding a fresh challenge for participants. Ryan Peralto, a member of the organizing committee, expressed optimism about the spectator turnout, noting the brisk pace of ticket sales leading up to the event.
Highlighting the day’s events, the men’s high jump will see Christoffe Bryan of MVP Track Club, Lushane Wilson of G C Foster College, and Jermaine Francis of St Kitts and Nevis vying for the top spot starting at 1:00 pm.
The women’s long jump competition promises an equally thrilling contest with Tissanna Hickling of Ricketts Track Club, Serena Cole of MVP, and the St Elizabeth Technical duo of Chloe Palmer and Richelle Stanley.
Rushell Clayton, World Championships 400m hurdles bronze medallist, is slated for her seasonal debut in the women’s 100m at 4:00 pm, competing against a strong field including Kemba Nelson, Megan Simmonds, Ronda Whyte, and Jura Levy. The men’s 100m event will feature Olympic sprint hurdler Rasheed Broadbell, Julian Forte, Sandray Davidson, and national 400m record holder Rusheen McDonald, among others.
The relays also serve as a platform for emerging talent, with high school teams from Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Kitts and Nevis participating, showcasing the event’s growing international appeal.
