American Edmund Burke crossing the finish line to win the overall title at the High Mountain 10K in 2006. - File

The financial woes which are being felt both here and abroad have affected at least one local athletics event, the High Mountain Coffee (HMC) 10K and 5K road races.

An annual event, the High Mountain races are usually staged on the last Sunday in February. The event over the years has attracted thousands of people, not only for the races but for the presentation ceremony, which is done in party style.

Disappointment

The Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) has expressed disappointment at the cancellation.

"Members of the road-running community are extremely disappointed with the cancellation of this year's renewal of the High Mountain 10K, which is Jamaica's longest-running road racing event," said Alfred Francis, chairman of the JAAA's road racing committee. "I know that the Minott family, organisers of the event, are even more disappointed as they are committed to nation building and the growth and development of our local road racing calendar."

Meanwhile, a release, sent by Annette P. Salmon, marketing and sales consultant at Jamaica Standard Products Company Ltd, the sponsor of the event, expressed regret at the cancellation.

"It is with deep regret that I write on behalf of the HMC Road Race Committee to inform you that the High Mountain Coffee Road Races will not be held this year due to budgetary constraints and limited sponsorship," Salmon said in the release.

Back in 2010

However, she was quick to point out that the High Mountain races, which local and overseas runners have looked forward to over the years, will be back in 2010.

"We hope that you will all be able to join us once again in 2010 for the 27th staging of the event," she added.