RAYMOND GRAHAM, Star Writer

AFTER weeks of serious preparation the stage is set for today's historical Gleaner 180 5K Run & Walk road race, which is scheduled to start at 6:30 a.m at the company's head office on North Street.

The Gleaner Company is celebrating its 180 years of existence and tomorrow's road race is one of several events planned for this occasion. Chairman of Running Events Limited, the organisers for tomorrow's event, Alfred Francis, is upbeat about the race, which has received large entries from across the island.

"This will be a tremendous experience and the beneficiaries will see mammoth gains as there will be participants from all over the island and it should be a very historic moment for those that have entered with great excitement at the pre race, the race itself and after the race," said Francis.

Francis stated that he is happy with the planning of the event.

Another organiser of the meet, Gleaner online brand manager, Terri Karelle-Reid is very excited and upbeat about tomorrow's event.

"We are beyond excited knowing that this will be the 180th anniversary of the Gleaner Company. We are more so excited that we are doing this for charity and what is so pleasing is that the response from corporate Jamaica and the various running clubs from across the island is mammoth," said Karelle- Reid.

Following the race, there will be a breakfast party and awards presentation for all participants and officials. The two beneficiaries from the event will be the University Hospital Physiotherapy Department and PALS Jamaica (Peace and love in Society).