The Sandals Foundation Island Challenge is off to an energetic start in Jamaica, with athletes putting their endurance to the test on day one.

Thirty athletes from the United Kingdom, joined by 13 local participants, kicked off the four-day fundraising challenge with a 10-kilometre run from Rio Nuevo Fishing Beach to Sandals Ocho Rios Beach Club.

They then took to the water for a one-hour kayak journey across the White River Fish Sanctuary before returning to the beach club.

The Jamaica debut of the Island Challenge, which runs from October 2 to 5, aims to raise £100,000 to strengthen paediatric and neonatal healthcare at Falmouth Public General Hospital.

Sandals Foundation Executive Director Heidi Clarke says the cause is keeping participants motivated as they push their physical limits.

And despite the demanding terrain, participant Andrew Tracey says the scenery, cheering crowds and team spirit made day one a memorable experience.

Andrew Tracey.

The athletes now face three more days of running, kayaking and hiking as they work toward their £100,000 fundraising goal.