Brac participants at the start line.
The 2017 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge was off to a great start yesterday (Sunday, 23 April), with the first part of the event being held on Cayman Brac.
Almost 150 people took part in the walk/run, including a number of participants who travelled from Grand Cayman for the occasion.
The fun will continue next Sunday, 30 April, on Grand Cayman as the event raises money for the YMCA of the Cayman Islands to help young people in the community.
“It was an excellent day, everybody had a good time and it was great to see so many of the Brac community turn out for a good cause, as well as the participants from Grand Cayman,” said Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, who personally led the 5K. “I am looking forward to the second half of the event next Sunday and I invite as many people as possible to come and join me.”
Defending overall fastest female champion Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the Health Services Authority, retained her title from last year, beating Gillian Roffey (Grand Cayman) and Dr. Trudy Harper Smith (Cayman Brac) into second and third place.
Meanwhile Stephen Wilson (Grand Cayman) was the fastest overall male, with Rowan McLean (Grand Cayman) coming in second and Devin Conolly (Cayman Brac) coming in third.
The annual walk/run this year aims to raise $60,000 for the YMCA, which operates on both Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman.
The money will go towards building a ropes challenge course in Grand Cayman which will provide an alternative to classroom-style learning in areas proven to increase self-esteem, confidence and team-building skills.
This facility will provide participants with practical examples of ways to improve communication, awareness of themselves and others, and to gain leadership skills. In addition, the course will allow participants to overcome fears, insecurities, depression, and anti-social behaviour.
Registration and full details of the DG’s 5K Challenge on Grand Cayman are on www.caymanactive.com/dg5k. Entry is just $25 for ages 18 and older and only $10 for ages 17 and younger. Registration closes at 6 p.m. on Friday, 28 April, so make sure to register online before the deadline.