Cayman Islands Marathon Celebrates 23 Years of Running, Community, and Growth

The 2025 Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon takes place on Sunday, 7 December, marking its 23rd year and continuing its legacy as one of Cayman’s premier running events and a cornerstone of the islands’ sporting calendar.

What began as a small community race to raise funds for the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps – then a newly formed youth organisation – has evolved into an internationally recognised event attracting athletes, including Olympians, and running enthusiasts from around the world. In its inaugural year, 2002, just over 200 people participated across four categories: the full marathon, half marathon, team relay and 3K. Fast forward to 2024, when the event reached a new milestone with a record-breaking number of registrations — almost 1,700 — across the full marathon, half marathon and four-person relay.

Running for a Cause

More than just a race, the Cayman Islands Marathon has become a celebration of community spirit, endurance and giving back. Each year, hundreds of participants use the race to raise funds for or donate monies to local charities and non-profit organisations that are important to them, making a meaningful impact across the islands. Since introducing a fundraising option in the race has raised an estimated $500,000. The event also relies on the dedication of more than 400 volunteers, whose enthusiasm and hard work ensure that every runner enjoys a safe and memorable experience.

“When we took ownership of the marathon over two decades ago, we never imagined it would become such a significant fixture on the local and international running calendar,” said Rhonda Kelly of Kelly Holding Events and Communications, owner and organiser of the event. “It’s incredible to see how it has evolved, not just in terms of participation, but in the lives it touches through charitable contributions and the sense of unity it brings every year. We continue to be amazed each year by the growing interest and participation in the event, and based on current registration trends, we’re on track to surpass last year’s record-breaking numbers.”

A Boost for Sports Tourism

Beyond its charity component, the Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon has also been a major contributor to the growth of the country’s sports tourism product. Each year, the event attracts hundreds of visitors from around the world – many for the first time – who travel to the Cayman Islands not only to participate or support a loved one but also enjoy a destination that combines a first-class race experience with the beauty and warmth of the Caribbean. From beautiful beaches and luxury accommodations to a diverse culinary scene and welcoming residents, the marathon gives participants and their supporters a reason to return, helping to boost the local economy while showcasing Cayman as a premier sports and wellness destination.

A survey of 2024 overseas participants highlighted the marathon’s significant contribution to the local economy and its value as a driver of sports tourism. An impressive 80% of respondents said they travelled to Cayman specifically to take part in the race, and each runner brought an average of 2.7 additional companions. Visitors stayed for an average of 6.86 nights, representing roughly 1,100 room nights generated by the event. More than half (57%) were visiting the Cayman Islands for the first time, with 55% coming from the United States and 20% from the United Kingdom. The majority (54%) reported household incomes between US$151,000 and US$200,000, underscoring the event’s ability to attract high-value visitors and deliver measurable benefits to Cayman’s tourism sector.

Global Recognition and Partnerships

The marathon’s growing international profile has also strengthened its reputation within the global running community. As a proud member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), the race is officially recognised as a Boston Marathon qualifier, enabling participants to use their Cayman results to qualify for other major races worldwide.

The event is also recognised as a qualifying race in the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) Age Group World Rankings, a global series that connects hundreds of leading marathons around the world. This affiliation allows runners aged 40 and above to use their results from the Cayman race to earn points and rankings within their age categories, comparing their performance with athletes worldwide and further elevating the event’s international prestige.

Most recently, the event was featured in the 2025 publication 100 Runs of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Races and Trails, published by National Geographic and written by running veteran Bart Yasso. Former Chief Running Officer of Runner’s World and widely known as the unofficial “Mayor of Running,” Yasso is an icon of the sport and was inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions. He is one of the few people to have completed races on all seven continents and was a guest at the Cayman race in 2014.

The Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon is a testament to what makes the Cayman Islands special: a community that values connection, compassion, and perseverance. It brings together people of all ages and abilities to run for causes they believe in, to challenge themselves, and to celebrate the Cayman spirit. More than a sporting event, it’s a movement that continues to strengthen the islands’ identity, inspire healthy living, and showcase Cayman’s warmth and generosity to the world.

“It’s humbling to see how much the marathon means to people, both here at home and abroad,” Kelly said. “We couldn’t do it without our incredible volunteers, sponsors, and runners who give so much of themselves. We can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue to build on this remarkable legacy together.”

Registration for 2025

Registration is open for the 2025 Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon, Half Marathon and Four-Person Relay. Parents can also sign up children ages 5 to 11 for the free Milo Kids Fun Run. For more details or to register, visit www.caymanislandsmarathon.com  or email info@caymanislandsmarathon.com. Follow @CaymanMarathon on Facebook and Instagram for news and updates.

The Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon is also sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development, Health City Cayman Islands, CG BritCay, Cayman Airways, Gatorade, CUC, Compass Media, Milo, Netclues, Wata, FastSigns, Governors Village, Massive, Credit Union, Cayman Physiotherapy, Kelly Holding Events & Communications, Powerade, Caybrew, Mike’s Ice, Kirk Freeport, Cost U Less, What’s On Cayman, Hopscotch Productions, McAlpine and Marshall’s Rent-A-Car.