UCCI 50K Event Series: A Milestone Community Celebration in Motion

The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) celebrated the spirit of unity, wellness, and legacy on Sunday, January 11, as hundreds of participants turned out for the inaugural UCCI 50th Anniversary Marathon, a vibrant community event marking a key milestone in the institution’s golden jubilee.

From sunrise to late morning, runners and walkers of all ages took to the streets of George Town across five race categories, including the 5K Fun Run/Walk, 10K, 25K, 50K relay, and full 50K ultra-marathon. With cheering spectators, themed water stations, and celebratory energy throughout the course, the event was a powerful demonstration of how sport, education, and community can come together.

“This was more than a race, it was a reflection of what UCCI stands for,” said Nanalie Cover, Acting President and CEO of UCCI. “We are incredibly proud of the turnout and the message it sends about the value of education, wellness, and Caymanian resilience.”

The UCCI 50K Event Series was a high-energy celebration of UCCI’s 50th anniversary, bringing together students, staff, alumni, families, and the wider community in a positive and visible way. It highlighted the strength of UCCI’s community, and the pride Cayman shares in the institution’s impact over the past 50 years, while building momentum for the next chapter.

The event attracted over 300, with DAC Ltd. recognised as the organisation with the largest turnout, contributing over 40 participants to the day’s events.

Among the standout performances of the day, Esmond Brown crossed the finish line as the first solo 50K ultra-marathon finisher, while Team Return of The Mother Lovin Runners took top honours in the 50K relay. Abraham Whittaker led the pack in the 25K, and Safina Reid was the top individual finisher in the 10K category.

Finishers received commemorative 50th anniversary medals and event t-shirts, and all proceeds from the event will directly support student scholarships and academic initiatives at UCCI.

“Every kilometre was filled with joy, determination, and community support,” said Dr. Belinda Blessitt Vincent, Dean of Business and Finance and race coordinator. “This event perfectly captured our 50th anniversary theme, Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future and set the tone for what’s ahead.”

Finishers in the 10K, 25K and 50K received commemorative 50th anniversary medals, and all proceeds from the event will directly support student scholarships and academic initiatives at UCCI.

UCCI extended heartfelt thanks to its direct event sponsors, which included Pepsi and Boost, Cayman Medical, Bogle Insurance, Drift Enterprises, Progressive Distributors, Goddard Catering Group, LASCO, and Foster’s.

Additional support was provided by KPMG, Cayman Compass, Affinity

Recruitment, Mykonos Steak Club, Celebrations Group, and Water Authority – Cayman.

As part of its ongoing anniversary programming, UCCI will next host Professor Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak, Professor of Management and Economics at Yale University, for a Distinguished Lecture on campus on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. More details will be shared soon.

Photos and highlights from the UCCI 50K will be posted at www.ucci.edu.ky/50  and across UCCI’s official social media channels.