‘Runnin’ in di republic’- CUC’s 5K fundraiser for Sunrise

“Runnin’ in di republic - it’s a West Bay ting” was a fitting slogan for the third annual CUC 5K walk/run which started before dawn at Pappagallo’s and did a big loop along Conch Point Road, down Top Sail Road and then back to finish at Pappagallo’s again. 225 took part, and the walkers started first, followed by the runners 15 minutes later

Some were already mega-fit. For others it was their very first community fun-run and they were all excited about taking their first steps on their journey to a healthier life. Lots were in-between; they are the people who like to jog, and walk, and run by the roadside in the early mornings, and they love to come out and do it all together, and for two great causes – the proceeds were going to West Bay’s Sunrise Adult Training Centre, as well as the Cayman Islands Athletic Association. One of the walkers, Fiona Pimentel said: “I’m running today to keep fit. My Sister died of diabetes and my other sister’s got diabetes, and I’m pre-diabetic so I need to keep fit just to stay alive.”

Richard Hew President and CEO of CUC, said: “We have a long history of organising and sponsoring sports events, because we believe they are good for the body and good for the mind. We also like to put on events that the youth can participate in. We started this one three years ago because there really wasn’t a big running event in West Bay, and also, we’ve been a long-time partner of the Sunrise Adult Training Centre, and we already do various activities with them like we have outings to the cinema and Thanksgiving Lunch with them. There are a lot of our staff volunteering and a lot participating.”

Kenrick Williams National Track and Field Coach of the Cayman Islands said: “This is good because It helps to expose some of the younger athletes and some of the emerging athletes to really good competition because you are going to have the older athletes run against the younger athletes, so they will get a push.

Speed-walker Kenrick Webster was the first person to cross the line, way ahead of most of the other walkers, and runners too. “I walk just for exercise on a regular basis, five days a week and a minimum of six miles a day,” he said. “I participate in most of the marathons and walks like this one because it is for a good cause. Michael Beck was the first runner over the line: “I’m tired, but it was a great morning out there, conditions are great and I enjoyed myself,” he said.

Corrine Evans-Ebanks loves taking part in community walks for good causes, and she was there with several of her friends and colleagues from West Bay’s Cayman Turtle Centre. “I like participating in community walks,” she said, “I try to do around 24 of them every year,” she said.