Marathon aims for big numbers
Preparations are well underway for the Annual
Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Marathon, which promises to be the
biggest running event in the Cayman Islands this year and is scheduled
for Sunday, 7 December 2003.
The Marathon, which took place for the first time in 2002, was
the vision of Tara Trickett of Nutrix, who dreamed of seeing a
race such as this one take place in Cayman, and single-handedly
undertook the planning and execution of the event.
This year, the organization of the Marathon has been handed over to Kelly Holding, a local event management company, and plans are being made to market the event internationally, invite world-class, professional runners and hold an Expo immediately before the race where vendors such as gyms, personal trainers and sporting goods stores can showcase their products and services.
As a principal partner, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has also pledged its support to this worthwhile cause, recognizing it is an ideal way to introduce sports tourism to Cayman. "We approached the Department of Tourism for assistance because we believe the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Marathon is a great way to promote Cayman as a sports destination," says Rhonda Kelly, CEO of Kelly Holding. "An avid runner would be more inclined to travel to a country, bringing family and friends, if he/she knew there was a way to combine that passion for running with a safe, hassle-free vacation on a beautiful Caribbean island."
In fact, VisitBritain, the tourism department of that country, has recently launched a sports tourism department, describing it as an 'integrated part of how VisitBritain markets Britain'. Closer to home, St. Lucia is hosting the upcoming Double Wicket World Championship which has attracted some of the world's most famous cricketers, while Run Barbados and Jamaica's Reggae Marathon both have become staple events over the years, drawing thousands of participants.
"These countries have seen tremendous success and tourism growth as a result of a concentrated effort to market themselves as sports destinations. Cayman too can reap the benefits of this unique market," explains Kelly.
The Marathon received huge local support last year with dozens of companies sponsoring various segments of the event, "We are currently in the process of contacting all of these companies with hopes that they will continue with their kind support we need them for this to be a success," Kelly continued.
The course for the Marathon has been certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation, validating any records set in the event. Additionally, registration to compete in the Marathon can be completed online or locally and all proceeds will go to the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps (CICC).
The CICC initiative was introduced in 2002 by the Ministry of Education, Human Resources & Culture in conjunction with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service as a way to educate and train youth in the Cayman Islands. There are currently 42 cadets between the ages of 10-14 enlisted in the programme, and each student will run 1km in relay form as part of his/her contribution to the event.
The purpose of the CICC is to mold character through the use of military discipline. Values such as self-respect, national pride, civic knowledge, punctuality, a sense of duty and leadership, physical and mental endurance, responsibility, citizenship and camaderie are promoted in the programme and students are also expected to adhere to the tenets outlined in a code of conduct.
"The Cadet Corps is very grateful for all the hard work that Mrs. Trickett put into this event last year. It was a huge boost to our programme, and we are looking forward to the Marathon and the Cadet Corps growing together in both size and quality," says Cadet Corps Commandant Philip Hyre. "We hope we can count on the Cayman community once again. I must say that one of the best parts of the last Marathon was the parents of the Cadets and the other volunteers. They all made such a tremendous contribution and we are very grateful for their dedication to this programme," Hyre added.
For more information about the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Marathon, contact Kelly Holding on 946 8822 or by email (kellyco@candw.ky). Information about the cadet programme can be obtained from CICC Commandant Philip Hyre on 946 9810.