Two non-profit organisations, the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps and the Cancer Society (CICS), have benefited from the enormous success of the Cayman Islands Marathon which took place in December 2006.

The race, which features a marathon (26.2 miles), half-marathon (13.1) and 4-person relay, doubled its numbers from the 2005 race, attracting 48 marathoners, 214 half-marathoners and 31 teams. This resulted in a donation of $3240 and $1620 to the Cadets and the Cancer Society respectively.

“All proceeds from the Cayman Islands Marathon go to these two great charities,” explained Rhonda Kelly of Kelly Holding Ltd., race organiser. “The amount of the donations is based on the amount of registrations received. The Cadets receive a more significant portion of the proceeds from the registrations as they are the main charity, the reason why the Marathon was borne in the first place. However, as the event continues to grow, which we fully anticipate based on what we saw with this last race, both organisations will see considerable benefits to being a part of this event. It also motivates the charities to find ways to help the event to grow as they take ownership of the race. We are looking forward to giving much more money to these groups this year.”

“As beneficiaries of the Cayman Islands Marathon proceeds from its inception, we are extremely pleased to accept this donation,” said Cadet Corps Commandant Philip Hyre. “We are proud to be a part of this great event, and it is exciting to watch it grow from strength to strength each year. We look forward to a continued, mutually beneficial partnership with the Cayman Islands Marathon.”

“The Cancer Society is excited to be a part of the Cayman Islands Marathon,” says Glenn Mitchell, CICS Fundraising Chairperson/Director who accepted the cheque on behalf of the Society. “This is our first year participating and we had a great time. We look forward to a lasting partnership with this great event which promotes health and fitness in the community.”

The Cayman Islands Marathon was sponsored by Digicel; Cayman Islands Department of Tourism; Deloitte; Cayman National; Breezes By The Bay Restaurant (Official Marathon Party Zone); 106.1 KISS FM (Official Radio Station); Cayman Airways; Flowers Bottled Water (Official Water); Gatorade (Official Sports Drink); Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort (Official Hotel); TAG Heuer; Final Touch; Butterfield Bank; Audi, CUC; RE/MAX Cayman Islands; Generali; Admiral; KPMG; Red Sail Sports; Island Companies and Pepsi.

For results, photos and 2007 online registration, log on to www.CaymanIslandsMarathon.com.