The 3rd Annual Cayman Islands Marathon doesn't take place until Sunday, 5 December 2004 but marketing and promotion for the event has already begun in earnest and the expectation by organizers is to have 1000 people running through the streets of Cayman in 9 months!

"We think and dream big!" says Rhonda Kelly of Kelly Holding Ltd., the 2003 race organiser. "We believe that if we package this event just right, we can achieve our goal of 1000 runners and make the Cayman Islands Marathon the premier running event in the Caribbean."

The Marathon is a great way to promote Cayman as a sports destination, says Rhonda, citing countries in the Caribbean such as St. Lucia, Barbados and Jamaica which have capitalized on their reputations as tourist meccas which happen to boast first-class sporting facilities.

"St. Lucia hosts the Double Wicket World Championship which attracts 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," says Rhonda. "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 and we think the Marathon is an opportunity to do so."

Rhonda also mentioned Cayman's recent hosting of international track and field superstars Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery during their off-season training and the upcoming qualifying tournament for the 2004 Rugby World Cup Sevens in June which will be held in Cayman as important strides toward making the Cayman Islands the destination of choice for world-class athletes.

As far as the Cayman Islands Marathon is concerned, the team at Kelly Holding Ltd. is busy trying to secure sponsorship for this year's event, a formidable task.

"We need sponsors who see and share our vision for this event," Rhonda explained. "Right now it may seem like a small-island race with 200 participants but the potential for the Marathon to grow is there and we are working overtime to make that vision a reality but we need the support of a few good companies who are willing to make the investment in the event and in the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps to whom all proceeds from the race go."

She expressed her gratitude to such partners as the Grand Cayman Marriott, Z99 FM, Cayman Airways and the Department of Tourism which have all made long-term commitments to the Marathon, and to the Cadets themselves who have demonstrated their dedication by providing volunteers during the event weekend and giving invaluable input throughout the planning process.

If the feedback from the runners who participated in last year's race is any indication, the marathon organizers are well on the way to achieving their goal. Of the approximately 200 registrants, about 15 were athletes who came from overseas, mainly the United States. According to Rhonda, almost all of them have said that they will be in Cayman for the long run in 2004, and hopefully bringing friends and family with them.

"We had perfect weather, wonderful volunteers and keen runners. I think the overseas runners were impressed with what they saw and want to come back for that experience this year."

Online registration has already opened at www.caymanislandsmarathon.com and Rhonda is fielding inquiries from running clubs in Chicago and Morocco, with one club planning to bring over 100 runners. In addition, there are plans to distribute over 50,000 brochures about the 2004 race at other marathons throughout the USA and the rest of the world, as well as send broadcast emails to 45,000 running enthusiasts through All Sports Central, a company in the U.S. which maintains the Cayman Islands Marathon website and does the timing and posting of results for the race. The future also holds the possibility of cash prizes, Rhonda reveals.

"As you can tell, we have big plans for this event, and any partner who comes on board with us can be assured that they will get value for their money, and lots of enthusiasm and drive," Rhonda declares. "I hope that others will catch our vision and join us for the long run in 2004!"

Information about the cadet programme can be obtained from CICC Commandant Philip Hyre on 946 9810.