Participants in the Cayman Islands Marathon held recently did not run short of inspiration and encouragement as they were spurred on by members of the 13 water stations along the race route, who themselves were motivated by the chance to win Cayman Airways tickets.

The water station posses were part of the organizers efforts to liven up the race while providing essential support to the runners in the form of water, Gatorade and energy boosting snacks. In turn, runners were asked to vote for the best water stop along the route so that the members of that team could win the tickets.

“One of the most important elements of a marathon is the water stops. Any runner will tell you that it is essential to his/her successful completion of the race,” explains Rhonda Kelly of Kelly Holding Ltd., organizers of the Marathon. “These teams were amazing! They were enthusiastic, supportive and most of all, they did their job which was to give water to the runners. We could not have asked for a better group of people to assist us.”

Water stop officials were required to attend a volunteers meeting, pick up their supplies and be in place by 4:00am on race morning to await the arrival of the runners. Equipped with costumes, boom boxes and balloons, teams Da Wha U Get, Cool Runnings, Cadet Corps Coolers, Century 21, Cheerleaders, Give Dem a Run, Special Olympics, Maples and Calder, Sunset Divers, the ABCs, Viva Mexico, Water Babies and the West Bay Community Council, the water station attendants began their race to be the most memorable sight along the route.

In the end, it was Viva Mexico who walked away with the prize, narrowly beating The Cheerleaders. Organised by Claudia Redican, the Mexicans put on an unforgettable show that included Mexican flags, music, traditional costumes, signs, children, face paint and even tequila!

“We had so much fun!” said Clarissa Belfoure of Viva Mexico, after the team accepted their prize. “We were out there to motivate the runners but they were the ones who inspired us! They are all winners!”

Plans are already underway for the 2004 Marathon which takes place on Sunday, 5 December 2004 and Rhonda hopes that more people will volunteer in order to make the water stops just as exciting as they were this year.

For more information about the Cayman Islands Marathon, call 946 8822 or email info@caymanislandsmarathon.com.