National pride was evident again at the Olympic Day 5k with its usual colourful entrants with a total of 175 finishers who represented more than 30 countries.
The annual run from the Truman Bodden Sports Complex was sponsored by the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee and many participants dressed in national outfits, carrying the flags or displaying symbols of their respective homelands as they went round the 3.1 mile loop at varying speeds. From elite runners to strollers, everyone found their level and added to the community spirit.
Some were intent on finishing in a good competitive time, others were involved just for the health of it, some used the opportunity to enjoy family time together and the Cayman Islands men’s national basketball team turned out in force for a chance to do a bit of bonding prior to their departure to the Island Games in the Isle of Wight.
Olympic sailors Donald McLean and Carson Ebanks of the Olympic Committee helped administer the proceedings as did Annie Mae Roffey, mother of Olympic swimmer Heather Roffey and Bernie Bush walked the course while Jim Fraser, father of Olympians Shaune and Brett, sped round. The largest contingents represented the Cayman Islands, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Philippines.
Caribbean countries were extremely visible, with entrants from Jamaica, St.Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad, Belize, Honduras and Guyana in the mix.
Entries from as far away as China, Australia and South Africa were also involved.
The afternoon sun was hot, but no hotter than Marius Acker, who sped to an early lead and was never headed, finishing in 16 minutes 56 seconds. Acker, 39, will soon have little competition because Scott Brittain is returning to Australia in a couple of weeks and also leaving are top runners James Ogden and Mark Hogan. Mike McDonald, another fast one, returned to Canada on Saturday.
Runner-up was Ogden in 17:29, with Neal Ainscow taking third in 17:52. Carl Grant (18:50) and Conrad Proud (19:09) also received trophies.
Outstanding performances by the ladies included the leading result of 20:52 by Tiffany Cole, with Emily Davies at 21:32, followed by Melissa Lim (22:29), Tracey Walker (22:52) and Lauren Nelson (23:10). Final female to cross the line was Angie Jere, with Shaad O’Garro gaining recognition on the men’s side. South African Acker said: “It was a good race and I surprised myself by going under 17 minutes in the heat. James chased me all the way and really made me work for it.
“He should not be underestimated. He’s leaving soon and I think he wanted to have a good showing. I wanted to be in Mike McDonald’s last race. We both ran our first one in Cayman together, the Earth Day run in 2006.
“I’m impressed by the young Caymanian Carl Grant. He is showing a lot of promise. He has run 5k in around 18 minutes before and is one to watch out for in the future.”
Pizza and ice cream was well received by all present. A number of random prizes were distributed. The event organiser was coach Jerry Harper of the Phoenix Athletic Club who thanked Tiki Beach, Tim Buc Too, The Brasserie, Red Sail Sports, Reflections, Blue Iguana Safaris, the Glassblowing Studio and Jacques Scott for their contributions. Individual finish times are posted on www.caymanactive.com
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