The dog community came out en masse to support the runners of a new and innovative road race Saturday.
The 2014 PAWS 5K Chase was staged at the Lighthouse Restaurant, Breakers, and the difference to other runs was that there was a “Beat the Chaser” element. Elite runner Dominic Corbin started seven minutes later than the rest.
Founded in 2010, PAWS (Protection of Animal Welfare Society) is a not-for-profit organization that relieves the suffering of animals in need of care and attention and provides financial assistance for spay and neuter.
PAWS also assists needy families with veterinarian bills, hosts community free dog washes and provides dog kennels for animals in need.
All those who finished ahead of Corbin – who won last month’s Cayman half marathon – were entered into a raffle for prizes. Despite the blazing sun, nobody finished barking mad.
“Everyone had fun and the whole event ran smoothly,” he said. “The Beat the Chaser made the event different from others and encouraged people to run harder to ensure they beat me.
“I caught the majority of participants, just over 50 percent of the runners. I haven’t been beaten by many runners on the island in regular races, so congratulations to those runners.”
Derek Larner was home first, in 18 minutes, 21 seconds, ahead of Greg Meaker (19:03), who ran with his super-fit dog. Tahj Lewis and Delano Callender were next in 19:09.
Tiffany Cole (20:25) was the fastest female, 23 seconds ahead of Joanna Mansi, and third fastest lady was Kiara McLaughlin in 23:27.
The Beat the Chaser grand prize was Cayman Airways vouchers, which were won by an overseas visitor.
Overall for the PAWS charity, $2,000 was raised in two races. The races also increased awareness of the animal welfare charity and its thrift shop located in Bodden Town.
“Our biggest achievements from the runs is that two of the dogs have found new homes,” said Corbin, who added that chasing down runners was exhilarating.
“I rarely find myself in last place. Chasing everyone down is lots of fun, and seeing people pick up the pace when they see me closing the gap was enjoyable.”
Corbin helped organize the event and thanked their main sponsors, the Caymanian Compass, Lighthouse Restaurant, Cayman Airways, Caymanactive.com, North Sound golf club, Jacques Scott, Ristorante Pappagallo and all their other sponsors who contributed prizes.
“We’d also like to thank our volunteers too who worked on the registration tables, helped setting out the food, timing the races and helping make the event a success,” Corbin said.
“None of this could have been possible without our events organizer Holly Uzzell. She put a lot of time into finding all our prize sponsors, securing venues and ensuring the event ran smoothly.”
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