RBC’s Race for the Kids offers healthy fun for a good cause

6 May 2026

The RBC Race for the Kids on Sunday, 3 of May, was more than a race; it was a fun, purpose-filled event that sparkled right from the start and through to the finish line.

With more than 900 walkers and runners participating, the event was the largest turnout for this annual 5K walk/run where RBC raises both awareness and funds for One2One, the not-for-profit that facilitates mentoring for young Caymanians.

The event started on the Festival Green at Camana Bay where the walkers and runners gathered in the early morning sun to get ready to tackle the 5K course. It was lively and energetic right from the get-go, with morning show host Teri Lynne from Z99 welcoming people and getting them revved up with some booming hit tunes.

Families, businesses, school groups and neighbours could be seen prepping to do their best on the course as a fitness expert led them through some warm-up stretches. Deputy Governor Franz Manderson could be seen chatting with participants and a large group from Health City could be seen getting ready at the starting line.

Alli Sharma, a local resident who runs regularly and participated in the last half marathon, said at the start, “I am very much looking forward to this 5K today. The course throughout Camana Bay should be a nice one.”

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The race kicked off at 6.30am sharp as the participants passed through the gate set up on the field, headed up the Maris Avenue bridge and into Camana Bay proper. People then wove their way through the course, which included the walkway across the Esterley Tibbetts Highway to West Bay Road and back again, and then around the Cayman International School campus.

Water stops along the way ensured everyone stayed well hydrated and motivated. Even some four-legged, tail-wagging volunteers were on hand to offer cheerful encouragement.

Once people crossed the finish line, they could enjoy fresh iced coffee along with ‘Timbits’ donut holes from Tim Hortons or gelato from Allora. They could also get their photo taken at a photo booth.

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A global cause

When asked about the event as the morning wrapped up, RBC’s Head of Caribbean Banking Chris Duggan said, “This is an event that has been run globally for many years. We have 17 different events taking place across the world. Globally we’ve raised $118 million for charity.”

He emphasised the importance and underlying purpose of the event. “It’s a great event and shows the obvious commitment to the growth and development of the youth – they will be our leaders of tomorrow and are a priority. We have to invest in them today and One2One is a fantastic organisation that does transformation work. A lot of young people don’t have [mentors] and this organisation fills that gap. The results have been incredible,” he said.

RBC’s Head of Caribbean Banking Chris Duggan speaking at the event. – Photo: Lynn Markoff

Supporting his view, in a follow-up press release, RBC’s Vice President, Personal & Private Banking and Country Head, Cayman Islands Khadene Lobban, said, “RBC is committed to helping young people build in-demand skills for the jobs of tomorrow, creating pathways to support career preparedness and progression. We believe by helping to equip people with the skills for a thriving future, we can support our collective prosperity for the long term. We’re grateful to the Cayman community, One2One and all our colleagues to make this year’s race our most impactful yet.”

Board chair of One2One, Kendell Pierre, added, “This community did something extraordinary. Because of your support, One2One now serves over 220 young people – a 22% increase since 2025. We’ve expanded our ‘Boys Mentoring Network’, launched a new ‘Girls Mentoring Group’, and alongside RBC and over 10 local businesses, recruited 40 new mentors. When Cayman moves together, our youth soar.”