In the predawn hours of Saturday, April 6th, a spectacular burst of color and energy erupted from Guardians Alive (GA) and Break The Record (BTR) participants, heralding the start of an unforgettable day. The exhilarating early morning road activities seamlessly transitioned into a festival of joy, lasting until every last participant was served breakfast, won prizes or awards, got wellness info and more. From the first rays of sunlight illuminating the laughter and camaraderie, to the heartwarming sight of community members helping restore the venue to an even better state than it was received, there was not one empty moment. The GA event was a true vision of unity and celebration in our community. Mrs. Adonza Harrison, Event Coordinator and Founding Director of GA, captured the essence of the event’s achievement, stating, “Every year, we aim to improve on the previous year’s logistical experiences. This year, we didn’t just surpass our goals; we positively impacted and added value to the lives of everyone who joined us.”
Guardians Alive– in its 10th triumphant event and Fundraising Finale, presented a kaleidoscope of joy and mutual support that spanned from predawn till breakfast. This gathering was distinguished not only by its inclusivity but by its appeal to participants of every physical level and age, solidifying its status as one of the island’s most treasured cultural, holistic wellness, and community events. But the event’s significance extended
beyond mere amusement. GA & BTR were dedicated to elevating awareness and generating funds for essential charitable causes, with the backing of compassionate corporations and government partners, ensuring every attendee felt a profound sense of value and contribution. Capturing the event’s essence were the island’s premier photographers and drone operator, including Wil Bignal, Courtney Platt, Katie O’Neill, David Goddard, and Omari Rankine, whose lenses skillfully chronicled the unforgettable moments, further
enhancing the event’s storied legacy.
By offering free participation in water wellness, 2.5k, and 5K activities, our Main Co-Title sponsors: BAF Cayman, BDO Cayman, Sagicor Cayman, and Essential Living & Wellness along with Gold Sponsors, Government Ministry of Investment, Innovation, and Social Development and Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Heritage and others, helped GA ensure open access to those starting their wellness journey. Simultaneously, BTR challenged seasoned and elite athletes to aim higher, fostering a climate of excellence and community contribution.
This atmosphere of determination and camaraderie was skillfully marshalled by elite professional athletes Patrick Harfield, Alyssa Burgess, and Gabe Rabess, on their bikes, alongside the cadre of RCIPS officers led by Shemar Dawkins and our elite Guardians Yazzer Abdullah and ultra runner Alicia Proud. Their watchful eyes not only raised the bar of competition but also deeply enriched the experience for all BTR charity runners, creating an environment where excellence thrives alongside supportive community engagement.
Our dedicated BTR runners truly pushed their limits, resulting in an exhilarating chase against the clock, to break records set in 2023. Our champions who redefined excellence that morning were Tafari Khan, who blazed through the 5K with a remarkable time of 16:15, Jack MacKenzie, who raced neck and neck with Sean Lilley until the last few meters and conquered the 10K in an impressive 37:01, Heather Francis locked in the 10K female
category at 49:34, while Team GV collectively triumphed with a stellar performance of 1:30:02 in the 2-Person HALF Relay. Full results can be seen on Race Caribbean Guardians Alive – Break the Record 2024 – Race Caribbean.
Remarkably, records set by Michelle Vinton in the 5K Female category, and both Sean Lilley and Jalene Cruz in their respective Half Marathon categories, remain unchallenged. Jack MacKenzie, who broke the 10K record, shared his experience saying, “That race was probably the best or the most organized race that I’ve done since being on the island.” Congratulations to all BTR charity runners for their outstanding achievements and indomitable spirit!”
The BTR runners kicked off on our purposefully planned routes from 5 AM to help ensure all participants could cross the finish line well in time to enjoy the post-race festivities. The regular participants received a burst of energy when former Director of Sports, Collin Anglin, initiated the start of their segment at 5:45 AM. This was after an invigorating warm-up session led by Guardian Winston Sobers and an introduction to their dedicated Flag Pacers, expertly organized by Flag Pacers Director, Michael Bromby. To support participant pacing goals, eight Guardian pacers were on hand, guiding runners toward
achieving their 5K timing goals, whether aiming for a brisk 23-minute finish or a more moderate 45-minute completion.
A highlight was our Run Director, Scott Ruby, (along with his new pram partner, Jessica Ebanks) participated in the Half Marathon. This marked a full circle from his beginnings as the Lead Guardian in August 2015, where he dedicated himself to supporting others and now he can enjoy being served by our community.
Amidst the athletic prowess, the heart of our community shone brightly. Winners were awarded specially crafted semi-precious Caymanite medals, designed by Ms. Harrison and handcrafted by award winning artisans Horacio Esteban, Marlena Anglin, Billy Banker, and Rose May Ebanks. It was a celebration showcasing our rich local heritage. The event was designed to enrich every participant’s experience intricately. Finisher medals were given to
all, along with Casanova coupons, and the freshest local egg omelettes courtesy of Chef Shanan’s Got Eggs farm. The talented Ritz Carlton’s Executive Chef, Frederic Morineau, and his Sous Chef team helped Chef Shanan in the kitchen enabling him to extend breakfast to the community at large. Our volunteers delivered hot breakfasts to the Golden Age Home residents and nurses. Some local security officers doing the graveyard shifts and all RCIPS
Law Officers were extended invitations to order and collect their breakfasts.
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