Derek Larner, one of the most beloved long distance coaches will be commemorated with a memorial run, named in his honour in the new year.
The inaugural event, organised by Race Caribbean and Tower Marketing, is scheduled to take place on 12 Jan., and will feature a 5K, 10K, half relay or half marathon for participants.
Registration opened on Friday, 15 Nov., and all ages and fitness levels are welcome to take part.
Larner passed away on 5 Jan. 2021 at the age of 56 following a three-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
His wife Laura requested that the proceeds from the memorial run benefit the Jasmine hospice and the Cayman Islands Cancer Society – two organisations that supported their family throughout Larner’s illness.
“Hospice care was invaluable in making Derek’s final days as comfortable as possible, but hospice workers also provide essential support to carers and family members,” Laura stated in a press release. “We want to make sure that the amazing work Jasmine does is available to those in Cayman going through the same thing we did.
“The Cancer Society also provides essential support to those in the Cayman community affected by cancer and we want to help them to continue to provide funding and other resources to as many people in the Cayman Islands as we can. Nobody should face cancer alone.”
Larner was heavily involved with the Cancer Society’s annual Stride Against Cancer walk/run, and the run was dedicated to him the year he passed.
Prior to his death, he extended his thanks to friends, family and athletes, and in a gesture of selflessness he requested that people make donations to those who weren’t as lucky as him.
“If you want to do something,” he said, “I would recommend you make a donation to a local cancer society, because I’m fortunate where I am able to get treatment and I have got good medical insurance.”
While the inaugural race in his honour will be held in January next year, organisers confirmed that future editions of the memorial run will take place in October, ensuring the race becomes a highlight of the local annual race calendar.
Trevor Murphy, operations manager at Race Caribbean and a close friend of Larner’s, noted that his late comrade was a pillar of the running community.
“His enthusiasm for the sport and his encouragement of others to lead active lives has left an indelible mark on all of us,” Murphy said. “This race is more than just a tribute to his life; it’s a way to keep his spirit alive and bring people together in a positive way.”
For more information on the Derek Larner Memorial Run and to register, visit racecaribbean.net/event/derek-larner-memorial-run.
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