The inaugural Inter-Secondary 5K race took place 30 April, marking the first road race in Cayman specifically designed for the student population.
The John Gray High School Physical Education Department hosted the event, which drew 171 participants from seven local secondary schools.
Cayman International School led the student turnout among a diverse roster of participating schools, which included host John Gray High School, Cayman Prep and High School, Hope Academy, St. Ignatius Catholic School, Clever Fish and Cayman Learning Centre and School.
Podium finishes
The competition saw several schools represented on the podium across eight age categories.
In the boys 11-12 division, Luca Pinhal Smith of Clever Fish secured first place, followed by Calvin Kalinowski of Cayman International School and Cameron Easdon of Clever Fish.
The girls 11-12 category was led by Brooke Katherine Rewalt of Cayman International School, with Amelie Schreiner of Clever Fish in second and Anasofia Arch of Cayman Prep and High School in third.
The results were dominated by Cayman International School in the boys 13-14 division, with Edward Peedom taking first, Toby Bell second, and Kaito Synnott third.
Una Walker of Cayman International School claimed the top spot in the girls 13-14 division, followed by Cayman Prep’s Elizabeth Wade in second and Leila Turrell in third.
Tory Yen of Hope Academy took the top spot for boys 15-16, followed by Roman Watkins and Acacio Mckayle from John Gray High School.
The girls 15-16 category was led by Reese Bateson of Cayman International School, with Alexia Edwards of John Gray High School in second and Lexi Young of Cayman International School in third.
The 17 and older categories saw Luke Garibarino of St. Ignatius placing first for the boys, and Ari Ebanks Andino of Cayman International School taking first for the girls.
The day’s fastest times belonged to Luke Garibarino of St. Ignatius, who led the boys in 18 minutes and 28 seconds, and Una Walker of Cayman International School, who lead the girls with a finishing time of 23 minutes and 24 seconds.
‘An overwhelming success’
Aaron Pollard, secondary physical education teacher at John Gray High School, said that the event has been receiving exceptionally positive feedback.
“The event was an overwhelming success. The students loved it and commented highly about it along with their parents and teachers. There are constant calls for the event to happen again next year and every year moving forward,” Pollard said.
Pollard, who confirmed that there are “definitely plans to host the event next year”, added that this reception has even prompted interest from primary schools for a similar event.
“Next year, my hope is to collaborate even more with the Department of Education Services on the 2027 version of the event,” he said.
Alison Hernandez Pavon, a John Gray High School Year 11 student and deputy competition director of the event, said that she believes the event was successful due to strong teamwork and effective preparation.
“Each team member carried out their responsibilities effectively, and having everything organised and ready played a key role in the event’s success. Seeing everything come together so smoothly made it especially meaningful to be part of bringing it to life,” Pavon said.
John Gray Year 11 students Chloe Williams, Khalia Dawkins, Glen Ebanks, Nakeelah Ferguson and Ikenna Eleweanya also served on the student organising committee alongside Pavon.
For this committee and their fellow classmates, this event served as practical experience for their 2026 CXC Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination A Level Physical Education exam, where they were required to plan and implement their own sporting event.
Jared Joiner, athletics and activities director at Cayman International School and president and coordinator of the Private School Association, also provided support by assisting with private school participation.
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