Online registration is now open for the 2026 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge, an event that this year carries a meaning beyond miles and medals.
As Deputy Governor Franz Manderson prepares to retire from the civil service in July, this year’s challenge will be the final one held under his leadership.
“This year’s theme, ‘Honouring the journey. Powered by heart’ speaks to many journeys at once,” a government press release said on 3 March.
“It honours Deputy Governor Manderson’s own remarkable journey including his years of dedicated public service and his leadership of the civil service.”
The press release explained that it also honours the journeys of the 2026 beneficiaries.
They are the Special Olympics Cayman Islands athletes preparing for the World Games, and the patients and families navigating illness with the support of Jasmine.
The third beneficiary is the women and men whose lives have been touched and transformed by the Breast Cancer Foundation.
The race dates for the challenge are 8 March for the Cayman Brac race, 15 March for the Little Cayman race and 29 March for the Grand Cayman race.
Registration fees are CI$25 for adults (18 and older) and $10 for children under 18. Members of the public can register online here.
Online registration for each event closes the day before the race date. In person registration will not be offered this year.
Last year, the Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge raised CI$93,660, with each of its three beneficiaries receiving $31,220.
Over the years, the race has contributed $742,660 to local charities, supporting initiatives in healthcare, education, youth development and wellbeing.
