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Marathon Details - Cayman Islands Marathon

International Marathons > Cayman Islands > Grand Cayman > Cayman Islands Marathon

Cayman Islands Marathon

Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon & Half Marathon, Marathon Relay

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

December 1, 2024

http://www.CaymanIslandsMarathon.com

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Race Details

Very Flat, Fast course on beautiful Caribbean Island of Grand Cayman

Contact Information

Name:	Rhonda Kelly
Address:	P.O. Box 2712 GT Grand Cayman
Phone Number:	345 946 8822
Fax Number:	345 946 8811
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

We're small with a BIG Heart! (7/22/08)

Rhonda Kelly

We are a small race but also intimate. You will feel like much more than a number at our race and enjoy true Caymanian hospitality while you're here, from the moment you walk out of the airport and are greeted by our enthusiastic staff until you receive your commemorative turtle medal when you cross the finish line!

Runner Reviews (9)

Course 4.4

Organization 4.9

Spectators 3.3

Write a review

Number of comments: 9

K. T. from Chicago, USA (12/11/2019) "Run Fun in Sun" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Cayman Islands Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my favorite Marathon because of the beautiful scenery and wonderful people. Here are things that some people may not like: 75-80F temperatures, there are 2 loops, start in the dark at 5 a.m., splits at start/finish and 6.5/13.1 only, cars on the course (drivers are courteous), only 80+ full Marathoners (could get lonely). There were many nice aspects to the whole experience. This was my 2nd CI Marathon and 7th trip to Grand Cayman. The people are so nice and accommodating. The race had British efficiency and Caribbean hospitality. It was very well organized with helpful, cheerful people. The start/finish area was clean and well-stocked with refreshments. Shuttles took runners to and from hotels. Few fans were on the course, but energetic helpers were at the water stops every mile. There were sea breezes, swaying palms, and views of the Caribbean. As Jimmy Buffett might say, come down to the little latitudes and run this race.
J. F. from New York, NY (12/30/2014) "Great Experience for Destination Race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I had a fantastic experience and would highly recommend this race! I took a direct flight from New York and stayed at the Westin (great hotel) with my girlfriend, who ran the Half while I did the Full Marathon. The Westin hosted the expo and featured a marathon discount for the room (nice savings!). At the expo, enthusiastic volunteers distributed, among other things, really cool Cayman Marathon shirts and tank tops, which were great conversation starters the rest of the week on the beach. There was a free pasta dinner the night before the race including a free shuttle to and from the restaurant in Georgetown. On race day, yet another free shuttle (they came at staggered times) to the start line. The race started in complete darkness - it was a surreal experience - and remained dark for 90 minutes or so, until you could see the sun peak over the horizon. In reality, you probably only saw the ocean for 1/6 of the time, but the whole race has a warm, supportive island vibe to it. The medal is heavy and large and one of my favorites. Free shuttle back to the hotel circuit too. It did get hot once the sun started shining, but with the pre-dawn start time, I didn't get burnt or feel overheated (there were many aid stations).
J. P. from Caribbean (12/4/2012) "Friendly and well organized" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I have to admit I was skeptical about this marathon: 2 loops, not many spectators, not many runners, the heat. Now I am a convert. Here are my comments: Pre-Race: Packet pick up was quick and smooth. No expo to speak of but then again I don't know that there are many running stores on the Island. The goodie bag was loaded with, well, goodies. The Race: Starting in the dark on the waterfront was peaceful. The course is very flat and most of it is scenic (except for 1 mile near the end of each lap that is on a commercial road and not as scenic). Water stops were frequent (more than 1 each mile). The water stops were well stocked (water cups, bottles, gatorade, crackers, cookies) but I didn't see any gels (glad I carried my own). There were spectators in only a few spots but the water stops were loud and cheerful, you could hear them before you could see them. There were port o potties on the course as well. Most people in this race do the half marathon, so I heard it could get lonely on the 2nd lap. However, between the relay teams, the 110+ full marathoners and the half marathon walkers, I actually thought there were enough people around at all times. The finish line was lively. They announced every runners' names as they came through. The medal is huge, very nice original design and it weighs a ton. Post-Race: There wasn't that much choice in food, mostly chocolate bars, granola bars, fruit and some other snack items. There was lots of water, gatorade and of course, beer. The wait for massages really wasn't very long, as there is a table reserved for full marathoners. All in all, this marathon had everything I needed (and more). I hope I can come back in 2013 and I would definitely recommend it to others!
K. N. from Chicago, IL, USA (12/7/2011) "Beautiful experience." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my favorite Marathon because of the beautiful scenery and wonderful people. Here are some things that some people won't like, but I found fun or exotic: 75-80F temperatures, there are 2 loops, start in the dark at 5 a.m., splits at start/finish and 6.5/13.1 only, cars on the course (drivers are courteous), sleepy dogs on the course, only 100 full Marathoners (could get lonely). There were many nice aspects to the whole experience. A race representative met me at the airport to greet me and send me to a special customs line. This was my first CI Marathon but 6th trip to Grand Cayman. The people are so nice and accommodating. The race had British efficiency and Caribbean hospitality. It was very well organized with helpful, cheerful people. The start/finish area was clean and well-stocked with refreshments (including CayBrew beer). Shuttles took runners to and from hotels. Few fans were on the course, but energetic helpers at the water stops every mile called out runners' names and encouraged them (they had printouts of the race rosters). There were sea breezes, swaying palms, and views of the Caribbean. The air quality was much better than the big city races. As Jimmy Buffett might say, change your latitude and your attitude; come to the Cayman Islands and run this race.
T. D. from Cincinnati Ohio, USA (12/8/2010) "Lots of fun for a small, island marathon!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 If you want a well organized, personal marathon, on a flat course, this is the one. Very friendly people, small race, great water/Gatorade stops, and wonderful warm (hot) weather. Eat post-race fruit, drink Caybrew beer, and family members can watch from the balcony of the Breezes Restaurant at the 13-mile point. After the race, go back to the host hotel and swim in the surf, hot tub it, or lie out in the sun. If you like lots of spectators, this is not the one. Very nice pasta dinner, packet pick-up, etc. Course runs along the beach for just a couple of miles. Also, it appeared that many 20-30 something girls teamed up for the marathon or the half, so single guys out there might find it fun!
Activemarc -x from Grand Cayman (12/10/2009) "2009 Cayman Islands Marathon - A Must-Do!" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This event was well organized! The water stations and all of the volunteers did an awesome job! Great course and perfect weather! Will do it again!! :-)
Kevin Cunningham from Atlanta GA USA (12/10/2009) "Friendliest (Half) Destination Marathon Ever!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is probably the friendliest (half) marathon I've ever run! If you plan to be on Grand Cayman Island in early December, then you need to schedule your visit around this race! When I planned to vacation on 7 Mile Beach in early December this year, I wasn't aware of the race; perhaps because it's small in number. But they make up for it in sheer friendliness and support! PRE-RACE: After registering via Active.com for the half, I started getting emails from Bev, the race director, asking me to provide my inbound flight info. This was to ensure that race volunteers would be there to welcome us! When we landed at the airport, there was a special line at Immigration for race participants only (bonus!), which saved us from waiting in the normal 50+ person line! And just outside the airport's doors, there were four or five race volunteers there to welcome us and give us our first goody bag (some Tortuga Rum cake and other sundries)! Also, by sheer coincidence, my wife and I were staying at the sponsor hotel (Marriott) and were provided the info for the Saturday expo. The expo is small and highly organized; I collected my bib, goody bag and pasta dinner ticket (included in the price of entry) within two minutes and was back on the beach before my rum and coke got warm; again, another benefit of a small race! The (all-your-can-eat) pasta dinner was held in a touristy (but good) restaurant, called Breezes by the Bay, in the heart of George Town; there are two sittings, 4 and 6:30 p.m.; do the 4 p.m. since the 6:30 maxed out and the restaurant space can get crowded. There were three types of pasta, two of which were vegetarian; I'd rate the dinner as above average; given the prices on the island, it was a deal (additional tickets for spouses, kids, etc. were $20 USD). RACE DAY: The first thing everyone should be aware of is that this race starts at 5 a.m. on a Sunday!!!! That kind of precludes staying out late on Saturday. But another bonus for staying at the host hotel was the free shuttle to start and return back from the finish!!! That's a bonus because taxis are expensive in the Caymans! The race is chipped but just has splits for the full. Bonus: the half chip is disposable, so there was no bending over to remove at the end of the race. The start/finish line is right in front of that Breezes restaurant (George Town is small and compact). The course is one 13.1-mile loop; two loops for the full. The course is flat, flat, flat! Since the route is somewhat out-and-back, the plentiful water and Gatorade stations (no more than one mile apart!!) sometimes can serve runners in both directions; you will not get dehydrated on this course and you don't need to carry your own water! (Another bonus!) Cayman weather can be warm and humid; race day, December 6, 2009, was 79 F, with about the same in humidity, and there was not much breeze that early in the day. Unless you're conditioned for hot-weather running, I respectfully suggest that you ease up and just enjoy the run. POST-RACE: A special racers' only section allows you to cool down without getting crowded, plus has the bonus of free Corona beer! (This race just keeps on delivering!) The finisher medal is nicely done. There's a free massage tent, but it queues up quickly. The shuttles back to the hotels are a short walk away. Since the cordoned off area is in downtown, the tall buildings help keep the sun off of you. Again, all of the volunteers are extremely friendly and helpful (as is everyone native to the Caymans). Note to full racers: The folks I talked to who did the full said it got quite hot once the sun was up off of the horizon, and also that they ran out of beer before the last finishers got to the end. SUMMARY: If you want to visit a great Caribbean island and get in a quick half marathon, this is the event! Plus, Bev and her staff are some of the friendliest bunch of organizers and volunteers I've met. For a $50 USD entry fee, this is one heck of bargain!
J. G. from Iowa (12/9/2009) "Great Experience" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I spent a year researching a marathon to run to celebrate my 50th birthday. This race fit my criteria perfectly. It couldn't have been a better experience (except for the heat, but that couldn't be helped). This race is the absolute best it can be. It was an overall great experience!
B. W. from Barnsley, England (12/5/2003) "Want To Run Boston? ...Run This Race!!!!" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Other than the lack of spectators, the race was great. My wife and I ran it last year. It was the first ever Cayman Marathon. Had some problems, but every first-time marathon has them (ex: san Diego). Two-loop course that is very flat and fast for those of you wanting to go to Boston... Aid stations are great with a lot of support which you will need on second loop. NO spectators along course. Only at aid stations. Rained last year... heat can be a problem!! Other than that, great race!! CHEERS



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K. T. from Chicago, USA (12/11/2019) "Run Fun in Sun" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Cayman Islands Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my favorite Marathon because of the beautiful scenery and wonderful people. Here are things that some people may not like: 75-80F temperatures, there are 2 loops, start in the dark at 5 a.m., splits at start/finish and 6.5/13.1 only, cars on the course (drivers are courteous), only 80+ full Marathoners (could get lonely). There were many nice aspects to the whole experience. This was my 2nd CI Marathon and 7th trip to Grand Cayman. The people are so nice and accommodating. The race had British efficiency and Caribbean hospitality. It was very well organized with helpful, cheerful people. The start/finish area was clean and well-stocked with refreshments. Shuttles took runners to and from hotels. Few fans were on the course, but energetic helpers were at the water stops every mile. There were sea breezes, swaying palms, and views of the Caribbean. As Jimmy Buffett might say, come down to the little latitudes and run this race.
J. F. from New York, NY (12/30/2014) "Great Experience for Destination Race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I had a fantastic experience and would highly recommend this race! I took a direct flight from New York and stayed at the Westin (great hotel) with my girlfriend, who ran the Half while I did the Full Marathon. The Westin hosted the expo and featured a marathon discount for the room (nice savings!). At the expo, enthusiastic volunteers distributed, among other things, really cool Cayman Marathon shirts and tank tops, which were great conversation starters the rest of the week on the beach. There was a free pasta dinner the night before the race including a free shuttle to and from the restaurant in Georgetown. On race day, yet another free shuttle (they came at staggered times) to the start line. The race started in complete darkness - it was a surreal experience - and remained dark for 90 minutes or so, until you could see the sun peak over the horizon. In reality, you probably only saw the ocean for 1/6 of the time, but the whole race has a warm, supportive island vibe to it. The medal is heavy and large and one of my favorites. Free shuttle back to the hotel circuit too. It did get hot once the sun started shining, but with the pre-dawn start time, I didn't get burnt or feel overheated (there were many aid stations).
J. P. from Caribbean (12/4/2012) "Friendly and well organized" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I have to admit I was skeptical about this marathon: 2 loops, not many spectators, not many runners, the heat. Now I am a convert. Here are my comments: Pre-Race: Packet pick up was quick and smooth. No expo to speak of but then again I don't know that there are many running stores on the Island. The goodie bag was loaded with, well, goodies. The Race: Starting in the dark on the waterfront was peaceful. The course is very flat and most of it is scenic (except for 1 mile near the end of each lap that is on a commercial road and not as scenic). Water stops were frequent (more than 1 each mile). The water stops were well stocked (water cups, bottles, gatorade, crackers, cookies) but I didn't see any gels (glad I carried my own). There were spectators in only a few spots but the water stops were loud and cheerful, you could hear them before you could see them. There were port o potties on the course as well. Most people in this race do the half marathon, so I heard it could get lonely on the 2nd lap. However, between the relay teams, the 110+ full marathoners and the half marathon walkers, I actually thought there were enough people around at all times. The finish line was lively. They announced every runners' names as they came through. The medal is huge, very nice original design and it weighs a ton. Post-Race: There wasn't that much choice in food, mostly chocolate bars, granola bars, fruit and some other snack items. There was lots of water, gatorade and of course, beer. The wait for massages really wasn't very long, as there is a table reserved for full marathoners. All in all, this marathon had everything I needed (and more). I hope I can come back in 2013 and I would definitely recommend it to others!
K. N. from Chicago, IL, USA (12/7/2011) "Beautiful experience." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my favorite Marathon because of the beautiful scenery and wonderful people. Here are some things that some people won't like, but I found fun or exotic: 75-80F temperatures, there are 2 loops, start in the dark at 5 a.m., splits at start/finish and 6.5/13.1 only, cars on the course (drivers are courteous), sleepy dogs on the course, only 100 full Marathoners (could get lonely). There were many nice aspects to the whole experience. A race representative met me at the airport to greet me and send me to a special customs line. This was my first CI Marathon but 6th trip to Grand Cayman. The people are so nice and accommodating. The race had British efficiency and Caribbean hospitality. It was very well organized with helpful, cheerful people. The start/finish area was clean and well-stocked with refreshments (including CayBrew beer). Shuttles took runners to and from hotels. Few fans were on the course, but energetic helpers at the water stops every mile called out runners' names and encouraged them (they had printouts of the race rosters). There were sea breezes, swaying palms, and views of the Caribbean. The air quality was much better than the big city races. As Jimmy Buffett might say, change your latitude and your attitude; come to the Cayman Islands and run this race.
T. D. from Cincinnati Ohio, USA (12/8/2010) "Lots of fun for a small, island marathon!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 If you want a well organized, personal marathon, on a flat course, this is the one. Very friendly people, small race, great water/Gatorade stops, and wonderful warm (hot) weather. Eat post-race fruit, drink Caybrew beer, and family members can watch from the balcony of the Breezes Restaurant at the 13-mile point. After the race, go back to the host hotel and swim in the surf, hot tub it, or lie out in the sun. If you like lots of spectators, this is not the one. Very nice pasta dinner, packet pick-up, etc. Course runs along the beach for just a couple of miles. Also, it appeared that many 20-30 something girls teamed up for the marathon or the half, so single guys out there might find it fun!
Activemarc -x from Grand Cayman (12/10/2009) "2009 Cayman Islands Marathon - A Must-Do!" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This event was well organized! The water stations and all of the volunteers did an awesome job! Great course and perfect weather! Will do it again!! :-)
Kevin Cunningham from Atlanta GA USA (12/10/2009) "Friendliest (Half) Destination Marathon Ever!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is probably the friendliest (half) marathon I've ever run! If you plan to be on Grand Cayman Island in early December, then you need to schedule your visit around this race! When I planned to vacation on 7 Mile Beach in early December this year, I wasn't aware of the race; perhaps because it's small in number. But they make up for it in sheer friendliness and support! PRE-RACE: After registering via Active.com for the half, I started getting emails from Bev, the race director, asking me to provide my inbound flight info. This was to ensure that race volunteers would be there to welcome us! When we landed at the airport, there was a special line at Immigration for race participants only (bonus!), which saved us from waiting in the normal 50+ person line! And just outside the airport's doors, there were four or five race volunteers there to welcome us and give us our first goody bag (some Tortuga Rum cake and other sundries)! Also, by sheer coincidence, my wife and I were staying at the sponsor hotel (Marriott) and were provided the info for the Saturday expo. The expo is small and highly organized; I collected my bib, goody bag and pasta dinner ticket (included in the price of entry) within two minutes and was back on the beach before my rum and coke got warm; again, another benefit of a small race! The (all-your-can-eat) pasta dinner was held in a touristy (but good) restaurant, called Breezes by the Bay, in the heart of George Town; there are two sittings, 4 and 6:30 p.m.; do the 4 p.m. since the 6:30 maxed out and the restaurant space can get crowded. There were three types of pasta, two of which were vegetarian; I'd rate the dinner as above average; given the prices on the island, it was a deal (additional tickets for spouses, kids, etc. were $20 USD). RACE DAY: The first thing everyone should be aware of is that this race starts at 5 a.m. on a Sunday!!!! That kind of precludes staying out late on Saturday. But another bonus for staying at the host hotel was the free shuttle to start and return back from the finish!!! That's a bonus because taxis are expensive in the Caymans! The race is chipped but just has splits for the full. Bonus: the half chip is disposable, so there was no bending over to remove at the end of the race. The start/finish line is right in front of that Breezes restaurant (George Town is small and compact). The course is one 13.1-mile loop; two loops for the full. The course is flat, flat, flat! Since the route is somewhat out-and-back, the plentiful water and Gatorade stations (no more than one mile apart!!) sometimes can serve runners in both directions; you will not get dehydrated on this course and you don't need to carry your own water! (Another bonus!) Cayman weather can be warm and humid; race day, December 6, 2009, was 79 F, with about the same in humidity, and there was not much breeze that early in the day. Unless you're conditioned for hot-weather running, I respectfully suggest that you ease up and just enjoy the run. POST-RACE: A special racers' only section allows you to cool down without getting crowded, plus has the bonus of free Corona beer! (This race just keeps on delivering!) The finisher medal is nicely done. There's a free massage tent, but it queues up quickly. The shuttles back to the hotels are a short walk away. Since the cordoned off area is in downtown, the tall buildings help keep the sun off of you. Again, all of the volunteers are extremely friendly and helpful (as is everyone native to the Caymans). Note to full racers: The folks I talked to who did the full said it got quite hot once the sun was up off of the horizon, and also that they ran out of beer before the last finishers got to the end. SUMMARY: If you want to visit a great Caribbean island and get in a quick half marathon, this is the event! Plus, Bev and her staff are some of the friendliest bunch of organizers and volunteers I've met. For a $50 USD entry fee, this is one heck of bargain!
J. G. from Iowa (12/9/2009) "Great Experience" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Cayman Islands Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I spent a year researching a marathon to run to celebrate my 50th birthday. This race fit my criteria perfectly. It couldn't have been a better experience (except for the heat, but that couldn't be helped). This race is the absolute best it can be. It was an overall great experience!
B. W. from Barnsley, England (12/5/2003) "Want To Run Boston? ...Run This Race!!!!" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Other than the lack of spectators, the race was great. My wife and I ran it last year. It was the first ever Cayman Marathon. Had some problems, but every first-time marathon has them (ex: san Diego). Two-loop course that is very flat and fast for those of you wanting to go to Boston... Aid stations are great with a lot of support which you will need on second loop. NO spectators along course. Only at aid stations. Rained last year... heat can be a problem!! Other than that, great race!! CHEERS

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Marathon Details - Cayman Islands Marathon