The ninth annual Guardians Alive (GA) FREE community wellness event is just around the corner so get registered now! It will take place on Saturday, 1st April 2023 at the world renown and beautiful Seven Mile Public Beach. GA is the main annual event of the registered Non-Profit Organization with the same name. GA has been successfully facilitating the elite runners’ Break the Record (BTR) sub-events, on the same day, to enable our charity runners to enjoy Chef Shanan’s Omelette Station after their run.
Chef Shanan Harrison, Co-Founder of Guardians Alive NPO and main organizer for the breakfast stations, opened the breakfast station to the entire community last year. Both locals and tourists were very grateful this blessing. The community breakfast is now an event that’s not just serving the athletes. Those who work on Saturday can do a short 2.5K walk and have breakfast from as early 6 AM. Our professional chefs come from various beloved local restaurant and our young aspiring chefs.
GA’s new main Co-Title Sponsor, BAF Caymans’ General Manager, Ms. Vernice West says, “BAF Insurance believes in a holistic approach to health. Supporting Guardians Alive event fits our mission to support a variety of organizations that care about the health and well-being of our community. We are looking forward to this event and a long partnership with Guardians Alive.” Joining BAF as Main Co-Title Sponsors are BDO Cayman, Essential Living & Sagicor. Sagicor Cayman’s “eager to help where we can in this unified effort to serve our community” says Tatiana Brown, Country Manager of Sagicor
As GA seeks to challenge our elite runners to pay it forward and run for our linked charities, BTR’s Main Title Sponsor, BDO Cayman, has sponsored the event since 2021 and Mr. Russell Smith says “BDO is supportive of GA ideals of wellness, kindness, connectivity, positivity, and inspiration. BDO wishes to continue and secure the memory and legacy of our friend and colleague Derek Larner aka “Coach Derek” and is delighted that the sponsorship will go towards the heavily depended on and highly valued Meals on Wheels [East End Seniors program])”. Jennifer West of Meals on Wheels appreciates being the recipient of these funds which was pledged for 2023 & 2024. GA loves that this baseline contribution will help provide 320+ meals for feed our East End seniors for these pledged years.
The other recipients of our 2-year fundraising period are ARK Cayman’s MER mentorship program for our at-risk youth in memory of Elliot J. Ebanks, and the Breast Cancer Foundation in memory of Sis. Edith Ebanks and in honor of all survivors/thrivers. Our Charity Captains are: Gill Gordon & Gregley Gayle for “Team Breast Cancer Foundation”; Maria Leonce & Derek Haines for “Team Meals on Wheels”; and Michelle Vinton & Abraham Whittaker for “Team ARK - MER”
With improved routes, we’re also adding a new, professionally measured half marathon and a 2-person half marathon relay (on the same route). BTR has reset all course records so runners are encouraged to give their best as they could be our new BTR record holders. BTR’s Half & Relay are managed by Kelly Holdings and Race Caribbean on event day. The 5K & Relay prizes will largely be special sponsored prize registrations to the DG5K run event. The top 3 male and female Half Marathoners will get special placements medallions in memory of Coach Derek Larner. In addition, they’ll have their choice of a half or full Walker’s Cayman Islands Marathon registration. Up to 10 BTR runners will have the chance to grab DG5K sponsored registrations.
Guardians Alive will continue to welcome all ages and fitness levels as long as we’re able to obtain sponsorships from our good corporate citizens. Even persons recovering from injury can benefit from connecting with our professionals on event day at no additional cost. We have safer 2.5K & 5K routes with low or non-impact water aerobics hosted by Coach Laura Ribbins of Fitness Connection. Coach Scott Ruby is our main GA & BTR Event Day Director. Introductions and warmups start at 6AM and activities shortly thereafter for regular participants. WhatsApp Adonza Harrison at 325-6658 or email guardiansalive1@gmail.com for more info, to pledge support, or if you have any questions.
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