Over 2,300 people participated in the Cayman Islands Cancer Society’s (CICS) 2021 Stride Against Cancer walk/run Sunday (31 January) morning along West Bay road. The event was dedicated to Derek Larner, who passed away to pancreatic cancer earlier this month.
Athletes who Larner trained over the years from 345 Athletics, members of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps, family and friends all honoured him with signs that wrote ‘Team Larner’ during the run/walk.
“It was bittersweet to have such an amazing turnout,” CICS Operations Manager Jennifer Weber told Cayman Compass. “So many people attended and wanted to get involved because they knew Coach Derek Larner and wanted to show their support. We are glad we can report to Derek’s family that we had the biggest crowd ever.”
Larner’s wife Laura shared a video on social media, thanking CISC and all those who participated for making the event a success.
“Thank you all for coming out and supporting such a wonderful cause today and also especially to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society for honoring Derek by dedicating this particular race to him,” said Laura. “It was one of his favorite races and I know he would be absolutely delighted to have the race dedicated to him today.”
The ‘Big Stride,’ which consisted of a quarter-marathon and a half-marathon started and ended at Seven Mile Public Beach. This year the event had three staggered times to accommodate the maximum 1,000-person limit in the current COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings.
In addition, a Mini Stride in North Side and Little Stride on Little Cayman were also held.
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