The Cayman Islands secondary school sports calendar is getting a new addition with the inaugural Inter-Secondary 5k race, set to take place on 6 March 2026.
This event, hosted by the John Gray High School Physical Education Department, is open to all secondary schools in Cayman.
A significant aspect of the organisation of this event is the involvement of Year 11 John Gray High School students, including Chloe Williams, Khalia Dawkins, Glen Ebanks, Alison Hernandez Pavon, Nakeelah Ferguson and Ikenna Eleweanya, who are serving as the organising committee.
The committee and their fellow classmates are utilising the 5K as practical experience for their 2026 CXC Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination A Level Physical Education exam, where they must plan and implement their own sporting event.
Support is also being provided by Jared Joiner, athletics and activities director at Cayman International School and president and coordinator of the Private School Association, who is assisting with private school participation.
Open invitation
Aaron Pollard, secondary physical education teacher at John Gray High School, says that they are targeting more than 500 student participants, with no limit on the number of students any single school can register.
The proposed route of the race will take runners from the John Gray High School football field to South Sound Road through Walkers Road and back.
“The registration fee will be $5, [and] the funds will be used to assist with medals, trophies and volunteer tops,” Pollard said, adding that registration will open 5 Jan. 2026 and close on 5 March.
The race will recognise success in both individual and school team performance, with a special award presented to the best performing school.
Safety is a top priority and Pollard assured that the race will have comprehensive measures in place, including the presence of the police, Cayman Islands Red Cross personnel, school cadets and an ambulance, along with cones and signage to manage traffic flow along the route.
He says that marshals will also be along the route, with the organisers actively encouraging volunteers from other public and private schools to join.
Specifically geared towards students
Pollard, who has experience organising 5K races in his home country of Trinidad and Tobago, said, “Although there are many 5Ks in Cayman, I noticed that there wasn’t one geared specifically towards students.
“I decided to use the technical knowledge that I have, along with my masters in sport management, to have this event, which will be a yearly event.”
The primary goal, he said, is to promote health and fitness, build school spirit and collaboration, offer leadership opportunities for students and to host an event characterised by inclusivity and fun.
