Source: Cayman Compass

Running a marathon is tough even for seasoned athletes so anyone intending to tackle the gruelling 26.1 mile Cayman event at the end of the year is strongly advised to start preparing now.  

The 2014 Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon takes place on Sunday Dec. 7 and organizers are reminding everyone that online registration is open and encouraging people to make their commitment early and start training toward the big race. 

Race director Rhonda Kelly has also confirmed that for the first time in nine years, registration fees for the full marathon, half marathon and four-person relay events have increased. The race is celebrating its 12th year this time. 

“As the race continues to grow each year at a rate of about 20 percent, so have the costs to actually stage the event, so the time has come to raise the prices to help offset those expenses,” explained Kelly.  

“We have done the research and determined that the new prices are still very reasonable and comparable to other international races. We hope our runners can appreciate our position, and we look forward to the running community’s continued support.” 

Kelly urges people to register early to take advantage of the lowest prices for the year. The new rates are $72 for the full marathon; $48 for the half marathon; and $152 for the relay event compared to last year’s $60, $40 and $128 respectively. 

Those runners who have participated in the full or half marathon for three consecutive years or more can still take advantage of the runner loyalty program, which gives them a price of $60 for the full marathon and $40 for the half marathon up until the day before the race, Kelly added. However, they have to register at the Kelly Holding office in order to cash in on this discount. Online registration can be made on www.CaymanIslandsMarathon.com. 

The Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon attracted record numbers once again last year with more than 1,400 registrants, and will continue to grow if history is any indication.  

Next up is the Boston Marathon in April where organizers, together with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, will promote the race and the Cayman Islands generally.  

For more information about the Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon, email info@CaymanIslandsMarathon.com or call Bev Sinclair on 623-8822.