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Runners and walkers are invited join in the effort to save Cayman’s coral reefs by signing up to be part of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s (CCMI) ‘Reef Relief Squad’ at the Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon. It takes dedication and training to complete a race, and participants can feel a sense of accomplishment from knowing they are not only challenging themselves by taking on a marathon, half-marathon or leg of the four-person relay; they are also ensuring that their effort contributes positively to Cayman’s coral reefs by raising money for CCMI as part of their experience.

“We are excited to get involved in such a fantastic event here in the Cayman Islands. By encouraging people to get out and run or walk in the Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon while raising money for important reef monitoring programme, research projects and coral restoration efforts, we hope to inspire action from our Grand Cayman supporters,” said Kate Holden, Director of Advancement.

This is the first year CCMI will participate as an official charity affiliate with the Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon, but the organisation is no stranger to the event. In 2017, Derek Haines completed his Volcanoes and Marathons challenge when he crossed the finish line of the race, which was his third marathon that year (he also climbed two volcanoes), raising US $50,000 for the new Reefs Go Live virtual learning experience.

Co-Race Director of the Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon, Rhonda Kelly said, “The Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon is pleased to welcome CCMI to our family of fundraising charities.  The ground-breaking work that the organisation is doing to protect our local coral reefs through research, conservation and education is not only relevant and vital to the future sustainability of Cayman’s marine ecosystem but it is also informing the preservation efforts of other countries around the world.  We hope that this new avenue for fundraising will be fruitful for CCMI and provide much needed funds to fulfil its vision of a world with vibrant oceans and healthy coral reefs.”

Anyone wishing to register to participate in the Reef Relief Squad should email events@reefresearch.org for a special discount code that gives 5% off race registration. After a runner is registered, CCMI will provide information on setting up a fundraising page, ideas on how to fundraise, facts about coral reefs and ocean health, and send an invite to be a part of a Facebook group for Reef Relief Squad members. Regular communications and support will come from CCMI to help Reef Relief Squad members successfully fundraise before race day on 8^th December.

To help motivate participants, CCMI is offering special incentives for reaching fundraising goals. For example, all runner who raise at least $250 will receive a special Reef Relief Squad tech shirt that they can run in during the race. Incentive rewards can be collected at the packet pick up on 7^th December at the CCMI table.

To register for and learn more about the Reef Relief Squad, email events@reefresearch.org or visit https://reefresearch.org/get-involved/events-outreach/reef-relief-squad/.