Registrations for the Derek Larner Memorial Run reached a new record this year, with over 700 people signing up for the third event on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The milestone reflects how the event continues to grow, while bringing Cayman’s running community together to honour the life and legacy of the late athlete, coach and mentor Derek Larner.
Despite a wet start to the morning, the rain did little to dampen the atmosphere, with runners, families, volunteers and supporters turning out in huge numbers across both start lines. Artex Risk Solutions (Cayman) Limited returned as Title Sponsor for the third time, continuing its support of a run that has quickly become a firm fixture on the Cayman Islands running calendar. The event once again brought together runners of all ages and abilities for a morning centred around running, community and giving back.
The Half Marathon got underway at 5:30am from South Terminal Waterfront, followed by the 5K, Kids’ 5K and 10K from Cricket Square at 6:30am. All races finished at Cricket Square, where the energy continued throughout the morning as participants crossed the finish line and supporters gathered to cheer them home.
The run again raised funds for Jasmine Palliative & Hospice Care and the Cayman Islands Cancer Society (CICS), helping both organisations continue providing vital care and support to individuals and families across the Cayman Islands.
“It was incredibly special to see everyone come together again in Derek’s memory for our third event. With more than 700 people registered this year, it means so much to see the run continue to grow. Seeing so many people turn up despite the rain, which Derek would have called ideal running weather, was particularly uplifting,” said Laura Larner, Derek’s wife. “The run brings together so much of what Derek stood for: running, community and giving back. For me, the most special part of the day was seeing Scarlett running with so many of her friends. Derek would have absolutely loved that. Seeing her get to know her dad through the stories people share and the love they still have for him means more than I can really put into words. He cared so much about encouraging young people to get involved in athletics, and it’s especially meaningful to see that part of his legacy carrying on. It’s also really important to us that the run helps support people in our own community who are facing a cancer diagnosis. Knowing that we can come together to remember Derek and help other families going through such a difficult time gives the day even greater meaning.”
Trevor Murphy, race director and close friend of Derek’s, said the continued growth of the event reflects the lasting impact Derek had on Cayman’s running community. “To see more than 700 people register for the third event is incredible. What started as a way to bring people together in Derek’s memory has quickly become an event that runners across Cayman look forward to. The support we continue to receive from the community, our sponsors and volunteers is what makes it possible, and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who helped bring another successful race day together.”
The event was made possible through the support of its sponsors and partners, led by Title Sponsor Artex Risk Solutions (Cayman) Limited, alongside Tower, Cayman Clinic, BDO, Claritas Legal & Regulatory Experts, Kensington Management Group, CG BritCay, The Vitamin Shoppe, Aon Insurance Managers (Cayman) Ltd., Cricket Square, Jacques Scott Group Ltd., Maples Group, Mourant, Ogier, RF Bank and Trust, Stingray Media and many more. Their support played an important role in bringing another successful race day to life.
Race Results
5K
Male: 1st David Walker (19:05.86), 2nd Evans Kibor (20:37.60), 3rd Theo Tozer (20:58.90)
Female: 1st Una Walker (23:30.05), 2nd Felicity Westin (24:39.81), 3rd Ginny Harrison (24:59.42)
10K
Male: 1st Ash Wright (39:45.63), 2nd Justin Clarke (40:14.64), 3rd Caelan Fraser (40:19.32)
Female: 1st Louise Carroll (47:54.78), 2nd Lauren Nelson (48:38.18), 3rd Rebekah Westin (51:03.25)
Half Marathon
Male: 1st Christian Henning (1:18:38.52), 2nd Andrew Morrison (1:23:44.41), 3rd Esmond Brown (1:24:05.77)
Female: 1st Jalene Cruz (1:30:28.32), 2nd Emily Clarke (1:35:15.70), 3rd Oddy Grullon (1:40:10.37)
Funds raised through the Derek Larner Memorial Run will help Jasmine and CICS continue their important work providing care, comfort and support across the Cayman Islands.
The Derek Larner Memorial Run will return in October 2027, continuing its place as a staple of Cayman’s annual running calendar.
To stay up to date, follow @DerekLarnerMemorialRun on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.