Photo Caption:  Thousands of people participated in the annual DG’s 5K Challenge last year.  

Online registration is now open for the 2026 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge, an event that this year carries a weight of meaning beyond miles and medals. As Deputy Governor Franz Manderson prepares to retire from the Civil Service in July 2026, this year’s challenge will be the final one held under his leadership, making it a historic moment for the Cayman Islands and all who have run, walked, or cheered alongside him over the years.

The race dates for the challenge are 8 March, Cayman Brac; 15 March, Little Cayman and 29 March, Grand Cayman. Members of the public can register online at www.racecaribbean.com. Registration fees are $25 for adults (18 and older) and $10 for children under 18. Online registration for each event closes the day before the race date. In person registration will not be offered this year.

This year’s theme, “Honouring the Journey. Powered by Heart” speaks to many journeys at once. It honours Deputy Governor Manderson’s own remarkable journey including his years of dedicated public service and his leadership of the Civil Service. It also honours the journeys of the 2026 beneficiaries, the Special Olympics Cayman Islands athletes preparing for the World Games; patients and families navigating illness with the support of Jasmine and the women and men whose lives have been touched and transformed by the Breast Cancer Foundation.

Caption: Deputy Governor Franz Manderson greeting participants at the 2025 5K Challenge. 

In commenting on the 2026 race event, Deputy Governor Honourable Franz Manderson stated, “This year’s 5K Challenge is deeply personal for me. Every step of this race will reflect a journey I have been privileged to share with the people of the Cayman Islands and the Civil Service family. I have watched this event grow into something truly special, a community coming together in solidarity, compassion, and strength. I could not imagine a more fitting way to mark this chapter of my tenure than running alongside all of you, for causes that remind us that public service is about people, heart and purpose. I encourage everyone to lace up their shoes and join us.”

Rod McDowall, representative of the Cayman Islands Special Olympics said his organisation embodies the spirit of the theme. “Our athletes train with incredible dedication and heart every single day. To have the DG’s 5K Challenge stand behind them especially in this milestone year means the world to our entire Special Olympics family. We are so grateful for Deputy Governor Manderson’s years of support and we look forward to crossing the finish line together.”

Aligned with these sentiments are Beverly Edington of the Breast Cancer Foundation and Dionne Moseley-Brown, Jasmine who highlighted that every person that their entities support is on a journey that demands enormous courage. “Events like this show our patients and families that the community walks with them literally and figuratively. We are honoured to be part of this landmark challenge and thank the Deputy Governor for the difference that he has made.”

Thousands of participants turned out for last year’s challenge and organisers are expecting another extraordinary show of community spirit in 2026.