Dashing thru the Sand 2009
Written by Jerry Harper
- Last Updated on Saturday, 02 January 2010 17:10
One of the most-enjoyed activities here in Grand Cayman during the Christmas season is the annual Boxing Day Beach Run / Walk.
The early morning jaunt along Seven Mile Beach is eagerly-anticipated by visitors and residents alike. For many persons on the island, participation affords a rare opportunity to see a portion of the area not visible from the road.
This year's presentation, the twelfth to date,offered a unique event shirt as usual. These creations, designed by John Broad, are highly prized by their recipients.On this occasion, John depicted "The 12 Days of Cayman Christmas", from a poem written some years ago by Mrs.Janilee Clifford.
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1 |
 Marius Acker |
00:08:11 |
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2 |
Carl Grant |
00:09:12 |
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3 |
Tristan von Kirchenheim |
00:09:14 |
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4 |
Matt Rheinberger |
00:09:39 |
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5 |
Wendell Gillard |
00:09:42 |
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6 |
 Ray Welds |
00:09:55 |
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7 |
Ben White |
00:10:01 |
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8 |
John Goettler |
00:10:09 |
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9 |
Mark Huelskoetter |
00:10:30 |
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10 |
Matt Evans |
00:10:36 |
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At the appointed time, nearly 200 enthusiastic DASHERS and SPLASHERS gathered just north of Hemingway's to await the orders of starter Bill Estwanik. Upon instruction, the merrymakers - at least some of them - took off full tilt toward the finish about one and one-half miles ahead toward West Bay at Calico Jack's.
Others took a more leisurely approach,being aware that the race is not always to the swift, knowing that recognition awaited not only the FASTEST, but also the LASTEST. Several fourfooted friends were included in the throng, with one leashholder asserting that his canine companion would spur him on to a personal record performance.
Some were shoeless at the start,and more were barefoot at the finish, as footwear tended to become wet and heavier as the course continued.
Nevertheless, speedsters, recreational runners, conventional walkers, and those just out for a stroll-all were gratified to reach Ed Solomon at the finish line and receive their finish card.
First-timers and repeaters expressed their pleasure at participation in this novel celebration of the season.
Many perennial Christmas visiting returnees have acquired quite a collection of event shirts over the years,and proudly display their previous appearances by donning souvenirs of years past.
The event has undergone changes of distance and direction throughout its history, depending on beach and weather conditions, and accessibility.
Although it is not always possible to predict results, due to unknown quantities and qualities of visitors, once registration was completed, several favorites were spotted and speculation was rife.
Marius Acker can never be counted out, regardless of the competition, and he did not let his supporters down, leading the field in a time of 8:11. Carl Grant was runnerup in 9:12, just edging Tristan von Kirchenheim, who was clocked in 9:14. Visitors Matt Rheinberger (9:39) and Wendell Gillard (9:42) rounded out the top five.
On the ladies'side, it was Tracey Walker first to cross the line in 10:52, with Melissa Lim next at 11:34. Third spot was hauled down by Emily Davies in 11:51. Visitor Jessica Pursley was a step or two back in 11:55, followed by visitor Sarah Freeman at 12:05.
Youngest finisher was three-year-old Jake Stoutsky,with John Weiss checking in as eldest. John also claimed the position of LASTEST male, while Eziethamae Bodden earned that honour for the ladies.
With a range in ages from three to seventy-eight, and an enthusiastic group of nearly 200 celebrants from 24 states in the U.S., four Canadian provinces, and several U.K. points of origin, the activity has begun to allow lots of interaction between residents and visitors. Friendships have been formed between visitors, and also between visitors and residents, and residents have also renewed old acquaintances.
Caymanian Olympians Andrew Mackay and Kareem Streete-Thompson were highly visible in their ongoing commitment to all types of sport in the community.
The Department of Tourism has taken great interest in this holiday happening as a major sponsor, and in addition to financial commitment, and donation of airline tickets, provided a variety of promotional souvenirs. Calico Jack's supplied sustenance to all and sundry, while Jacques Scott quenched everyone's thirst. A cornucopia of random prizes was distributed, with several individual greatly-appreciated contributions, and a myriad of theme-related items.
The organizers, the PHOENIX ATHLETIC CLUB,wish to express thanks to the sponsors and volunteers, and to invite all participants to return in 2010 and bring family and friends to go DASHING THRU THE SAND for "LUCKY 13".
2008 Results:
More than 300 celebrants enjoyed the eleventh presentation of the annual DASHING THRU THE SAND BEACH RUN/WALK.
David Walker led the field to finish first in a time of 9m25s, then came Junior Hines with a 9m57s clocking. Up-and-coming distance notable Tristan von Kirchenhein placed third in 10:32, while fourth place was determined in a close battle between Matt Rheinberger (10:58), David Rood (10:59), and John Goettler (11:02).
Gill Comins took top honours among the ladies with an eighth-place overall performance in 11:23, with Lizzy Haines, back on the island briefly next at 11:57, and Tracey Walker (12:21), and Wendy Freeman (12:24), rounding out the fastest four.
Run and Walk
