Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels Turkey Trot Walk/Run 2017

Century Old Turkey Trot Race Tradition Comes to Cayman

(November 27, 2017 – Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) – There are over 1,000 Turkey Trots across North America. Last year, Cayman joined in this century old tradition when Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels had approximately 100 participants last November. This year participation more than doubled at the second annual Meals on Wheels Turkey Trot 5K and 10K Walk/Run held on Saturday 25 November in the early hours of the morning. The event kicked off at the Holiday Inn Resort, with the course circling through Safehaven.

The fundraiser helped to raise over $4,000 in much-needed. Meals on Wheels currently serves 218 seniors, housebound or disabled individuals across all 5 districts in Grand Cayman. In 2018 the non-profit organization looks forward to adding a fifth kitchen in the district of West Bay to better serve that community. There is presently a waiting list which exceeds 150 individuals.

Whether participants chose to walk, waddle or run, there was plenty of fun to be had this year with over 45 spot prizes raffled off to participants including brunch for 5 to the Lighthouse Restaurant, movie passes to Regal Cinema and a pendant necklace valued at over $250 from EFFY Jewelry. Attendees also enjoyed a delicious continental breakfast courtesy of Kirk Market and received a souvenir t-shirt and medal. Top runners in each category received a trophy for their accomplishments.

In first place in each of the female 5K categories were Mikaeyla Dacres in the 11 – 17 category, Tiffany Cole in the 18 – 30 category, Gill Gordon in the 31-55 category and Eva Hughes in the 56+ category. Those who came in first place in the 5K male categories were Pierre Sokohl in first in the 11 – 17 category, Gearoid David Magner in the 18 – 30 category, Ronaldo Custodio in the 31 – 55 category and Mike Penner in first in the 56+ category.

As the Meals on Wheels Turkey Trot is on the heels of the Cayman Islands Marathon, serious runners appreciated the last timed race before the marathon next weekend. This year Meals on Wheels added a 10K category as well. In first place in the female runner 10K categories were Natalie Daum in the 18 – 30 category, Beth Biega in the 31 – 55 category and Celine Macken in the 56+ category. For the men’s 10K category the following placed first including, Charles Sokohl in the 11 – 17 category, Marq Theunissun in the 18 – 30 category, Kevin Huys in the 31 – 55 category and Martin Tedd in the 56+ category. To view runners times and placement results have been posted on www.caymanactive.ky.

Rob Imparato, Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels Chairman said, “I was thrilled with the attendance and support this year. We hope to see this event grow in participation each year and become an annual tradition. It’s a wonderful way to give back over the Thanksgiving weekend.” Mr. Imparato arrived dressed in a full turkey costume to greet and take photos with participants.

Meals on Wheels gives thanks this Thanksgiving to this year’s Turkey Trot sponsors including Pinnacle Media, Radio Cayman, Cayman National Bank, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Vampt Motors and the unwavering support of the over 25 volunteers who came out to serve Meals on Wheels both leading up to the event and on the event day. Meals on Wheels invites the community to mark the calendar for next year’s event slated for Saturday 24 November 2018.

IMAGES:

Photo 1: Meals on Wheels Turkey Trot 5K and 10K Walk / Run Participants. – photography by: Wil Bignal

Photo 2: Post Turkey Trot excitement. – photograph by: Wil Bignal

Photo 3: A young Turkey Trotter. – photograph by: Wil Bigna

Photo 4: Participants with Rob Imparato, Meals on Wheels Chairman (centre in Turkey Costume). – photograph by: Wil Bignl

Photo 5: Another young Turkey Trotter coming across the finish line and receiving a high-five from Gloria McField- Nixon. – photograph by: Wil Bignal

Photo 6: Even a few dogs came out to support Meals on Wheels at the Turkey Trot. – photograph by: Wil Bignal

Photo 7: Maples and Calder had several participants in the Turkey Trot. – photograph by: Wil Bignal

Photo 8: Damien Pentney with his child crossing the finish line. – photograph by: Wil Bignal

Photo 9: Gloria McField Nixon Meals on Wheels Board Member and Secretary pictured with Rob Imparato, Meals on Wheels Chairman. – photograph by: Wil Bignal