Marathon entrants can help save the reefs
(CNS Local Life): 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. This is the first year CCMI will participate as an official charity affiliate for the race, though in 2017, veteran marathoner and fundraiser Derek Haines completed his “Volcanoes and Marathons” challenge when he crossed the finish line, raising a total of US$50,000 for the Reefs Go Live virtual learning experience.
“We are excited to get involved in such a fantastic event here in the Cayman Islands,” said Kate Holden, CCMI Director of Advancement, in a press release. “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.”
Rhonda Kelly, co-race director for the marathon, welcomed CCMI “to our family of fundraising charities”, adding, “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.”
To register to participate in the Reef Relief Squad 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, 8 December.
To help motivate participants, CCMI is also offering special incentives for reaching fundraising goals. For example, all runners 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 December at the CCMI table.
For more information about the Reef Relief Squad and CCMI, email events@reefresearch.org or go to the CCMI website
Category: Environment, Local News, Marine Environment
