Tropical Relay Challenge Draws Record Crowd to George Town Track

Over 200 runners swarmed the Truman Bodden Sports Complex this past Saturday, as 44 teams navigated the one-mile circuit during the annual Tropical Relay Challenge. Organized by the Vision Academy 345, the event showcased a diverse range of athletes, from seasoned corporate competitors to youth participants as young as eleven.

The relay format required teams of five to pass a baton equipped with specialized timing chips, ensuring precision for every leg of the race. Categories spanned all-male, all-female, mixed, and corporate brackets, alongside dedicated divisions for junior and youth runners. BDO Cayman, the event’s platinum sponsor, demonstrated its commitment to the cause by fielding its own team, which secured a silver medal in the corporate category.

Lacee Riley, president of Vision Academy 345, emphasized that the event prioritizes community engagement over pure athletic performance. Founded in September 2023, the non-profit organization serves as a successor to the 345 Athletic Club, which ceased operations following the 2021 death of founder and coach Derek Larner. Riley, an NCAA Division I athlete and national record holder, revived the club’s spirit to foster an inclusive environment for local sports enthusiasts.