An “Outside the Box” Fun Run

Dashing Through The Sand gives Boxing Day a light-hearted new meaning

Photo: CaymanActive

A number of our visitors at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa are curious about the holiday we inherited from the British known as Boxing Day. Falling on the day after Christmas, Boxing Day had its origins in medieval European traditions in which boxed gifts were given to servants and tradespeople. Nowadays, Boxing Day has become akin to “Black Friday,” the day after US Thanksgiving during which bargain-mad crowds mob shopping malls. But here in Grand Cayman, Boxing Day has taken on a whole other meaning: an occasion for a relaxing jog along Seven Mile Beach for some sport, camaraderie, and fun.

Now in its 15^th year, Dashing Through The Sand is a 1.5-mile fun run/walk whose attitude can best be summed up by its awards for “the fastest, the lastest, and those in between.” Some 200 to 300 participants turn out for the event, many of them visitors who plan their yearly vacations around the run. The start and finish points vary from year to year, but the course is always along the beautiful Seven Mile Beach, and the 7:30am start time is always sweetened by breakfast at the end. Dedicated runners traverse the course quickly, but most take the time to enjoy the view, renew old friendships, and bask in the virtuousness of working off some holiday feasting. And the commemorative tee-shirts are highly coveted!

If you don’t feel motivated for even a leisurely walk, we invite you to hang out at The Westin Grand Cayman’s stretch of Seven Mile Beach and cheer the runners on – while enjoying beverages and snacks from our beachside bar. We can think of few better ways to spend Boxing Day than that. Contact us for details on how you can take part.

Comments

[Therese@spalook]

This is a good way to relax. Many people spend Christmas Day with family or close friends. They either rest or go out and unwind some more on Boxing Day.

I didn't know that this tradition existed in the Cayman Islands. It is definitely one that could be copied elsewhere, to the benefits of the residents of a community.

Keeping fit is never out of season and you get to meet lots of new people that way and start the new year off right.