Camana Bay launches free weekly parkrun to inspire community health and connection

Camana Bay will soon be home to the global parkrun fitness community with the launch of the Festival Green parkrun, a free, weekly volunteer-led 5K event that welcomes people of all ages and fitness levels to walk, jog or run in a friendly, non-competitive environment.

Starting 29 August, the Festival Green parkrun will take place every Saturday at 6:30 a.m., with participants gathering on the Festival Green before completing a scenic route along the Camana Bay Nature Loop.

While the event is timed, there are no winners or prizes. Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace – whether they’re chasing a personal best, enjoying a leisurely walk or simply looking for an active way to start the weekend.

“The Festival Green parkrun is about much more than walking or running five kilometres or participating in a traditional competitive race,” said local organiser Robert Duggan. “It’s about creating a welcoming space where the whole community can come together every Saturday morning, enjoy being active at whatever pace suits them and build healthy habits that last.”

Parkrun is a global movement with 2,800 worldwide locations. Millions of people around the world participate in parkrun’s free weekly events. Unlike traditional races, parkrun is completely free, has no time limit and there is no expectation to win. Participants simply register once online to receive a unique personal barcode, which they bring to each event to track their participation and progress over time.  

Duggan expressed hope that participants from other countries will find the appeal of participating in a new tropical location. "Parkrunners love exploring new events when they travel, and we hope the Festival Green parkrun becomes a must-visit destination for participants looking to experience the unique beauty and hospitality of the Cayman Islands while staying active,” continued Duggan.

The initiative is being supported by the Cayman Islands Government as part of its commitment to promoting a healthier, more active community. The partnership reflects a shared goal of making physical activity more accessible and encouraging residents to build healthy habits into their everyday lives.

“Camana Bay was designed to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle through its walkable paths, parks, recreational amenities and community experiences,” said Robert Weekly, Dart’s senior vice president of asset management. “Hosting the Festival Green parkrun builds on that vision by giving residents and visitors a free, inclusive way to make physical activity part of their weekly routine. We hope it becomes a Saturday morning tradition that helps build lifelong healthy habits for the community.”

The weekly event relies on volunteers to help with timing, marshalling the course and welcoming participants.

To learn more about the Festival Green parkrun, register or sign up to volunteer, visit parkrun.org.uk.