Million $ run moves to 7MB

(CNS): One of the Cayman Islands most glamorous sporting events is moving to one of the islands’ most glamorous locations. This year the Million Dollar Run is moving from the North Sound to Seven Mile Beach. This means that for the first time ever spectators will be able to see the race right on the beach front. The new route starts at the Marriott Beach Resort 300 yards offshore before the crafts blast up the world-famous Seven Mile Beach heading west towards the public beach and on to Northwest Point, before making a turn and heading back South towards the Thompson Mooring in George Town before making another sharp turn heading back to Royal Palms.

The race day will once again consist of two classes; the Circuit Class, broadening the range of those who compete in MDR, is designed for the pleasure boaters and any new captains wishing to get involved in the event and the Offshore Class designed for the more experienced captains and higher performance crafts.

The captains participating in the offshore leg of the course will run the entire route for six laps a total of 45 miles for the fastest time offshore. The Circuit Course is a shorter and tighter version of the main route and those participating in this class will complete a total of four laps battling for prize for best time Circuit Class.

Typically 20 boats will compete for six prizes including Best Time (Offshore and circuit), Best Hand, Best Crew, Best Craft and Outlaw Class (boats competing under 500 horsepower.) For the poker run element of the race “Cards” are chosen randomly before, during and after the race to form a full five-card hand for each Captain at the race’s conclusion.

Fans will get to see a high calibre of captain’s participating including Andres Ugland Sr. of Ugland Offshore Racing, a previous winner in 2004 who will race in the offshore class participating for the eighth year.  He is a master of his trade and continues to impress the crowds. Since the debut of his team in 1991, Ugland has continued to excel in his craft and win European, National and World titles. He is, without a doubt, an asset to the Million Dollar Run.

Dale Crighton, a Caymanian entrepreneur, is back to regain the title for best time in the Offshore class after he dropped out of the race early last year due to mechanical problems. In 2008 he dominated the water with his 42-foot Fountain “Heavy Metal” and took home the trophy!

Event Co-founder, Kenny Rankin is thrilled with the new route for Million Dollar Run and is preparing for a very exciting event this Easter Weekend.

“Million Dollar Run is in its eighth year now and each year one of our main objectives has been to involve spectators and race crews more in the race,” said Rankin. “With the course now being on Seven Mile beach it really opens up the event to appeal to a much larger audience and a wider variety of people, each year we want to bring something bigger and better to Grand Cayman with Million Dollar Run.”   

The start and finish location, with the main stage for prize presentations will be held at Royal Palms, the setting for the perfect family day out on Easter Monday. For those who want to enjoy the party atmosphere there will be various spectator locations along Seven Mile beach, with Calico Jacks hosting the beach party with DJ Billy Corduroy from Spin 94.9 FM and the MDR Beach BBQ will be held at the Ritz- Carlton beach front, tickets CI $60.

Organisers said the party starts well before Race Day and teams are encouraged to take part in the festivities. The Captain’s Cocktail Reception at the Grand Old House is at 7pm on Thursday April 1st (this is also the last time at which to register). Saturday April 3rd Million Dollar Run hosts the Second Annual “Barcadere Race Village” at Barcadere Marina your chance to get up close with the boats of Million Dollar run. “The Race Village was a excellent addition to Million Dollar Run last year, it created the opportunity for spectators and boating fans to get an inside look to these crafts and build some anticipation to see them race on the Monda,” Rankin added. “We are once again very pleased to be working with the Barcadere Marina and Scotts Landing, their beautiful facility is very fitting to Million Dollar Run and the crafts involved.”   

The Barcadere Race Village will be where the Million Dollar Run Captains will give spectators a sneak peak of their crafts which will be entering in Monday’s race. Spectators can enjoy a family fun day interacting with these captains and their crafts and Audi will be showcasing the ultimate driving experience with their newest vehicles. Vibe 98.9 FM and Spin 94.9 FM DJ’s will be providing entertainment all day, the kids can enjoy a play zone and food and drinks will be on sale. Very one is welcome to attend this family friendly event and there is no entry fee. 

The Banquet Dinner for the captains will be replaced with Sunday Brunch at Abacus in Camana Bay, limited tickets are available for additional guests wishing to attend.

The Ugland Offshore Racing Million Dollar Run is presented by Dragon Bay, Grand Cayman; Corum Watches exclusive to Magnum Jewelers, Audi, CayCompass.com, Butterfield, Barcadere Marina, Scotts Landing and Valvtect Marine Fuel, Ketel One Vodka, Taittinger champagne, Heineken, Titan Security, Crighton Properties, Sign Solutions Graphics and Web Design, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and Paramount Media.

For more information on registration, log on to www.mdr.ky or contact Jade Whitelaw at Monster Media on 345 949 8423.