Haines jogs through ‘fair city’ for 5th marathon

| 28/10/2014

(CNS): Cayman’s veteran marathon man completed Dublin’s annual 26-mile plus street race Monday, marking his fifth marathon in his challenge Six4hospice. With a lingering ankle problem, Derek Haines jogged round the course in a respectable four hours and fifteen minutes just days after his 66th birthday. The veteran distance runner has already completed a staggering challenge, having run five marathons so far this year — but it’s not over yet. Haines has one final pavement pounder to complete on home turf in December, when he hopes he will have raised the $1 million to build a local hospice facility.

Speaking from Dublin Tuesday, Haines told CNS that his Dublin time was a tad slower than he had hoped. At the half way mark he was on target to get under four hours but the effects of an infected ankle and the medication took its toll after 18 miles or so.

“No complaints though and I enjoyed the day,” Haines said. “The crowd was great and old friends now living there cheered me on along with my wife Helen. The celebratory pint of the City's famous product with sponsor Peter Kandiah was fortifying afterwards. The fund is now very close to 800K and I am hoping for a surge in support as the final marathon in the challenge on 7th December in Cayman gets closer.”

Some 14,000 runners took part and the men’s race was won by Kenya’s Eliud Too in a time of 2:14:48. His fellow countrywoman, Esther Macheria, edged out last year’s winner Maria McCambridge to claim first place in the women’s race in 2:34:15. First across the line was wheelchair participant Patrick Monaghan in a new record time

Since beginning his amazing feat in Paris back in April this year, Haines has completed marathons in London, Pamploma, San Francisco and now Dublin, and will be completing his challenge with the local marathon, where Haines may find he has one or two supporters in the crowd to help carry him round.

Anyone wishing to donate to the local hospice challenge or see more information visitthe website:six4hospice.com/

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations Mr. Haines! You make Cayman proud. We need MORE Caymanians (paper AND indigenous alike) to give to charity cases. May God bless Mr Haines and his family for his generosity!

  2. Anonymous says:

    He deserves to have a georgetown street at his name, NOW!

    • Anonymous says:

      You certainly deserve a Queens gong more than  gov. Taylor's friend who poses for pictures in front of Miss Lassies house.

  3. Hear hear- says:

    We should all follow in his footsteps and give more back to the communnity.  Charity begins at home, but makes a difference in public!

  4. Anonymous says:

    Derek YOU ARE THE BEST

  5. Anonymous says:

    Sorry, but this is nothing to do with "earning status". It's about discipline, dedication, setting goals, and being a go getter. I worked with Derek, Anthony Ennis and Mike Needham and all the other heroes after Ivan, and saw their grit and determination to get the remains of the RCIP organized out of a shambles.

    At DTF years ago, he was a go getter who got results time after time, not like others.

    Cheers Derek, you always had my greatest respect, now even more. Bless you, and I support you.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Now that's a man who has earned his Caymanian Status.

    He has now set the standard. Let's see how many follow.

    Well done Derek.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Why oh why has someone put a thumbs down for this comment.  Baffling!

      • Anonymous says:

        Simple. Those are the people who think they should have to do nothing to obtain Caymanian status.

    • Anonymous says:

      This is the new standard. We need more like him to step up to the plate and contribute significantly before they are awarded Status. No more handouts.

  7. peter milburn says:

    Well done Derek Derek for next Premier.No voting needed.

    • Hancock says:

      And no credit card required! Moreover he does play bridge but I understand that is a game of skill, not gambling.  

  8. Anonymous says:

    Amazing man….I for one will be getting out to cheer him around Cayman and also making a donation of whatever I can afford to support him.

  9. I. N. Awe says:

    The man is a dynamo. Imagine what his energy and ability could do for the RCIP!

     

  10. WannabeBracca says:

    Well done Derek! We're proud of you.

  11. Anonymous says:

    This man is my hero!