Marathon Stories They are champions in my heart

Seaford Russell Jr | Cayman Compass | 3 December 2024

Behind the runners who took first place at the 2024 Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon, there were champions who ran for much more than medals and personal best times.

Some runners journeyed to raise money for charity. Others, like Dino Hydes, ran for loved ones who have died. Hydes finished the half marathon in memory of his mother, his biggest cheerleader, who passed away in the summer.

As Hydes crossed the line after running for over two hours, he kissed a bracelet around his wrist, symbolising his gratitude to his late mom for always being there.

“This bracelet represents my mom,” he told the Compass. “This is my third time doing this [marathon]. Every time I’ve done this run, she has always been out here to support me, but I know her spirit was with me today. I could feel it.”

He said the run had its challenges, not just from a physical standpoint, but also mentally, with his mom weighing on his heart.

“It was very hard, trust me,” Hydes admitted, while holding back tears. “This run, it was difficult, very difficult. You just have to block out all negativity and just focus on what you want to do, to get the job done.”

‘Champions in my heart’
Endurance athlete Scott Ruby helped around 30 participants train for the marathon, including athletes that require assistance due to physical and developmental disabilities

For the second year in a row, Ruby ran the half marathon while pushing Jessica Ebanks along the roads in her Hoyt running chair, adapted to allow physical mobility.

Ebanks and Ruby, known as ‘Da Dynamic Duo’, both advocate for people with disabilities, with hopes of turning their challenges into positives.

Ebanks knows about defying the odds, having been born with spina bifida. She continues to achieve all she has put her mind to, including the marathon.

“It’s very important because, just having that reminder and that representation out there means a lot,” Ebanks told the Compass after crossing the finish line with Ruby.

“When you see someone like you pushing through, it gives you the motivation to do the same, and I hope that’s what I do for someone that sees me.”

For Ruby, it’s about giving back – something he believes he was called to do. He noted that as long as he has breath in his lungs, he will ensure that any person with disabilities willing to challenge themselves has a chance to do so.

“It’s purpose; finding your purpose in life is key, and I think I was placed on this Earth to help others,” Ruby said. “When I see them succeed, a small part of me succeeds with them. As long as they are champions in their minds, they’re champions in my heart.”

The return of the doctor
Dr. John Lee, Cayman’s former chief medical officer, was back on island supporting Jasmine, a charity he has always been fond of.

Like in previous years, Lee, who became a national hero to some during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, ran the relay to benefit the hospice and palliative care provider.

“It’s close to my heart,” Lee told the Compass. “There are lots of non-profits, charities on the island that I support, but I am really happy to be supporting Jasmine today.”

Outside of helping to raise funds for Jasmine, Lee was simply happy to be back in Cayman, a place that is second to none in his opinion. According to Lee, plans to run at this year’s marathon were set in stone six months ago.

“I’ve been to lots of different places in the world. As many people know, I was born in Malaysia, lived in Singapore, lived in the UK, lived a bit in the [United] States, but of all the places, Cayman is the one I am most fond and is closest to my heart,” Lee said.

“So, it is absolutely fabulous to come back. I am really enjoying it and it’s great to come to such a fantastic fitness event because, you know, I like health and wellness.”