Hundreds Take Part in Inaugural DG5K Race Walk in Providenciales

The start of the race where competitors seek to separate themselves from the thick pack.

A wave of energy and community spirit swept across Leeward Highway this past Saturday as more than 700 participants turned out for the inaugural DG5K Race/Walk, a landmark event spearheaded by Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, Anya Williams.

The race started and ended at the RBC parking lot in Providenciales, with participants walking and running along the highway to Courtyard Plaza, before looping back to the finish line. Designed to promote healthy living and support important social causes, the event brought together public officers, private sector teams, and families in a massive show of unity and purpose.

Deputy Governor for the Turks and Caicos Islands Her Excellency Anya Williams (right) and His Excellency Franz Manderson, Deputy Governor of Cayman share the stage just before the race began. Manderson declared the event open.

“I am so amazed at the turnout this morning — it’s beyond our expectations,” said Deputy Governor Williams following the race. “We had over 700 persons come out to support two amazing causes here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Proceeds from the race were directed to two key charitable organizations: the Turks and Caicos Cancer Society, and United Way TCI, which is currently running a national reading program. The Deputy Governor said both causes were chosen for their broad impact and personal significance.

“Cancer is something that touches everyone,” she said. “My father is a two-time cancer survivor, and we’ve always been active in supporting awareness and treatment. And reading is fundamental — United Way is doing an amazing job helping to improve literacy across the islands.”

The event also championed health and wellness, with participants of all ages encouraged to get active — whether or not they had the official race gear. Though organizers initially planned for a turnout of around 300, interest grew rapidly.

“We started with about 500 shirts, but we ran out quickly. Even up to Friday we were scrambling to get more. But we told people — don’t worry about the shirts, just come. Wear what you have. If you can’t afford it, we’ll find a sponsor. This was about showing up and showing support.”

Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam (centre in blue) warms up alongside other participants. the warm-up exercise was conducted by the TCI's first Olympian Delano Williams.

Williams praised the outpouring of support from across government ministries, corporate teams, community groups, and individuals — many of whom registered late or walked in just to be part of the cause.

“It was amazing to see so many different groups coming together for something positive,” she said. “It shows the power of teamwork and shared purpose.”

The thick crown marches along the Leeward Highway in Providenciales to mark the inaugural DG5K Race/Walk on Saturday, June 14.

The DG5K model was inspired by a similar initiative in the Cayman Islands, where Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson began the tradition 11 years ago. Williams hopes to replicate that success across TCI.

“We want this to become a national event — one that includes Grand Turk and the other islands,” she said. “We’ll also open up the selection of causes next year through a public poll so we can continue supporting a wide range of community needs.”

The FORTIS Team was out in full force.

Saturday’s race marks what many hope will become a fixture on the national calendar — an event that promotes fitness, charity, and community pride.

The DG 5K Race/Walk culminated a weeklong Deputy Governors’ summit of the Caribbean British Overseas Territories Countries. The event was held to hammer out the way forward for the those overseas territories, including how to amalgamate artificial intelligence with government service.

Please see a full report of the event in sports section in this week’s e-Paper, which is posted on our website.