Cruise to Run is an annual racers event celebrating its 6th year in the Caribbean. The event was brought to the Virgin Islands by runner and cyclist Chris Ghiorse.

Unfortunately, his daughter Giselle passed away from a rare genetic metabolic disorder called LCHAD/TFP. In an attempt to increase more awareness for expanded newborn screening (ENS) the event on Tortola is held in Giselle’s memory.

Donations acquired from the run are given to the Ronald McDonald House Charities in memory of Giselle.

Kay Reddy said that all the BVI Runners “have sent condolences to family and friends and this year will be a special run in her memory.”

She went onto say that all runners should be at the start by 8.00 a.m. for the race start at 8.30 a.m. and that residents and visitors are invited to join up with over 100 cruise runners for the race, “The short race will have you back in Road Town for the start of work!”

The organizers are also asking for any volunteers to help on the morning to contact Natasha Chalwell.

The short course starts at the Cruise Ship Dock and is only about 1.25 miles long. However, the grade is steep as the race climbs 947ft to Fort Charlotte.

The first male and female runner to make the peak will be crowned King and Queen of the Mountain and receive an award for their accomplishment. Our own Andrew ‘Tubes” Thompson was crowned King in 2010 with local runners edged out by visiting Alexander Scheer in 2011.

The Fort was built by British Royal Engineers in 1794 to defend Road Harbor. Its elevation meant that there was absolutely no prospect of receiving cannon fire from incoming ships. The only way the fort could have been taken (it never fell) would have been for the troops to climb the slope while under heavy fire. The fort is a barely recognizable ruin. All that remains are a few barely standing walls, and underground magazine but the view from atop the hill is amazing.