CariFin Cross Country Run began in 1991 and has since transformed from a three hour (3) event to a series of events over a three month period. CariFin now includes athletics, aerobics, cricket, football and novelty events for both kids and adults.

Our main purpose has been the promotion of health and fitness within the financial sector through family oriented, challenging and fun activities - building friendships and closer ties in the region through sports.

The first event consisted of twenty-five (25) people and took place at the Queen’s Park Savannah. The following year other members of the banking community were invited. The location was changed to the scenic, idyllic, family oriented and challenging Sevilla golf course in Caroni, which has a perimeter of 2.2 kilometers. In 1997 the participation level increased to 400, and we had our first Caribbean team attending from the Grenada National Commercial Bank. The name of the event was then changed to Caribbean Bankers’ Cross Country.

In 1999 we had the pleasure of adding the Central Banks of Barbados and Jamaica to our list of Caribbean neighbours who joined us to participate in this event. In an effort to broaden participation we also included the wider financial services sector and the name of the event was expanded to CARIFIN Cross Country.

The event has since been expanded to include a single lap for walkers and children (2.2k), three laps for runners and an earlier starting time of 10:00 am to accommodate novelty, fun and family events such as small goal football, wind ball cricket, piggy back races & a number of different other
activities.

CariFin now comprises the Urban Challenge in which the first event, the “One Lap Savannah Race” around the Queen’s Park Savannah sets the tone for the rest of events. This is followed by the “Green Mile” a one lap race on the sand track – testing speed and endurance. The "Botanic Challenge,” a test of strength and agility, is then held at the Botanic Gardens. The grand finale is the “Aerobic Burnout” at the Central Bank Plaza, after which the winners are determined.

Competitors must compete in all four events to qualify for the grand prizes of the “Urban Challenge”.  In 2005, this competition enjoyed the greatest participation ever of 280 competitors in the various events.

The Cross Country and Family Day, held at Sevilla Golf Course in Couva, provides a day of competition, relaxation and entertainment for the whole family. Again in 2005, the profile of this event increased with registration for the various events totaling 505 and over 500 spectators cheering their team on.

The organizing committee comprises employees of the participating institutions.  This year’s committee included Central Bank’s Senior Manager - Corporate Services and Republic Bank’s Manager Training and Development. Both institutions also copped many of the prizes.