Ultra-race: Runners wanted

(CNS): While organizers are willing to concede that the Cayman Islands looks nothing like the southern Moroccon desert, the introduction of the islands own ‘ultra-distance race’ will, they say, make runners pretty sweaty if not quite as worn out as competitors in the Marathon des Sables. And, yes, this “one of a kind” trail run is only fifty kilometres, as opposed to 254, but it’s still a long race and it’s still in the sun. On Sunday, 28 February, the first “Off the Beaten Track” will see individuals and relay teams line-up in a fun attempt to mimic the world’s most gruelling ultra-distance race run every year in Morocco on a mystery course.

The event is being jointly organized by Krys & Associates, a local insolvency and forensic accounting firm, and local attorneys Stuarts, with proceeds going toward a very worthy cause.   Facing Africa is an organization that sends teams of surgeons and medical supplies to Sub-Saharan Africa to battle a devastating disease called Noma, which is causing deformities of the face in young children, the poverty stricken and the malnourished. 

 Krys & Associates’ CEO, Ken Krys, became involved with this charity after entering the famed Marathon des Sables himself last year.  “There are a great many runners here in Cayman, and I urge all of them to come out and support this unique event.  The team aspect allows runners of all levels to participate, while experienced marathoners can choose to run the event individually,”he said. 

Many of Cayman’s most financial and professional services firms are signing up to enter teams for the country’s first ultra-marathon and individuals are also welcome to enter.

There will be a nominal prize for the “winning” team with a BBQ and medal distribution ceremony at Calico Jacks.  “The goal is to make this a fun and social sporting event that benefits a great cause”, said Krys. “Another unique aspect to this event is that the actual course for the race will not be revealed until the week before the event.”

Current sponsors for this event include Krys & Associates, dms Management, Stuarts, Digicel, Ogier, MCS, GNC, Fosters, Progressive, Close Brothers, Maples, Mourant and Tower Marketing.   Individual donations or additional corporate sponsorship can be arranged through the website. For more information please visit: www.offthebeatentrack.ky