Runners endure for Africa

(CNS): Richard Barber of PricewaterhouseCoopers (left) has achieved the accolade of becoming the winner of Cayman’s first ultra distance, endurance race. Off the Beaten Track trail run was a locally organized fundraiser in support of Facing Africa. Barber completed the 50km long on and off road race in an impressive 4 hours, 41 minutes and 33 seconds. The runners who ran as teams as well as individuals ran started at Calico Jack’s on Pubic Beach and ran a loop along the West Bay Road, through George Town into South Sound, and then swinging back north through George Town all the way up to West Bay before winding back to Calico’s along the beach.

The race was organized by local insolvency and forensic accounting firm, Krys & Associates and Cayman law firm, Stuarts Walker Hersant, assisted by Tower Marketing who donated public relations support. Facing Africa is a UK based charity dedicated to saving the lives of children in Sub-Saharan Africa, suffering from a devastating flesh eating disease called

KenKrys, Managing Director of Krys & Associates, who also ran the entire race, is well known locally for running the grueling Marathon Des Sables, an ultra-distance race across the sands of Morocco, which takes place annually to raise funds for the same charity.

“We wanted to mimic the Marathon Des Sables by organizing a similar event in Cayman. We planned a 50 kilometer route, which took runners off the road and along trails they probably didn’t know existed,” Krys explained.“We raised over US$21,000 for Facing Africa so I am delighted that this first occasion of ‘Off the Beaten Track’ was such a great success and we look forward to doing it again next year.”

Jane Wareham a local attorney and consultant involved with raising funds for Facing Africa for some time said forward looking businesses understand giving is good for the local community, good for business and for Cayman’s international reputation. “We are extremely grateful to all our runners, volunteers and corporate sponsors for their generous contributions,” she added.

Participants in the race were comprised of individuals and teams of six from various local organisations. The winning team “Burtons Burners” was sponsored by local financial services professional, Clay Burton and included Marius Acker, Daniella Skotnicki, Adam Andrews, Tim MacDonald, Erin Lynch and David Forrester. The team completed the course in 4 hours, 1 minute.

“It’s great to take part in a race with a difference. All the runners seem to have enjoyed the challenge of going off road and the relay format made the race accessible for runners of all abilities,” said one of the team.

All monies raised will be used to pay the transport costs of teams of surgeons and their medical assistants to travel to Africa to help victims of Noma, which affects young children, the poverty stricken and malnourished who live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over 100,000 cases occur every year, 90% of which are fatal. Each visit to Africa costs an average of $100,000. More information about the race can be found at: www.offthebeatentrack.ky. More information about Facing Africa can be found at www.facingafrica.org.