Gruelling marathon organisers call on local runners

(CNS):  The 3rd annual Off the Beaten Track marathon race s is scheduled to take place next February and organisers are encouraging people to register early for what they say will be the hardest run yet. The 50k ultra marathon route around Grand Cayman’s less familiar paths willincorporate beach, dyke roads and back streets with water crossings and bush trekking to challenge even the hardiest of long distance runners. The race is open to individual participants, as well as relay teams of six. Following last weekend’s Cayman Islands’ Marathon, local ultra-marathon guru Ken Krys, the driving force behind the race said it presented a perfect opportunity for runners to carry on their training.

He said that Off The Beaten Track is building a reputation and this year organisers were working hard to make it an international ultra-marathon, encouraging entrants from all around the world

“Fresh off the heels of his 100-mile run for diabetes, endurance runner, James Murray of A CrazyIdea fame, has already committed to participating in Off The Beaten Track.  We look forward to learning what “crazy” scheme he has up his sleeve for our race,” Krys said.
“Off The Beaten Track has so many positives for Cayman. It encourages health and fitness, it helps to promote the Islands as a sports tourism destination, and it raises funds for very worthwhile international and local charities.”

Partial proceeds benefit Facing Africa – a charity dedicated to helping children in Nigeria and Ethiopia who suffer from a disease called NOMA.  NOMA is an acute and ravaging gangrenous infection affecting the face. The victims are mainly children under the age of 6, caught in a vicious cycle of extreme poverty and malnutrition. The mortality rate for this disease is estimated at about 90%.

The remaining monies will be donated to Cayman Islands’ charities, in particular those who assist children in the local community.

Early Bird registration is discounted through to 31 December 31st, 2011, so runners are encouraged to register online at www.caymanactive.com.

Those interested in sponsoring should contact Lori Halldorson at KRyS Global on 815-8410, or can visit the website www.offthebeatentrack.ky for more information.