Annual ultra-marathon will follow new course

(CNS): Runners participating in the 2013 Off The Beaten Track marathon will be following a new route through the beaches, bush and back roads of Grand Cayman and crossing a new finishing line, officials have said.  The gruelling 50 kilometre run won’t be revealed until a week before the race but the organisers stated that the runners will be crossing the finish line at Tiki Beach on Sunday, 24 February.  The physical demands of the race are significantly more challenging than a typical road race. Relay team members can compete and only run a fraction more than 5 miles each.

For those entering as individuals, they will run an epic 50 kilometres across a course designed to  mirror the gruelling Marathon des Sables ultra-distance race, run in the hot sands of Morocco every year.

“There are a great many runners here in Cayman, and I urge all of them to come out,” said title sponsor and organizer Krys Global’s CEO, Ken Krys. “The team aspect allows everyone of all levels to participate, while experienced marathoners can choose to run solo.”

No stranger to challenges, Ken faced the Antarctic Ice Marathon and Amazon Jungle Run in 2011.  This year he braved dog sledding in Norway, 42 km Marathon Du Finistere in France, and just recently, the 212 km Manaslu Mountain Trail Race in Nepal.

All proceeds raised from the race will go to charity.  Facing Africa, the primary beneficiary, is an organization that sends teams of surgeons and medical supplies to sub-saharan Africa to battle a devastating disease called Noma, which causes deformities of the face in predominantly young malnourished children.

This year’s local beneficiaries are Cayman’s Ark and the NCVO (National Council of Voluntary Organisations).

Longstanding partner and key supporting sponsor, Lynne Byles, Managing Director of Tower Marketing, said that the race has many positives for Cayman encouraging health and fitness, promoting the Islands as a sports tourism destination, and raising funds for worthwhile charities.

Cayman’s business community is challenged to enter their corporate relay teams.  This year there will be prizes for the fastest individual male, individual female, all-female relay team, all-male relay team, co-ed relay team, and corporate relay team.  Runners will enjoy a hearty post-race meal during the medal distribution ceremony in the scenic comforts of Tiki Beach.

Online registration is now open on www.caymanactive.com with fantastic early bird entry fees available until 24 January.  Costs are just US$240 for relay teams and US$80 for individuals.  After 25 January full entry fees apply at US$300 for relay teams and US$100 for individuals.

The race starts at 6am this year and is set for Sunday 24 February.