Running is one of the more popular participation sports in the Cayman Islands, with hundreds of runners taking to the roads for some of the more popular events. However, it is very easy for the events to have a somewhat same-old, same-old feel about them. Not so with Off the Beaten Track.
The event is the brainchild of local businessman and ultra endurance runner Ken Krys, CEO of Krys Global, who was inspired to bring something new to the Cayman running scene after participating in the Marathon des Sables in Morocco. The multi-day event, which sees runners traversing the scorching sands of the Sahara Desert, made Krys wonder whether he could create something similar in the Cayman Islands.
Although he knew that some of the elements of the Sahara run would not translate well to a Cayman race, like the requirement to carry your own food for a multi day run and camping each night, Krys was certain that he could recreate the sense of adventure, as well as generate a spirit of camaraderie among the runners taking part in the event.
“Cayman’s a lot smaller, so to ask people to do five or six days carrying their own food is going to be a little bit difficult when you’ve got development everywhere,” said Krys.
Participants will be challenged by running through a variety of terrain, from the beach to the bush, with Krys promising that there will be a couple of surprises along the way as well. At some 50 kilometres, the event qualifies as an ultra marathon, but as Krys is fully aware that runners who are up for such a challenge are few and far between in Cayman, the event can also be completed as part of a six person team. The route is divided into six legs, comprising Seven Mile Beach, West Bay, Safehaven, George Town, Airport business parks and throughout South Sound.
“It is for people to enjoy the time out, just getting out there and seeing a different part of Cayman, because I will always try and pick places I don’t think people have been before,” said Krys.
In keeping with the adventurous spirit of the event, the route was only announced a week out from the event itself, giving participants precious little time to scout the route. However, this is the way Krys wants it, as runners will have to keep their wits about them while running. Although the route will be marked, signage will also be minimal, so there will be an element of orienteering involved as well. It is therefore vital for runners to familiarise themselves with the route in order to avoid going off course. This may well be a case where the slow and careful could win the race, as getting back on track could be challenge. Fortunately, there will also be marshals out on the course and runners can always rely on fellow participants to help them find the way.
Much of the run will take place on dyke roads and use trials and paths local runners may not make use of often, allowing participants to experience parts of the Island that are often out of the public eye and get a more complete understanding of the unique place they call home.
Runners will take to the sands of Seven Mile Public beach for the start on Sunday, with the gun sounding at 6.30am. After traversing the challenging route, runners will finish at Calico Jack’s on Seven Mile Beach, where they will be treated to a hard earned and well deserved post race meal and awards ceremony.
“It’s not always about being the fastest or the fittest, it’s about realising you’re in an amazing place and just enjoying the moment,” said Krys.
The event started off supporting Facing Africa, a charity that Krys had become involved with during his participation in the Marathon des Sables. The charity sends doctors to Ethiopia and Nigeria to perform reconstructive surgery on children suffering from a debilitating disease, NOMA.
“We used to just do it for Facing Africa, but it seems to me particularly given the economic downturn, many of the local charities are having issues around getting donations,” said Krys.
Although Facing Africa will still benefit from the event, half of the proceeds from Off the Beaten Track will be directed to two local charities – Cayman’s ARK and School of Fitness.
Registration for Off the Beaten Track is available through CaymanActive and closes at noon today. An individual entry is US$100 while a team entry is US$330.
The event is sponsored by KRyS Global, Tower Marketing, BrownRudnick, Conyers Dill and Pearman, Ritch & Conolly, and Cayman Free Press.
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