The 16th edition of the annual Off The Beaten Track ultra-marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 22 Feb.
The charitable 50-kilometer race kicks off at 5am from NOVA in West Bay, where the course also concludes by the 1pm cut-off time.
Founded by Kenneth Krys, the event was designed to emulate the Marathon des Sables, a multi-day race in the Moroccan Sahara known as one of the world’s most challenging ultra-marathons.
“I launched the race in 2010 after having done Marathon des Sables the year prior. Runners were looking for a race that captured the challenges and context of that race,” Krys said.
Designed by running enthusiasts, the event utilises a different route each year that takes participants through uncharted, lush, tropical bush, sandy and rocky beaches and through unseen back roads on Grand Cayman.
This year’s route was prepared by John Royle, an avid local runner who has completed the Cayman marathon on numerous occasions. He also ran from the tip of Barkers to Starfish Point while raising funds for local charities.
Event format
Individual runners can choose to tackle the full 50-kilometer cross-country course alone, or teams of six can enter the relay category, with each member completing one leg of the distance.
Participants can compete for first, second and third-place trophies across several categories including the fastest male and female solo runners, as well as the top finishers in the General Relay, Corporate Relay, and Women’s Relay divisions.
Krys said, “Last year we had just under 200 participants … my goal is 300 this year. Prior to COVID-19 we had over 350 participants. I would love to see numbers in that range again.”
Charity recipients
Krys confirmed that the event selects different beneficiaries each year, with this year’s registration proceeds supporting the Alex Panton Foundation and the National Children’s Voluntary Organisation.
“I chose these two charities from suggestions from other racers or those assisting me with the race. I was involved with the board of NCVO many years ago and have always had a fondness for what it does for foster children,” Krys said.
“Similarly, I have supported the Alex Panton Foundation in the past and what they do to assist those with mental illness,” he added.
Registration is currently open online at racecaribbean.com to participants 18 years and older.
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