Off the Beaten Track may be a couple of months away but people are already preparing for it. It takes place for its third annual race around some of Grand Cayman’s less familiar paths on Sunday 26 February.

The event, which grows in popularity every year, is a 50k ultra-marathon, incorporating beach, dyke roads and back streets. Plans are underway to make 2012’s run the hardest yet with potential water crossings, bush trekking and more.

“With the Cayman Islands’ Marathon is taking place in December, this is a perfect opportunity for participants to continue their training for Off the Beaten Track in February” said Ken Krys, Founder and CEO of KRyS Global and the driving force behind the race.

“We are delighted that Off The Beaten Track is building a reputation, and this year we are campaigning to make it an international ultra-marathon, encouraging entrants from all around the world,” Krys said. “Fresh off the heels of his 100-mile ‘A Crazy Idea’ run for diabetes, endurance runner, James Murray of A Crazy Idea 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.

“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 six, caught in a vicious cycle of extreme poverty and malnutrition. The mortality rate for this disease is estimated at about 90 per cent. The remaining monies will be donated to Cayman Islands’ charities, in particular those who assist children in the local community.

Current sponsors of the race include KRyS Global, Tower Marketing, Conyers Dill and Pearman, Sunshine Suites Resort and Cayman Free Press.

“Off the beaten track has so many positive’s for Cayman”, said Krys. “It encourages health and fitness, it helps to promote Cayman as a sports tourism destination, and it raises funds for very worthwhile international and local charities.”

The challenge is open to individual participants, as well as relay teams of six. Early Bird registration is discounted until 31 December 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 visit the website www.offthebeatentrack.ky for more information.