There is a very active road running scene on Grand Cayman, with events from two miles all the way up to full marathons, with a couple of relays thrown in for good measure.

However, for those whose interests might stray from the regular asphalt race routes, there is only one real option – the Off the Beaten Track ultra marathon.

Scheduled for Sunday 25 February, this event throws participants a number of curve balls, from the course which is announced only a week ahead of the event to off road sections include dyke roads, the beach, and other unique challenges.

Although many participants will take the option of running as members of a relay team of six, the really fit or hard working can also take on the approximately 50 kilometre event as an individual.


The path less taken

The inspiration for the event came to organiser Ken Krys after he took part in the Marathon des Sables, which sees runners traverse the hot sands of Morocco. Since his first ultra-marathon experience, Ken has gone on to run in environments as diverse as the Antarctic and the Amazon rain forest, so runners can be certain that whatever awaits them, it is sure to challenge them, not only physically but also mentally.

“Every year that has got more support and we get more ideas on how to make it even a little bit crazier, so this year, over the last couple of weeks I have been out doing my runs and trying to find places that I think will be a little bit different and extraordinary for the runners to be able to get into,” says Ken.

As the event matures, the organisers are also planning to throw even more challenges in the path of the runners, with this year including more ‘forest run’ sections as well as the potential for a water crossing or two, just for good measure.

“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,” says Ken.

According to the organisers, the race is designed to test endurance and wit, not necessarily speed, although of course there is recognition for the fastest finishers on the day.

“It starts on Seven Mile Beach, so the first thing you do is slog through the sand, which is a lot harder than people think. Then I throw them into South Sound and they do the soft sand out there with the burrs and everything,” says Ken.

However, roughing it out there is all part of the appeal of the event, which differs vastly from the average road race.

“I hope people like burrs, there are going to be a fair number of them along your path. Every time I come home I have burrs all over the place that I’m pulling off me, scratches and that type of thing, so it will be good fun,” smiles Ken.

With the emphasis on adventure, the signage on the route is minimal, although as Ken says, you can’t really get all that lost in Cayman.

“Once you get to Bodden Town, you have gone too far, so just turn around and come back,” he laughs.

The runners are not the only ones who can expect a challenge though, as Ken has often encountered challenges when planning the route as well.

“Things change on me, something that was a path I had before someone built something over, or there’s a new road, or there’s a fence,” he says.

However, in spite of the challenging nature of the event, there has been significant growth each year, with the 2012 edition showing very strong growth in the individual section.


Charities

During his Sahara run, Ken raised money for Facing Africa, a charity that raises money to support the sufferers of NOMA, a flesh-eating disease that affects mostly children.

When he launched Off the Beaten Track, Ken decided to use the event to continue raising money for the charity.

However, this year the funds raised will be split between Facing Africa and two local charitable organisations, Cayman’s ARK and School of Fitness, will also benefit.

“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,” says Ken.


Volunteers
One of the vital components of hosting a successful event like Off the Beaten Track is the availability of volunteers to assist on the day. From the water points along the route to route marshals and finish area volunteers, the event relies heavily on community support.

“Without volunteers this race doesn’t happen at all. The more bodies we have out there the better – it makes all the difference in the world,” says Lori Halldorson, one of the organisers.


Entries
The event is open to individuals or teams of up to six runners, making it as challenging or as accessible as you want.

There is also a corporate team award, for those companies on the move.

The entry fee for the event is US$100 per individual, or US$330 per six person team.

For more information, visit
http://www.offthebeatentrack.ky 

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