Launching into its fourth year, Off The Beaten Track will set off on Sunday, 24 February with a fresh start time of 6:00 am, a brand new route an exciting new finish line at Tiki Beach.

This unique off-road trail run cuts across beaches, the bush and back roads of Grand Cayman.   While the physical demands of the race are significantly more challenging than a typical road race, team relay members 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.

Title sponsor and organizer KRyS Global’s CEO, Ken Krys says, “There are a great many runners here in Cayman, and I urge all of them to come out.  The team aspect allows everyone of all levels to participate, while experienced marathoners can choose to run solo,” he said; adding: “another unique aspect is the actual course is not revealed until the week before race day.”

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 says, “Off The Beaten Track has so many positives for Cayman – encouraging health and fitness, promoting the Islands as a sports tourism destination, and raising funds for worthwhile charities.  Tower is proud to be a part of this unique local competition.”

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.

Corporate sponsorship is invited and volunteers are welcome.  Interested parties should contact Nicky van Rensburg at 947 4700 or [email protected].

For more information visit www.offthebeatentrack.ky.  Change your life this year. Even better, change somebody else’s too.  Register for OTBT 2013 and make every step count.