Athletes are currently training for one of Cayman’s most challenging and unique sporting events of the year. Off The Beaten Track is the only one of its kind in the Cayman Islands; a 50K trail run that takes athletes through stunning local scenery. Taking place on Sunday 21st February 2016, this year’s Off The Beaten Track is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Anna Keating, Off the Beaten Track Race Director said the areas of untouched nature along the route is truly breath-taking and provides a new challenge and tougher terrain for runners this year. “The race offers spectacular views and challenges from start to finish including ocean views, marshland, dyke roads and other unchartered territory and back land.”

Runners ready for a challenge are invited to participate as a solo runner taking on the whole 50K or runners can participate in a relay team which includes up to six members running the course in in 8K stages. With seasoned runners in their sights, relay runners can enjoy this fun teambuilding activity –while pushing for faster times and some just happy to complete the course.

“The race course details have just been released and we are already getting feedback from runners that the course is more exciting than ever”, Ms Keating said. “The route intentionally has minimal directional markings and all participants are encouraged to check out the course ahead of time to ensure they do not get lost on race day.”

This year’s event also sees long term local sponsor Solomon Harris continuing to promote healthy lifestyle choices by providing an opportunity to a young team of runners from the local MDR running club to pit their wits and speed against much older more experienced runners.

“Solomon Harris has supported Off the Beaten Track since its inception and we are honoured to be able to sponsor the Solomon Harris MDR Speedsters in 2016,” said Ms Laura Hatfield, Partner. “The young people that are running in our team are rising to the personal challenge of competing as a team against the best athletes Cayman has to offer to complete the 50 Kilometre course, while navigating the unconventional routes in Cayman’s toughest race. Solomon Harris is proud to be part of their endeavour, to promote and encourage these promising young Caymanian athletes and to support the aims of Off the Beaten Track.”

Ms Keating noted that this event would not be possible without the continued support of local and international sponsors. “We are thrilled to have such great support from all of our sponsors over the years and 2016 is no different, with major sponsors Brown Rudnick, Mourant Ozannes and Tower on board again. “The growth in popularity of this race, fun and excitement that surrounds the event, keeps us all coming back for more each year”.

Tower, a strategic marketing and communications agency, has also been supporting Off the Beaten Track from day one and is looking forward to participating as a corporate relay team this year.

“In addition to sponsoring this great event, we are also using this opportunity as a team-building exercise by bringing some of our staff together to run the race as a corporate relay team,” said Tower’s Managing Director, Ms Lynne Byles.

Hayden Isbister, Partner at Mourant Ozannes said “Mourant Ozannes has been involved with Off the Beaten Track for several years, the last two as a major sponsor. We look forward to the challenge and defending our first place title from 2015 for the overall male winning team.”

David Molton, Partner at Brown Rudnick said, “Brown Rudnick has been a proud sponsor of this race since it began in 2010 and have seen this event evolve into one of the most unique and challenging endurance events in Cayman. We are delighted to see this event continue to grow and give back to the community to the race beneficiaries Facing Africa and Cayman’s Meals on Wheels.”

Entry to the race costs USD $300 for a team of up to six people and USD$100 for individuals. Last chance to register for this event is Friday, February 19th. Corporate sponsorship is still available and volunteers are welcome. Register online at www.offthebeatentrack.ky or contact [email protected] for volunteer or sponsorship opportunities.