In Cayman, when running is mentioned, everyone automatically assumes it means road running. Ken Krys is hoping to change that.
After his experience in the gruelling Marathon des Sables, which takes runners through the Sahara desert, Ken is hoping to bring a taste of that event to Cayman with the Off the Beaten Track run.
 
“I have now done a few trail and ultra-distance runs and thought it might be a challenge to create one unique for Cayman,” says Ken.
 
The event, which will be a minimum of 50 kilometres long, will take place on 28 February and can be contested as part of relay team or as an individual. It will forego the traditional out and back road-based courses for a course that includes the beach, dyke roads and smaller back streets.
 
“Far from being a simple loop where runners carry an iPod to hold their attention, runners will need to pay attention to the course in order to stay on trail. Clearly the scenery of beaches and backstreets will give it a different feel,” Ken says.
 
The run will start at Seven Mile Public Beach, heading southeast along the beach. It will then wind its way through back streets and worn paths to South Sound, where the route takes to the beach again. Some more paths and back streets will take it up to the North Sound, and through to West Bay, where the route will take to the beach again for the final stretch to the finish at Public Beach.
 
The unique route will also present a different set of challenges.
“This run will take more of a feeling of survival versus the purely cardio fitness of a typical distance run. A high standard of fitness will also be necessary and runners should carry water and snacks on their person,” according to Ken.
 
With all that is involved in such an event, Ken believes the sense of achievement and camaraderie will be second to none.
 
“There should be a few good stories at the end of the day,” he says, smiling.
 
The event will be run in support of Facing Africa, a charity dedicated to helping sufferers of NOMA, a debilitating flesh eating disease with 140,000 new cases each year in sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately 90 per cent of cases are fatal.
 
The entry fee is $325 per team or $135 per individual. WH

To become involved as a runner, volunteer or sponsor, contact Jane Wareham at janewareham@candw.ky or Bill Fleury at William.fleury@krysandassoc.com.