To Hell and Back ... is Back!
Out to Hell 'N Back
It's almost crunch time!
Just a little more than a week fromnow, the OUT TO HELL 'N BACK 10K will mark twenty years of internationalroad running for the Cayman Islands.
And now, as then, the central figure will be distance runninglegend Bill Rodgers of the United States, who has continued hisworld-class performances throughout all those years.
It is hoped that most of the more than one hundred local residentswho competed in a race here with Bill Rodgers between 1980-1986will make it to the starting line on Sunday, 17 September, at7:00 am. It's not a case of speed, but an occasion for celebration,although there will be a cash prize for the first male and femalelocal finishers who took part in any of those seven races.
Excitement begins on Thursday, 14 September, with the arrivalof Boston Billy, and several other invited visitors, includingKim Pawalek, Keith Brantly, and Paul Marmaro. The participationof other top athletes from abroad is also possible.
The 2000 Olympic Games get underway on Friday, 15 September, andthe Phoenix Athletic Club, organizer of the weekend activities,is making tentative plans for a pasta party at the Hyatt RegencyBallroom from 6-8 pm. For the price of $15, all present will enjoya full meal, Olympic event coverage, the company of invited andlocal runners, an exhibit of items from previous Bill Rodgersraces, early race registration, and a chance to win a number ofprizes. This affair is open to everyone, not just race participants,and will be held only if sufficient persons confirm their attendanceno later than Wednesday, 13 September, by calling 945-3970. Pleaseleave name, phone number, and number of diners.
Noon Saturday, 16 September, offers the final chance for raceregistration. Until 4 pm the display will be on view, and videosfrom some of the races of the early 1980's will be shown. Venueis the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, and a seminar/coaching clinic willbe conducted by invited runners from 4-6 pm. Several prizes willbe awarded throughout the afternoon.
Entry fee for the race is $20, and each participant will receivea shirt and a race packet with a number of useful and souveniritems, as well as additional offerings following the race.
Race morning, Sunday, the 17th, participants are encouraged toutilize the parking lot areas at the Strand. Tropicana Tours buseswill be available from 6 am to shuttle runners to the start atThe Commonwealth on West Bay Road. It is requested that no oneparks in the vicinity of the start, and that bicycles and othervehicles do not follow competitors closely during the event.
Two miles into the course, participants will pass through Hell,and perhaps receive a gentle prodding on their way from the Devilhimself at the turnaround point, as they set themselves for astraight shot to the Strand and the finish line, each to receivea medal from Sir Turtle, after which they will truck into somegreat breakfast tucker from Outback Steakhouse, major race sponsors.No emu, no kangaroo, no witchetty grub - but still bonza. Medalsare compliments of Cayman National.
Trophies for overall and age-group performers will be distributedby Governor Peter Smith, beginning at 9 am. Two lucky local finisherswill also receive a cash prize.
The major random prize will also be awarded at this time - anyfinisher qualifies to win a trip for two to Tampa over the NewYear's weekend, with a three-night stay at the Downtown HyattRegency, and attendance at the Outback Bowl College football gameon New Year's Day.
This prize is jointly contributed by Cayman Airways, Hyatt Resorts,and Outback Steakhouse.
Many other random prizes will be available, varying in subjectfrom Australia to the Olympics to fitness and sports.
Pickup and delivery of race entry forms is possible. For otherinformation as well, call Jerry Harper at 945-3970.