Source: Cayman Compass

Participants in the Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon will have one last opportunity to be motivated, inspired and informed just hours before they take to the streets on Sunday.

Local runner Scott Ruby, who transformed himself from a 300-pound, two packs of cigarettes a day couch potato into an ultra-marathon running weekend road warrior, will be one of the speakers at the packet pickup Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Marriott Beach Resort.

Ruby will be speaking on “Finding Your Inner Hero,” giving tips, words of encouragement and advice and talking about his own journey.

“I want to encourage people to look inside themselves, and realize that ‘limits’ are self-imposed,” he said. “The only difference between ordinary and extraordinary...is the word ‘extra.’”

In addition, Rhonda Kelly, one of the race directors, will be comducting an information session, “Everything You Need and Want to Know About the Race.”

This will be especially useful for first-time participants, says Kelly, but it is open to anyone interested in dropping by, as are all the sessions.

She will give attendees details about the course and the race itself, what to expect on race day and other logistical info.

The race starts at 5 a.m. from Breezes by the Bay on the Waterfront. The event’s popularity is due partly to the scenic setting and also attention to detail by the organizers. That includes a fabulous goodie bag, free refreshments and even post-race massages.

“We really hope that our runners will take advantage of the opportunity to hear from Scott and I,” said Kelly. “Both of us will be speaking from different perspectives, but the information we have to share will be very useful to both novices and veteran runners and will help them before, during and after the race.

“I really encourage runners to come and ask me any last-minute questions they may have about the race in the sessions I’ll be doing. We want them to have the best race experience possible and knowing what to expect will help them do just that.”

Ruby will speak at 10:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m, and Kelly will present at 11:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

“Anyone who is thinking about making the 2014 marathon a goal should come out and attend Scott’s session in particular,” added Kelly, “He set a goal of running the marathon a year in advance and it would be a great way for anyone to find out if that goal may be one they want to achieve as well.”

Registration for the 2013 Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay and Kids Fun Run is open online at CaymanIslandsMarathon.com. Walk-in registration can also be done at the Kelly Holding office.