1. Self-Supported Individual Race--Crewed and UnCrewed
Un-Crewed: Like the great Death Valley road race, the “Badwater 135” Ultra-marathon, the KEYS100 races are self-supported. That means that each racer (or relay team) is responsible for providing for his/her needs throughout the race. With the exception of water and ice for un-crewed runners, this includes providing your own water and other hydration, food, ice, clothing and gear. Each runner in the individual races is encouraged to have a support crew, and that is particularly recommended for those who do not have prior experience running ultramarathon races in high heat conditions. When registering to participate in this race, runners must declare their intent to run without support crew if that is their choice. These racers may choose to wear a pack with hydration bladder or other gear to carry fluids, food, etc., use drop-bags along the route (available every ten miles), rely on open commercial facilities on Overseas Highway or some combination of the above.
Thinking about running un-crewed? A note from the Race Director: The heat in the Florida Keys in May can be brutal. Repeat: brutal. The overwhelming single cause the past three years for people not completing this race is the heat—and that is for runners who have had crew supporting them. Running un-crewed with one or two hand-held water bottles and expecting to finish this race is unlikely. The need to hydrate, use ice or cold water to keep your body temperature under control, to replace salts and minerals lost through sweat and to consume adequate calories demands a more realistic plan than that. It is highly recommended that the un-crewed runner wear a large hydration bladder (with pockets for food and electrolytes) and refill it with lots of ice as well as water at each 10-mile check-in site. Also, be sure to use the ice that will be available for you at these locations to fill your bandanas, buffs, plastic baggies or whatever you wear to control the impact of the heat on your body. When the ice has melted, use water to keep as cool as possible. To do that, carry enough water to drink AND to cool off. There are convenience stores en route to complement these supplies, but one may not be available or open when you need it most. Plan for self-sufficiency; this IS a self-supported race—i.e., without traditional aid stations along the way. We recommend against running this race un-crewed if you have not done so in the past.
Crewed: or those runners with support crew, two to five mile stops are recommended to obtain fresh fluids, food, ice, change clothes or shoes, take rest breaks, etc. Runners will be on the course for up to 32 hours, depending upon event, conditions and runner capability. Recommended crew size is 2-3 people, although larger crews are acceptable and some people have been known to have two separate crews working in shifts in such races. Recommended crew vehicle is a mini-van, SUV or full-size van for individual runners, and a full-size (15-passenger) van for relay teams. Sufficient room should be available on board to store and organize (with ready access) all drinks, food, ice and gear for the runner and crew. There should be room for the crew to sit and for the runner to stretch out and rest, if desired. Support crew, especially pacers, will also need to stay appropriately hydrated and eat, and deal with the heat. The last thing a racer needs is for a crew member to become ill and distract from the attention that should be focused on the runner and on completing the race in the best possible time. Runners without support crew must plan carefully for the extreme heat they will face during the race. Drop bag checkpoints every 10 miles will offer water only. Runners should study the Route Map and carefully plan their race strategy to successfully complete the course. [Return to Top]
2. Support Crew--Responsibilities of the Racer and Crew:
For 100 and 50 mile individual racers, shared crew will be permitted. For those who have never run a crew-supported race, good crew is vital to maintaining the balance and focus necessary to successfully complete such long distances. The importance of aligning crew and runner expectations cannot be overestimated. To that end, the list below may be helpful. Additional information and useful tips will be added from time to time to the website page, "Tips on Running Ultras". A very good reference book is "Death Valley Ultras--The Complete Crewing Guide". It is available from race sponsor www.ZombieRunner.com, which is also an excellent source for all running-related supplies, gear and other resources that might be unavailable in your local arae. Note: there are currently no full-service running stores in the Florida Keys.
Racers:
- Are responsible for arranging van or SUV rental and paying for it. That includes making arrangements for van pick-up and return.
- Are responsible for buying all items necessary for support of him/herself AND crew, including drinks, food, ice, coolers, etc.
- Are responsible for stocking the support vehicle with consideration for crew comfort and accessibility to all important items.
- Should expect to pay for hotel accommodations, as appropriate, for the crew.
- Should expect to pay for meals for the crew, and airfare for out-of-town crew.
- Must decide if he/she wants to be paced during the race. That will in part determine the ideal number of crew members needed for proper support and whether crew need to be capable runners, themselves. In the 100 mile race, pacers are allowed after the first 10 miles.
- Are responsible for creating a race plan that the crew can accommodate, and for modifying that plan en route if necessary.
Volunteer Crew Members:
- Are there to support the runner in any reasonable way in his/her effort to successfully complete the race.
- Must understand the commitment they are making to being involved in an active race for as many as 16-32 hours, depending on race length.
- Are reminded of the importance of taking care of their own hydration and nutrition needs en route so that they don't become a burden for the runner and other crew members.
- Are urged to ask friends to volunteer with them. Sharing the experience with others they know can add to the enjoyment and smooth work flow. Crewing can be a lot of fun, but may occasionally have a stressful moment, too!
- Help keep costs down for the racer.
- Must each complete and sign the race waiver form, either on paper or online.
General:
- Crew size: Single-person crews are allowed, but discouraged for reasons of safety and efficiency, especially for the 100-mile race. Recommended crew size is 2-3 people, which allows crew members the option to get some rest. If full-time pacing support is the plan, a crew of 3 or 4 is recommended. Two separate crews working in shifts is also a reasonable option.
- For further information, see "Crew Support Notes" on the "Tips on Running Ultras" page.
- The race "Forum" has been created solely for the convenience of runners and volunteers to locate each other--a runner needing crew, volunteer willing to crew or team needing another racer. Neither UltraSports LLC nor KEYS100 staff or race officials are responsible in any way for results or subsequent actions connected with use of the "Forum". [Return to Top]
3. Relay Team:
Get ready for a lot of fun--and some very good competition!
The KEYS100 Team Relay will have 6-runner teams covering 100 miles. Each team will decide how many miles each team member will run per leg, and how many legs each will run. Teams may include fewer than 6 runners, but no more than six. Teams may be all male, all female or co-ed at the Team's discretion. Each relay team will be self-supporting during the race. Only one runner per Team may be on the course at a time during daylight hours. The designated Team Captain creates the team with his/her registration, but each team runner must register independently to participate in the KEYS100. Please refer to the Registration page and to "Relay Team Tips" in the section titled "Tips on Running Ultras". [Return to Top]
4. The Course:
The KEYS100 will be generally follow US Highway #1, known in the Florida Keys as "Overseas Highway", until approximately the last three miles, where the course turns left onto South Roosevelt Blvd. and follows the ocean shoreline to the finish. (See ROUTE MAP for specifics.) The 100-mile Individual and Team Relay races will begin on the sidewalk near Mile Marker 101 in Key Largo, FL. The 50-mile Ultra will begin at approximately Mile Marker 51 in Marathon, FL, near Leigh Ann's Coffee Shop at the corner of 75th Street. Approximately half the race will be run on existing sidewalks, side roads, service lanes and pedestrian bridges with the balance FACING TRAFFIC on the US#1 road shoulder. Many of these shoulders are narrow, even on the many bridges that connect island to island. Traffic on Highway #1 is heavy year round. It is the only road that runs the entire length of the Keys. All local, commuter, recreational and commercial traffic must use this road. Pay attention to traffic and be cautious at all tmes. In that regard, when running on the road shoulder, racers and pacers MUST run facing traffic. ANY INDIVIDUAL ENTRANT OR TEAM FOUND BREAKING THIS SAFETY RULE WILL BE WARNED THE FIRST TIME, AND DISQUALIFIED FOR A SECOND INFRACTION. NO EXCEPTIONS. (See "Race Rules".) Near the end of the race on Stock Island at approximately Mile Marker 4, just before crossing the small bridge into Key West, all runners will cross US #1 with the traffic light at College Road to the ocean side, then turn left at the main "T" intersection onto South Roosevelt Blvd. for the final three miles. From there, racers proceed on the wide sidewalk along the Atlantic Ocean to the race finish at Smathers Beach. [Return to Top]
5. Traffic Conditions:
CAUTION--TRAFFIC IS HEAVY ALONG US #1.
Overseas Highway—the local name for US Highway1—is a heavily traveled tourist road. It is also the only roadway that runs the entire length of the Keys, so includes local and commercial truck traffic, too. It is a mix of two and four-lane highway, with lower speed limits through towns and heavily settled areas, but higher speeds elsewhere. Stay alert t all times! [Return to Top]
6. Facilities Along The Race Route:
The route is wonderfully picturesque with amazing water views, especially after the first 15 miles. US#1 includes commercial facilities like gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants and the like at many points along its length, but there are long stretches where there is no commercial development. In the Lower Keys—i.e., below Marathon—where the population is more sparse, very few facilities stay open all night. Runners should plan accordingly, especially the un-crewed. For bathrooms, use public facilities, race-installed portable toilets, gas station, convenience store and restaurants facilities. Note: The official KEYS100 Route Map details the location of many such facilities. Become familiar with this map and use it to advantage throughout the race. It also details sidewalk and service roads that must be used, road crossing locations, mandatory check-in sites, etc. Following are some specific bathroom suggestions for the lower Keys, particularly at night: In Marathon, use bathrooms at the Rotary Club Children's Park just across the street from the 50-mile check-in at 75th Street. Public toilets are available at the southern end of Seven Mile Bridge in Veterans Memorial Park at approximately Mile Marker 40. On Big Pine Key (approximately MM30), the Tom Thumb convenience store is open 24 hours. The Chevron station on Ramrod Key (MM27) is open until 11:00 PM. On Summerland Key, the mandatory check-in point is near MM25 at Dion's convenience store. The store is closed at night, but arrangements have been made to access their bathrooms. Sugarloaf Lodge on Sugarloaf Key at approximately MM 17 is open until 11:00 PM, and their lobby bathroom is available. A race porta-john will be located at Baby's Coffee at MM15. At Mile Marker 10 on Big Coppitt Key, the Circle K convenience store is open 24 hours. The last island before Key West, itself, is Stock Island. There, Dion's and other convenience stores and gas stations should be open. Note: Public bathrooms with outside showers are available right at the finish line on Smathers Beach. [Return to Top]
7. Check-In Stations and Cut-Off Times:
ALL racers must CHECK-IN at ALL official stations for your event by the cut-off times.
PLEASE REFER TO THE SECTION BELOW FOR YOUR SPECIFIC EVENT!
CREWED 100 MILE INDIVIDUAL ULTRAMARATHON
UN-CREWED 100 MILE INDIVIDUAL ULTRAMARATHON
CREWED 50 MILE INDIVIDUAL ULTRAMARATHON
UN-CREWED 50 MILE INDIVIDUAL ULTRAMARATHON
SIX RUNNER 100 MILE TEAM RELAY
Mile Markers ("MM") are approximate:
A. CREWED 100 MILE INDIVIDUAL ULTRAMARATHON
CREWED 100 Mile racers must be checked-in at all FOUR official stations. Limited water supplies will be available at each check-in station.
CREWED 100 Mile Check-in Stations and Cut-off Time Limits
- 25 mile Check-in at MM75 No later than 2:00 PM on Saturday
- 50 mile Check-in at MM51 No later than 10:00 PM on Saturday
- 75 mile Check-in at MM25 No later than 6:00 AM on Sunday
- Finish Line at Smathers Beach No later than 2:00 PM on Sunday, within thirty-two (32) hours of Start
Failure to check-in or make any of these cut-offs will be considered “DNF”—“Did Not Finish”.
B. UN-CREWED 100 MILE INDIVIDUAL ULTRAMARATHON
UN-CREWED 100 Mile racers must be checked-in at all TWELVE official stations. Water will be available at each check-in station.
UN-CREWED 100 Mile Check-in Stations and Cut-off Time Limits
- 10 mile Check-in at MM90 No later than 9:00 AM on Saturday
- 20 mile Check-in at MM80 No later than 12:00 noon on Saturday
- 25 mile Check-in at MM75 No later than 2:00 PM on Saturday
- 30 mile Check-in at MM70 No later than 4:00 PM on Saturday
- 40 mile Check-in at MM60 No later than 7:00 PM on Saturday
- 50 mile Check-in at MM51 No later than 10:00 PM on Saturday
- 60 mile Check-in at MM40 No later than 1:00 AM on Sunday
- 70 mile Check-in at MM30 No later than 4:00 AM on Sunday
- 75 mile Check-in at MM25 No later than 6:00 AM on Sunday
- 80 mile Check-in at MM20 No later than 8:00 AM on Sunday
- 90 mile Check-in at MM10 No later than 11:00 AM on Sunday
- Finish Line at Smathers Beach No later than 2:00 PM on Sunday, within thirty-two (32) hours of Start
Failure to check-in or make any of these cut-offs will be considered “DNF”—“Did Not Finish”.
C. CREWED 50 MILE INDIVIDUAL ULTRAMARATHON
CREWED 50 Mile racers must be checked-in at BOTH official stations. Limited water supplies will be available at each check-in station.
CREWED 50 Mile Check-in Stations and Cut-off Time Limits
- 25 mile Check-in at MM25 No later than 6:00 PM on Saturday
- Finish Line at Smathers Beach No later than 2:00 AM on Sunday, within sixteen (16) hours of Start
Failure to check-in or make either of these cut-offs will be considered “DNF”—“Did Not Finish”.
D. UN-CREWED 50 MILE INDIVIDUAL ULTRAMARATHON
UN-CREWED 50 Mile racers must be checked-in at all SIX official stations. Water will be available at each check-in station.
UN-CREWED 50 Mile Check-in Stations and Cut-off Time Limits
- 10 mile Check-in at MM40 No later than 1:00 PM on Saturday
- 20 mile Check-in at MM30 No later than 4:00 PM on Saturday
- 25 mile Check-in at MM25 No later than 6:00 PM on Saturday
- 30 mile Check-in at MM20 No later than 8:00 PM on Saturday
- 40 mile Check-in at MM10 No later than 11:00 PM on Saturday
- Finish Line at Smathers Beach No later than 2:00 AM on Sunday, within sixteen (16) hours of Start
Failure to check-in or make any of these cut-offs will be considered “DNF”—“Did Not Finish”.
E. SIX RUNNER 100 MILE TEAM RELAY
Six Runner 100 Mile Team Relay racers must be checked-in at all FOUR official stations. Limited water supplies will be available at each check-in station.
Six Runner 100 Mile Team Relay Check-in Stations and Cut-off Time Limits
- 25 mile Check-in at MM75 No later than 2:00 PM on Saturday
- 50 mile Check-in at MM51 No later than 10:00 PM on Saturday
- 75 mile Check-in at MM25 No later than 6:00 AM on Sunday
- Finish Line at Smathers Beach No later than 2:00 PM on Sunday, within thirty-two (32) hours of Start
Failure to check-in or make any of these cut-offs will be considered “DNF”—“Did Not Finish”. [Return to Top]
8. Medical Support:
Trained medical volunteers will be on the course during the race to assist runners when possible. A list of direct phone numbers will be given to each runner and team. Emergency 911 service in the Keys shouldbe used if race volunteers are not immediately available in emergency situations. Hopefully the following will never be an issue. However, all emergency evacuation costs for participants or crew members will be borne by that person or his/her heirs. The race organizers are in no way liable or responsible for medical costs or emergency evacuation. Please refer to “Accident Waiver and Release of Liability" form for related details. [Return to Top]
9. Weather:
Sunny and hot is the likely scenario in mid-May in the Florida Keys! The heat will be as much a challenging factor as the distance. The vast majority of those who do not finish the race site heat-related reasons. Temperatures are likely to reach the high 80’s or low 90’s with high humidity. Sudden rain squalls are always possible in the Keys, and these are frequently accompanied by gusty winds. Fortunately, many are of short duration. Runners should consider seeking shelter during rain squalls to wait them out.
Minimizing the impact of the heat is an ongoing challenge. In addition to adequate fluid and salt/mineral intake, use ice in hats and bandanas or soak head coverings in water liberally to keep cool. Begin doing these things before becoming overheated. The primary reasons for not completing the KEYS100 are overwhelmingly heat related. Train and plan accordingly. [Return to Top]
10. Prostate Cancer and Charitable Giving:
Prostate cancer affects 1 out of every 6 men in the United States and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men. As such, the disease directly or indirectly impacts most families in America. For over 20 years, The Richard J. Fox Foundation, based in Washington, DC, has been raising and donating money—over $2 million at latest count--for research, education and free prostate cancer testing at the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University, and for the past four years in South Florida and the Keys. Detecting this disease early is an important factor in long-term survival and in maintaining quality of life, and maximizes the number of treatment options available. (Just ask Race Director Bob Becker, who is, himself, a prostate cancer survivor.) The screening process is a simple one, but a crucial component in the fight to save lives. For 2010 as in previous years, individual donations may be designated to any of the specific charitable beneficiaries. These organizations include the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys, Holy Cross Hospital in Broward County and The Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown. Funds are collected by The Richard J. Fox Foundation, an IRS-designated 501 c(3) organization, and are tax deductible. In turn, donations are distributed to the selected prostate cancer-oriented charities. 10% of KEYS100 race registration fees are also donated to this important cause. [Return to Top]
11. Race Sign-In, Packet Pick-Up and Pre-Race Meeting:
Each racer must pick-up his/her race packet, including race number and tee shirt, as follows:
100-mile races—on Friday, May 14, between the hours of 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, at the new Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, near Mile Marker 102, Bay side. Immediately following check-in at 7:00 PM will be a short, mandatory meeting for all racers. Crew members are invited and encouraged to attend. Any registered racer who is unable to attend the meeting must notify Race Director Bob Becker in advance to make alternate arrangements. All relay team members are strongly encouraged to attend in person, although participation (and packet pick-up for the entire team) by the Team Captain is acceptable.
50-mile race—on race morning, Saturday, May 15, between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, packet pick-up will be at the 50-mile race starting point near Leigh Ann's Coffee Shop at 75th Street in Marathon. A short mandatory meeting for all 50-mile racers will be held there at 9:30 AM, prior to the 10:00 start. As an alternative, 50-mile racers are invited to the Friday evening check-in and pre-race meeting in Key Largo, and may pick-up their race packets at that time. [Return to Top]
12. Race Start—Timeliness:
All individual runners and relay team representatives must check-in with a designated race official at least 30 minutes prior to race start.
At 10 minutes before each race begins, all runners will be marshaled to the starting line. THE 100-MILE INDIVIDUAL AND RELAY RACES WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 6:00 AM. THE 50-MILE RACE WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 10:00 AM. [Return to Top]
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