Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I run my individual race without a support crew?

No. Each runner must be supported by a crew, although up to two runners may share one crew.

When sharing a crew, runners may never be separated by more than the length of the next meet-up location. This option is not intended to allow anyone to race alone and get far ahead.

Violation of this rule will result in disqualification for both runners.

During registration, every runner must clearly identify the crew chief supporting them, and all crew members must be registered as volunteers.

What is the best team race strategy?

Team members do not have to run the same number of miles or the same number of legs. Teams decide their own strategy and can change it during the race if needed.

Over the years, many teams have found that finishing times are better and recovery is faster when teammates run multiple short legs instead of two or three long ones.

Most teams use the permitted exchange locations to change runners and decide in advance who will handle the longer legs, such as Seven Mile Bridge and Long Key Bridge.

• 100-mile teams may have up to 6 runners
• 50-mile teams may have 2 or 3 runners
• Teams may be all male, all female, or co-ed
• A Masters division is available for teams where every member is age 40 or older
• Each relay team is self-supported during the race

Before race day, meeting in person or by conference call can help teammates coordinate driver responsibilities, hotel plans, vehicle arrangements, pooled supplies, and leg assignments.

Because there is only one road in and out of the Keys, strict course, vehicle, and traffic rules are essential to protect runner safety, local traffic flow, and the event’s ability to return each year.

Why are there so many rules about the course and traffic?

KEYS100 follows US Highway 1 for nearly 100 miles, with much of the course on the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, including bike trails, sidewalks, side roads, service lanes, and pedestrian bridges.

The rules are designed not only for runners, but also for the vehicles used by teams and individual runners to support themselves.

Pulling off the road safely, re-entering traffic responsibly, maintaining appropriate speed, signaling clearly, parking only where allowed, and respecting local businesses and residents are all vital parts of race safety.

In many locations, the road shoulder is narrow and traffic can be heavy. Runners and pacers must run on the ocean side facing traffic and cross the highway only where instructed. Visible nighttime gear is essential.

Are there bathrooms along the race route?

Yes. Race-installed portable toilets are placed at strategic locations, and there are also commercial facilities such as gas stations and convenience stores along parts of the route.

Some sections, especially in the Lower Keys beyond Marathon, have fewer open facilities overnight.

If you use a business restroom, the race encourages you to support that business by making a purchase when possible. If told no, please be polite.

Public bathrooms with outside showers are also available at the finish line on Higgs Beach.

What are the cut-off times for my race?

Total Time Allowed

• 100-mile individual and team races: 32 hours
• 50-mile race: 20 hours
• 50-kilometer race: 12 hours

Interim Cut-Offs

All runners and teams must cross timing mats before the sites close. Missing a cut-off results in a DNF.

• Mile Marker 90 at Coral Shores High School: 11:00am
• Mile Marker 74.9 just past Shady Cove Avenue: 4:00pm
• Mile Marker 59.3 at Keys Cable Park: 8:30pm
• Mile Marker 50 at Marathon Garden Club: 11:00pm
• Mile Marker 40 at Veterans Park, west end of Seven Mile Bridge: 2:00am Sunday
• Mile Marker 25 at Dion's store on Summerland Key: 7:00am Sunday
• Mile Marker 10 at Circle K Shell station on Big Coppitt Key: Noon Sunday

There are no interim cut-offs for 50-mile and 50-kilometer runners and teams.

Is there any medical support along the route?

Yes. Medical staff will either be driving the route or stationed at locations on the course, and they will also be present at the finish line.

Contact phone numbers are provided to runners and teams, but unless otherwise noted in pre-race instructions, emergency 911 service should be used if race medical staff is not immediately available in an emergency.

Race medical personnel may prevent a runner from continuing if their condition warrants it. A runner who receives medical help may continue only if cleared by the assisting medical personnel.

Runners receiving an IV for any reason may not continue the race.

Medical staff do not tape feet or provide blister support, so runners, crews, and teams should be prepared for that independently.

Heat is one of the biggest factors in KEYS100. The race warns that sunny, hot, and humid conditions are likely in mid-to-late May, and many DNFs are heat related.

Is the hot weather really a significant factor?

Yes. The site states that fewer than 50% of individual 100-mile runners completed the race in 2024, and 53.7% finished in 2023, with most non-finishes tied to heat-related reasons.

Temperatures are likely to reach the high 80s or low 90s with high humidity. Sudden rain squalls and gusty winds are also possible.

Runners are encouraged to use cooling strategies such as ice in hats or bandanas and soaking head coverings with water before overheating begins.

The race also suggests starting with a shorter distance first if you have never raced in the heat before.