READ ME FIRST | KEYS100

Individual Runners

Each runner in the individual races MUST have a support crew. This applies to all three race distances. While not advised, two runners may share one crew. There will be no aid stations or water stops along the route. Individual runners and teams are expected to be self-sufficient.

There are many places along the course to re-stock supplies and purchase prepared food. The individual runner's crew will leap-frog their runner along the course, meeting every few miles at approved locations only to provide the runner with water, food, ice, changes of clothes, night gear, and whatever else the runner might need during the race.

The crew is responsible for getting the runner to the race start and from the finish, and to transport and care for the runner in the event the runner is unable to complete the race.

          Allowing a shared crew is intended for runners who will be moving together most of the time.
          Runner separation can never be greater than one allowable Meet-Up Location ahead.
        

For those racing for the first time with a support crew and for first-time crew members, the best-practices video, "Crewing a Runner at KEYS100," is posted under the Crew Info tab. It is a must-see for all but the most experienced ultra-runners and support crews.

Relay Teams

Race with friends from Key Largo or Marathon to Key West. Up to six runners may form a 100-mile team, and up to three runners may form a 50-mile team.

Teams decide how many legs each teammate runs, the order in which they run, and the distance. Runners do not have to stay in order nor run the same number of legs or miles. Teams decide their own race-day strategy.

A list of allowable locations to exchange runners is included in Course Details & Meet-Up Locations under the Race Info tab.

A printed final version will be included in the 2026 Race Guide, which will be posted on the website and distributed in printed form at race check-in.

On-Course Support

Runners and relay teams will be supported by race marshals, who check for runner safety and rules compliance, medical staff located along the course, and monitors at strategically placed timing stations. Sheriff's deputies assist runners and direct traffic at necessary road crossings.

Checking-In

The Holiday Inn, Key Largo, is race headquarters. Check-in will take place on Friday afternoon and evening under the tiki hut next to the pool.

While this location is primarily for 100-mile individual runners and teams, 50-mile runners and teams and 50-kilometer runners may check-in here as well, or just before their own races on Saturday morning at their respective starting locations.

Orientation is online in lieu of a live pre-race meeting. The Orientation video is a must-see. In addition, a live Experts Panel will take place on Friday afternoon at the Holiday Inn for those interested in attending, and it will also be livestreamed.

Race Day

The 100-mile races start on Saturday morning at 5:30 am at the Key Largo Community Park, located behind the Divers Direct shopping center in Key Largo, preceded by limited elite corrals.

Starts are staggered with approximately twelve runners in each wave. Assigned corrals leave every five minutes. Staggered starts help spread out the field along the course.

          Start time selection is first come, first served. The earlier you register, the better your selection of start time.
        

All finish times are net. Your clock starts when your wave crosses the starting line mat and ends when you reach the finish line.

The Marathon Garden Club is the starting location for the 50-mile races. A live Q&A session will be held prior to the race start with the race director. Packet pick-up on Saturday morning prior to the race start will be drive-by only at St. Columba Episcopal Church in the block behind the Garden Club.

The Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce property in Big Pine Key will again be the location of the 50-kilometer race starting at noon. Packet pick-up will be held on-site prior to the race. There will be a live Q&A session prior to the staggered race start.

Approximately fifteen runners will begin at a time, with subsequent groups leaving every five minutes. 50-kilometer runners will also be required to have their own support crew, or to share one.

Important Safety / Awareness Measure

Every runner, support crew member, and team driver will be given a highly visible reflective suspender-type vest at check-in that must be worn at all times, and will clearly identify them as KEYS100 participants. These serve as an additional reminder to the public of a race in progress.

Race Rules & Standards

Know them. Own them. Some are new for 2026. Find them under the Race Info tab. All rules will be strictly enforced.

Race Timing by MCM Timing

Timing equipment will be placed at strategic locations along the course. Locations and instructions will be provided to all registered runners.

Finish Line Celebration

The celebration returns. At the finish line on Higgs Beach, runners and guests can enjoy a continuing party under a huge tent, with cooked food, adult beverages, and more.

Hundreds of chairs allow runners to relax in the shade, visit, and swap stories. The in-person awards program will be held under that same tent on Sunday at 11:00 am for the 50-mile and 50-kilometer races, and at noon for the 100-mile races.

Live music by Gary Hempsey. Hundreds show. Join us to be recognized, receive your award, and cheer others.

Get Your Run On

Race Plan Outline for 2026