Relay Team Corner

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Not ready to run an ultra on your own?  Maybe that idea is not even on your radar? The KEYS100 team relays are a great way for those who want to participate, but who prefer shorter distances, to join the fun and the challenge along Overseas Highway.  Unlike the classic ultra-distance relay races like "Hood-to-Coast", "Wild West Relay" and some of the Ragnar races, teams at KEYS100 determine their own race strategy and create their own race-day plan.  YOU decide how many legs, or segments, each team member will run.  Your mates do not have to run an equal number of legs or miles.  This flexibility maximizes the opportunity for everyone to contribute effectively to the overall team effort.  Newer runners may run less and experienced people run more.  And, your race strategy may be changed during the race to adjust to the weather, injuries, or other conditions.  Segments are typically run sequentially, and each is generally 2-4 miles in length. (One of the exceptions is the Seven Mile Bridge leg, which must be run in its entirety by the same racer.)  However, you may choose an entirely different approach; you do NOT have to stay in order, for example.  Six people are the 100-mile team maximum, and three people are the 50-mile maximum. Smaller team size is allowed in both competitions, although there will be no adjustment or handicap for team size in the competition results.  

If your team is "short" a runner or two, don't hesitate to reach-out on the race Facebook pages to look for another runner.  When doing so, it is important that your goals align.  For example, if the team is planning to run at a modest pace and enjoy the sights along the way, a runner whose only thought is winning the race will not be a good fit.  But otherwise, there are countless stories of unknown runners joining a team and adding a special new dimension to the group--and becoming fast friends in the process.

The comprehensive re-writing of this race website for 2024 attempts to present in a logical way all the information you should have at your disposal as you prepare for race day.  There is a great deal here that will be of value to you and your mates.  Be especially certain that everyone has viewed the "Orientation" video.  The entire team and your driver, if you choose to have one, should know what to expect on race day--and the entire weekend--because KEYS100 is more than just a race.  Plan to stay in Key West for awhile if you possibly can.  Enjoy the celebration-on-the-beach after reaching the finish line, and come back for the Awards program on Sunday.  (Over 200 winners are acknowledged and honored on Sunday right there under the big tent.  You have a better than 1-in-5 chance of being one of them!)

Every topic on these pages is there for a reason, but here are some of the most important pages not to miss: Race Day Tips, FAQ, crew vehicle recommendations and limitations and the race weekend calendar.  And you need to "own" the rules, so be sure that everyone clearly understands expectations by studying "Race Rules & Standards".

One final note: over the years we have seen countless examples of relay team members being inspired by individual runners they've seen along the route.  Frequently, individual and team runners find themselves running a few miles together.  So, don't be surprised if you "adopt" each other and find yourselves saying, "Maybe I should try that 50K next year!"