Relay Team Corner

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The Military Team* Competition Returns:

May 17, 2025, is "Armed Forces Day" in the U.S.  On that day at KEYS100, military teams* will compete in the overall race AND against each other for special bragging rights!  The winning military team will receive a special award and remain fully eligible for overall relay race awards, too.  [*To be eligible, at least 5 team members must be on active duty and be serving full time.]  When you create and register your team, you will have the opportunity to select the military team option. 

Running an ultramarathon disrance relay race:  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.

There is a great deal of information in this website 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 a while 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 web pages is there for a reason, but here are some of the most important ones not to miss: Race Day Tips, FAQ, "Crew Vehicle" recommendations and limitations and the race weekend calendar.  To understand the course and create your race plan, read "Runner Meet-Up Locations".  And since you must "own" the rules, be sure that you and your crew clearly understand 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 meet and see 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!"