Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Race Info

Which direction is the race going this year?

The race will be run from West (Sunshine Key side) to East (Marathon side).  

 

Parking and shuttle covered in other FAQs.  

Where and When can I pick up my number and shirt?

Packet Pickup will work the same way it did last year but is different from pre-Covid times.  Packets can be picked up via drive thru at Faro Blanco Resort,  1996 Overseas Hwy (Gulfside) in Marathon on Friday, April 12, from 12:00 – 8:00 pm.  Please stay in your car, stay left and have your drivers license out and ready.  

 

There will be no race morning packet pickup.  

RUNNERS MUST PRESENT PHOTO ID REFLECTING THE ADDRESS WITH WHICH THEY REGISTERED.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

Can I have someone else pick up my number and shirt?

Each runner must pick up their own number and shirt ahead of the race. RUNNERS MUST PRESENT PHOTO ID REFLECTING THE ADDRESS WITH WHICH THEY REGISTERED.


 

PARKING, PARKING, PARKING! Where do we park?

There will be limited free runner parking and a bus shuttle (for bibbed runners only) to the west side of the bridge available at 1 Knights Key Blvd (near IslaBella and Sunset Grille) between 4:30 am and 5:30 am

 

ALL BIBBED RUNNERS WHO WISH TO BE BUSED TO THE START LINE MUST BE SEATED ON A BUS NO LATER THAN 5:40! THE LAST BUSES TO THE START LINE WILL LEAVE AT 5:45

 

Runners are encouraged to carpool. If you are staying at Tranquility Bay, Faro Blanco, Marriott, Islabella or The Hammocks, you’re within walking distance of the bus shuttles to the west end of the bridge (start line). 

Please allow extra time as the bridge will close precisely at 6:00 A.M.

 

ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING AT THE START LINE.

I’m staying in the Lower Keys, can I be dropped off on the West side of the bridge near the start line?

Bibbed runners from the Lower Keys can be dropped off in the turn lane of Veteran’s Park (Oceanside) on the West side of the bridge where the driver will then need to proceed north after drop off.


Will there be bathrooms at the start line and on the bridge?

There will be porta-potties to use at the parking area and at the start line but no porta-potties available on the bridge (wind).

 

Where can my family/friends go to watch the race or cheer me on?

While there is an available cheering section on the old 7 Mile Bridge area at the East (Marathon) end, there is no parking in the area. Family can walk or bike from the area hotels though. The finish line area will be roped off for runners and emergency personnel. Sunset Grille Marathon Florida Keys also makes a great viewpoint (let’s them sip on a mimosa while you run)!


 

What do I need to do to beat the bus?

This is a tough question to answer, but one we get asked a lot. The race will start at 6:45 and shag buses will start their sweep of the bridge at 8:05. The sweep starts from the South side of the bridge and moves very slowly, picking up those who, given their current pace will not finish in the allowed time. Runners have around 90 minutes to cross the finish line taking into account the time it will take to get the socially distanced runners across the start. When the shag buses pull up, runners are required to board where they will receive their medal and pin. It is extremely important that this process run smoothly so we get volunteers, runners and buses off the bridge in order to reopen precisely at 9:00 am.