Key West 50 & 100 - Just how HOT is it?

fleabates · Jan 5, 2011

Here is my dilemna. Last year I did the Croom 50 miler and it went well. So for this spring I am looking for a 50 to do in the Spring where I can get another ultra under my belt and possibly improve my time. I was going to just do the Croom again (boring I know) but I have a schedule conflict now so probably can't fit it in. 
 
I was looking for other 50's in Florida in the Spring and the only race I can really find is the Key West run in May. Has anyone run this before to get me the low down on it? I have lived in FL all my life and so I can handle the heat very well (I actually prefer 95 degrees to 60 degrees). But the thought of running 50 miles down US1 in the Keys in May seems insane (even for a guy that has run 50 miles before). 
 
I have visions of 95 degree heat and 95% humidity with a dry hot slight breeze coming in off the Gulf and even more heat radiating off the pavement with absolutely no shade. Does this sound about right?
 
<a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/71013/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="hot.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15822" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15822/width/339/height/410" style="; width: 339px; height: 410px"></a>

sk8dog · Jan 18, 2011

Why not try Iron Horse 50 mile, 100k, 100 miler
Its on trails so you dont have to dodge cars!!!!
 
<a href="http://www.ironhorse100kmclub.com/" target="_blank">http://www.ironhorse100kmclub.com/</a>

sk8dog · Jan 18, 2011

here is another with a 50k and 100k option
 
<a href="http://www.palm100.com/" target="_blank">http://www.palm100.com/</a>

merigayle · Jan 18, 2011

it sounds so dangerous and hot and muggy. i have heard some pretty harrowing reports from runners on the traffic while running.

fleabates · Jan 19, 2011

sk8dog,
 
I would love to do the Iron Horse but can never seem to get it in my schedule. I typically take it easy in December so doing an ultra in February doesn't give me enough time. But the West Palm race looks fun. I may have to check that one out.
 
I definitely want to skip the traffic and stick to the trails.

flrunnuts · Jan 19, 2011

The Key West race's temperatures can be VERY hot and muggy. Another 50 mile race in late May is the Wickham Park race in Melbourne. The race director offers a double your money back guarantee if you don't enjoy the race....what more could you ask for? Flea....didn't you do a badwater solo last summer? Are you going out again this summer??

steve · Jan 19, 2011

I've heard the same sentiments regarding hot and muggy. But one other thing you may not realize is that there's not a lot of shade and the sun can be brutal. I can only imagine that the fact that it's reflecting off the asphalt makes it only worse..
 
-steve

phredmur · Jan 20, 2011

I know some people love the Keys 100/50, but it is on Route 1 in traffic. And there is no aid; you have to have a crew that provides aid like Badwater. And you have to contend with the 7 mile bridge, where you would be without aid on a bridge in traffic for 7 miles. But the last time I was in the Keys I did see the mile markers and think it would be cool to run down to Key West (before they started the race). I can see the allure.

sk8dog · Jan 21, 2011

They actually have an option now where you dont need a crew. They will shuttle out drop bags for you every 10 miles. So it is doable by yourself

merigayle · Jan 21, 2011

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by sk8dog <a href="/forum/thread/72002/key-west-50-100-just-how-hot-is-it#post_1978439"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a> They actually have an option now where you dont need a crew. They will shuttle out drop bags for you every 10 miles. So it is doable by yourself
 
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10 miles is a long way in heat and humidity, imo. Doable in other conditions definitely, but 10 miles late in a 100 mile race, that could be HOURS! LOL

phredmur · Jan 21, 2011

Wow, every 10 miles on that course would be tough. I was thinking of seeing the crew and getting some ice and water every couple miles.

SportiGrl · Jan 22, 2011

I've done an 8 hour race in 90+ temps in August on a 3.29 mile loop course the last two years and it was fine and dandy ... but I don't know if I could carry enough fluids to make it 10 miles on such a day ... I sponged and drank every few miles and fared well ..
 
I don't know of any other long ultras in FL that time of the year ... good luck and have FUN!!!

crunningman · Jan 23, 2011

Oh, it will be hot/humid alright. My wife and I travel to Naples, FL every May and I'm hardly acclimated for running in the heat "yet" coming from Indiana. I run nearly every day on our vacation but definitely not like I would if we were back home. You will encounter unrelenting heat unlike anything you've probably experienced.
 
Not saying you can't do it, but I'd probably go after Iron Horse or even Croom. Leave the hot weather running for when you're acclimated to the heat.

flrunnuts · Jan 24, 2011

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by SportiGrl <a href="/forum/thread/72002/key-west-50-100-just-how-hot-is-it#post_1978655"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a> 
 
I don't know of any other long ultras in FL that time of the year ... good luck and have FUN!!!
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Again, there is the Wickham Park 50-100 and 200 in May 2 weeks after the Key's race. It is one of the most difficult 100 mile races to complete with only a 2% finish rate and the 50 mile option has a 14% finish rate.

Key West 50 & 100 - Just how HOT is it?

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