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HOTEL UPDATE—NEW OPTIONS
KEY WEST:
The Sheraton Suites has sold out. Here are some additional Key West hotel and suites options. The hotels are part of one ownership group. They are located within 4 miles of the race finish at the east end of the island along Roosevelt Blvd. Call each hotel directly for reservations. Mention “KEYS100” when you call for these rates:
Radisson: 305-294-5511. Rate is $109 plus taxes.
Holiday Inn: 305-294-6681. Rate is $109/night
Comfort Inn: 305-294-3773. Rate is $99
Days Inn: 305-294-3742. Rate is $89
Hyatt Time Shares. Depending upon availability, these 2 bedroom, 2 bath timeshare apartments feature sleep sofas in the living rooms, and have full kitchens, laundry. They will sleep 6-8 people. Mention “KEYS100” and “Key West Southernmost Runners” when you call. Rate is $225 per night. (3-night max. at this rate.) If staying more than one night, you MAY find a better rate on the internet as “specials” are featured from time to time. Go to www.hyatt.com to check it out. On that website, type the resort name into the box on the left side of the homepage to check pricing and availability.
Hyatt Beach House Resort: 305-294-0059
Hyatt Windward Pointe: 305-293-5050
There is a very large number of hotels, B&Bs and resort-type properties in Key West, in all price ranges, including many that are located downtown on or near Duval Street and Mallory Square. Check “Key West hotels” online for lodging alternatives.
MARATHON:
Crystal Bay Resort is an older but well kept “Mom & Pop”-type property on the Bay in Marathon, located at Mile Marker 49, two miles south of the race start. It features a variety of room sizes and has its own sandy beach. Prices vary depending on room size and proximity to the water. Regular room rates are $80-120. We have not negotiated a special rate with Crystal Bay Resort, but are working on that, so do mention “KEYS100” when you call. This motel offers that old-time Keys environment, with clean, adequate rooms and easy access to the race check-in at Leigh Ann’s Coffee Shop.
NO BIKES!
Reminder: no bikes are allowed in this race for pacing or other purposes.
BOB’S SOLO (and the HEAT)
I ran the entire route this past weekend solo to check on course conditions and promote both the race and the prostate cancer cause. First, a note to last year’s winner, Alisa Springman: Alisa, your “World Record KEYS100” winning time of 23:02 in the “100” is safe! Best I could do was 25:49. Here are a couple of tips from my running experience this weekend: the weather was moderate for the Keys with high temperature around 81 degrees. There was a strong breeze during most of the day that was mostly at my back. I nevertheless “wore” ice from 9:00 in the morning until 6:30 or so Saturday evening when I changed clothes and shoes for night-time running. Even with ice controlling my body temperature and less than severe conditions, the sun was intense enough that I felt the heat nearly all night long. Running that route successfully-- 50 or 100 miles--without using ice in a bandana around your neck and under your hat seems to me to be out of the question. Just a little advice from a guy who has run this course twice now…
There is road construction along Overseas Highway in a number of locations. One area was hardly passable, although we expect improvement there before race day. “Route Notes” will be expanded and reviewed with you in detail, along with current road conditions, the night before the race at the Pre-Race Meeting. Remember, that meeting is mandatory for all 100-mile runners and team Captains, although all racers are invited and encouraged to attend. 50-mile runners will receive their own orientation before the start of the “50” at the event start in Marathon.
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SANCTIONED EVENT