Important Race Information

Registration is now open for this New Year’s race on Peanut Island in Palm Beach County, Florida. Competitions of 24 hours, 12 hours and 6 hours will take place beginning on New Year’s Eve Day at 10:00 AM, and continue until New Year’s Day at 10:00 AM. The route is a USATF-certified loop of 1.234 miles in length, 10 feet wide, and built of concrete pavers over a sand base. The trail circumnavigates the island along its outer perimeter, offering spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean inlet, Palm Beach, Singer Island and the port of Riviera Beach. Chip scoring will be in use. In these fixed-time races, the individual who runs the greatest number of miles during the allowable time is the winner. Last year in the 24-hour competition, ten runners completed more than 100 miles, with winner Dave Carver running 116.316 miles.

Peanut Island is a family-friendly 80-acre Palm Beach County park located in the Lake Worth Lagoon, part of the Intracoastal Waterway at the Palm Beach inlet to the Atlantic Ocean. Accessible only by boat, this unique and beautiful place offers swimming, snorkeling, fishing and a wide variety of birds and sea animals to view. The President John F. Kennedy nuclear bunker is here and may be toured—a reminder of the cold war and threat of “the bomb” hanging over our collective heads in those dangerous times of rivalry and brinksmanship. Runners and their guests are encouraged to bring sleeping bags and a tent. Camping is allowed near the race pavilion/headquarters area, on the beach and in the small island campground on a reservation basis. (Details about reserving a campsite will be posted on the race website later this summer when they become available.) The island boasts three modern bathhouse buildings. One of them, on the east side of the island, includes hot showers. Race headquarters will be located on the east side this year. At midnight, don’t miss the great fireworks show from West Palm Beach, with best viewing at the overlook on the island’s south side.

Boat transportation to Peanut Island from Riviera Beach Marina is free for runners and their guests. The race entry fee includes unlimited access to the excellent food/aid station open 24 hours, with breakfast served on New Year’s morning at the conclusion of the race. Non-runner guests will be allowed full access for a modest additional fee. (Except for a very small snack bar open for a limited number of hours, there are no commercial facilities on the island. Everything must be transported from the mainland, and runners should plan accordingly.) Unique participant medals, race awards, buckles for runners exceeding 100 miles and race sweatshirts are included for registered runners.

We’re looking for volunteers to help set-up and take down the headquarters area, support the runners at the kitchen/aid station during the 24-hour event and serve as spotters/marshals along the course. Please encourage your guests to lend a hand during their stay on Peanut Island.

4th Annual PALM100
Saturday, March 24, 2012
100 Kilometer and 50 Kilometer Individual Races
100 Mile Six Runner Team Relay Race
Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach or Ocean Ridge
Out-and-Back Route along the Ocean Road

This spectacular venue welcomes us back once again in 2012. Registration will open in late July or early August. This is the perfect venue for your first ultra—or your 101st! This flat road course features beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Intracoastal Waterway on the other and the outrageous waterfront real estate along this beautiful Florida “Gold Coast” route. Come south to Fort Lauderdale for a well-deserved Spring thaw! Race alone or with five of your best running friends in our unique and user-friendly relay race format. The race website, www.palm100.com, will be updated soon for next year’s event. See you there!