FLORIDA KEYS Nun Running2— Racers are to navigate up to 40 bridges flanked by the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico during the Florida Keys’ third annual Keys Ultra-Marathons set for Saturday, May 15.

Three competitions stretch the length of the island chain’s renowned Overseas Highway, now designated an All-American Road. They are a 100-mile individual race from Key Largo to Key West, a 50-mile individual race from Marathon to Key West and a 100-mile, six-person team relay race from Key Largo to Key West.

Hundreds of participants and spectators at the 2009 event cheered the progress of Sister Mary Beth Lloyd, a 60-year-old New Jersey missionary, who ran 40 miles dressed in a full black habit in an effort to raise awareness for a children’s AIDS charity.

Organizers expect more than 300 runners to compete along the scenic course during the 2010 Keys 100. New for this year’s event is an option for 50- and 100-mile individual participants to run without a dedicated support crew.

The 100-mile individual and team relay races are to begin on the sidewalk, oceanside, at approximately mile marker (MM) 101 in Key Largo promptly at 6 a.m. Saturday. The 50-mile ultra is to begin at 10 a.m. at MM 51, across from Leigh Anne’s Coffee House in Marathon.

At least half the race is to be run on sidewalks and service lanes, with the remainder on wide road shoulders facing traffic. All races are to end at the same finish line at the south end of Key West’s Smathers Beach.

A social and awards ceremony is set for noon Sunday at a yet-to-be disclosed location in Key West.

Registrations received by May 1 are $220 for the 100-mile individual race or $170 for the 50-mile individual race. The Keys 100 Relay is $600 per team. After May 1, late registration fees apply. All race rules, routes and registration information can be found at www.keys100.com.

For more information about the Florida Keys & Key West, including accommodations, call 1-800-FLA-KEYS (352-5397) or visit www.fla-keys.com.

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