Everglades Ultras

RUN WILD IN THE EVERGLADES!
www.evergladesultras.com

Mark your Calendars:
Saturday, February 20, 2016!!
It's A Date!
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Are you an ultra-runner? A half-marathoner? Looking for a great trail race in South Florida? EVERGLADES ULTRAS has a place saved just for you! Join us in Copeland, FL, near Everglades City, for the fourth annual EVERGLADES ULTRAS trail races at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve. This is the Real Deal, Folks! We guaranty you've never run anything like it. But register early: the overall runner limit for 2015 is 300.

The race venue--the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park--is a Florida treasure. It is a beautiful and diverse wilderness located just south of “Alligator Alley” in the Florida Everglades. It is the largest state park in Florida covering 80,000 acres, and features a wide variety of Everglades habitats—bald cypress swamp lowlands, grassland prairie, tropical hardwood hammocks and pine rock lands. This preserve is protected with great care and attention to detail. The Fakahatchee features the largest selection of species of orchids and bromeliads in North America. Living here are Florida panther, black bear, deer, alligator, bobcat, Everglades mink, diamondback terrapin and water fowl and migratory birds too numerous to count. Its groves of native royal palms are the largest in the state and the only place in the world where bald cypress and royal palm share the forest canopy.

Runners may see it all, traveling along old logging “trams”--raised trails preserved and maintained for access to various sections of the park. Fully provisioned aid stations will be carefully placed along the route, which has been designed to include views of the great diversity of the Fakahatchee. Special activities will be offered on race day for runners’ guests.

Here's what Val Wright, Jupiter FL, had to say about her 2013 race experience: "This was my first trail run and I didn't know what to expect... It was exciting and different running that terrain and not knowing what lurked around the corner. I was in sensory overload because I wanted to look around and enjoy the incredible and lush scenery, but I also needed to look down so I could keep upright. And secretly, I wanted to spot something a little more treacherous than happy runners and dirt so I could brag of my exploits running through trails and fighting off danger like Indiana Jones. Alas, I arrived safely at the finish line to enjoy my beer and burgers with nary a scratch. I can't wait for next year. I am coming back with experience and some more friends, who may be with me [running in the Everglades,] willingly, or not."

The 2015 EVERGLADES ULTRAS:

What: Three distinct trail races of 50 miles and 50 kilometers (31 miles) and 25 kilometers (15.6 miles). The races are fully aid-station supported. Note: This is a wilderness area and overgrown portions of some trails are literally re-opened by hand just a few days before the race. Depending upon park conditions and access race week, precise trail pattern and total race distance for the three races may be altered. It is unlikely, but please be aware of this possibility.

Where: The entrance to Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is located in Copeland, FL on State Route 29, fifteen miles south of Exit 80 on Interstate 75 (“Alligator Alley”), and 2.5 miles north of US 41, “Tamiami Trail”. Everglades City is five miles south of the park entrance on Route 29. "Fakahatchee Strand" is approximately 1 ¾ hour’s drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

When: Saturday, February 21, 2015. The 50 mile race start is at 6:00am; cut-off is 8:30pm. The 50 kilometer race begins at 7:30am, with cut-off at 5:00pm. The 25 kilometer race begins at 9:00am with a 3:00pm finish cut-off time. A required orientation meeting will take place before each race at race HQ in the park, with optional packet pick-up and orientation on Friday at 4:00pm.

Support/Food: Full aid stations throughout the course. Burgers and beer under the big tent at the race finish! Runner drop bags allowed at strategic locations.

Facilities/camping: Primitive tent or RV camping will be allowed the night before and night after the race next to Lake Harmon at the race headquarters area for a small fee. In addition, motels, cottages, B&B’s and formal campgrounds are located in Everglades City and surrounding areas. Same for restaurants and convenience stores. See the “Hotels” page for suggestions.

Click here to register: https://www.raceit.com/register/?event=28148
Registration

TOTAL REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO 300

Included in the registration fee is a race shirt, runner bag and finisher medal, plus unique awards for top finishers. Registered runners who are interested in purchasing additional shirts will have the option of doing so at the race.

Supporting the Fakahatchee: The EVERGLADES ULTRAS strongly encourages donations in support of our host, the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. With state budgets increasingly austere, independent fundraising is vital to the park’s ability to sustain its programming and care for this natural treasure. Tax deductible contributions to “Friends of Fakahatchee, Inc.” may be made online as part of the registration process or by visiting the “Park Donations” page anytime. Also on that page, learn how to earn a ful refund of your race entry fee!

While at it, check out the important work done by the "Friends" group-- the park's "Citizens Support Organization", and join today. Visit www.friendsoffakahatchee.org for all the details.

RACE REGISTRATION FEES

50 Mile Race 50 Kilometer Race 25 Kilometer Race
Early Registration thru November 15, 2014 $175 $155 $135
November 16, 2014 thru February 10, 2015 $195 $175 $155
Late and On-Site Registration, space permitting $225 $195 $185

SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS: 10% OFF PUBLISHED REGISTRATION FEES. Contact the Race Director before registering to obtain discount code.

If you have questions, contact Race Director Bob Becker, by e-mail at bob@ultrasportsllc.com, or by phone at 954-439-2800.

Ultra Sports, LLC
P.O. Box 2065
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33303

RACE DAY IS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015

Friday, February 20, 2015 (Runner option)
2:00-4:00 PM--PACKET PICK-UP
4:00-5:00 PM—PARK AND RACE ORIENTATION MEETING
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Runners have the option of picking-up their race packet, including bib number and timing chip, at Race Headquarters in the Park the afternoon before the race. A presentation about the "Fakahatchee”, its history, animal and plant life, and a review of the race route, will be presented by Fakahatchee Strand Park Staff and the Race Director. This is not a required session, but participation will better prepare the runner and enhance the race experience. The Park biologist will enlighten us about what you are likely to see while on the trails.

50 MILE RACE
Saturday, February 21, 2015
4:45-5:15 AM—50 MILE RACE PACKET PICK-UP
5:15 AM TRANSPORT DEPARTS FOR RACE START
5:40-5:55 AM—PRE-RACE OVERVIEW & ANNOUNCEMENTS
6:00 AM—50 MILE RACE START
5:30 PM--CUT-OFF TO CLEAR MUD TRAM AID STATION
AT APPROX. MILE 41
8:30 PM—50 MILE RACE CUT-OFF

50 KILOMETER RACE
Saturday, February 21, 2015
6:15-6:45 AM—50 KILOMETER RACE PACKET PICK-UP
6:45 AM--TRANSPORT DEPARTS FOR RACE START
7:10-7:25 AM—PRE-RACE OVERVIEW & ANNOUNCEMENTS
7:30 AM—50 KILOMETER RACE START
5:00 PM—50 KILOMETER CUT-OFF

25 KILOMETER RACE
Saturday, February 21, 2015
7:00-7:30 AM—25 MILE RACE PACKET PICK-UP
8:15 AM TRANSPORT DEPARTS FOR RACE START
8:40-8:55 AM—PRE-RACE OVERVIEW & ANNOUNCEMENTS
9:00 AM—25 KILOMETER RACE START
3:00 PM—25 KILOMETER CUT-OFF

Non-race activities for family members and friends of runners are being offered on race day in and near the park. Visit the "Non-Runner Activities" page for details.