** This race has drawn rave reviews from Ultra runners. The opportunity to run among relay teams, aid stations, excellent post-race and the support of the local distance running community makes it a challenging but fulfilling day. Relay teams are great about providing enthusiastic support for the runners throughout the course, at the finish line and the post-race. It is a great prep race for longer distances races during the first couple months of the year.
2023 ULTRA SAFETY NOTES AND RACE DAY INFORMATION
Check the website roundthebayrelayandultra.com for the latest race day info.
Make sure the race director has an emergency contact name and phone number prior to starting the race. Use high visible, reflective gear running and you must illuminate yourself during if you have a pre-dawn start.
Last year, we had a large group leave at 5:00 AM. You will need to leave soon enough to finish the race by 12:45 as we have to leave the Elks facility by 1:30. The finish line will be removed at 12:45.
If you drop out of the race, you must call or text the race director (850-830-6179) immediately.
The race will be run on the inside of the race course. You will use sidewalks and bike lanes. No roads are closed so safety is paramount. No bicycles may be used to pace. You will cross oncoming traffic south of the airport (Crestview ramp) and twice on Perry Ave.
AID STATIONS: there will be three aid station stocked. Basic medical supplies, water, cokes, M&M’s, and pretzels will be available at Aid station #1 at Hurricanes (mile 16). #2 at Bayou Plaza (mile 23) and #3 in the Sunset Liquors parking lot (mile 30).
If you wish to have a drop-off bag for any of the aid stations, give it to me at packet pickup on Friday night.
Please use caution as you cross streets. Cars will look left and turn right. Make sure they see youbefore proceeding.
Thank you to our SPONSORS; NWFTC, Run With It, UnitedHealthCare, Bodyworks by Bull and The Island, Hotel by RL and all the volunteers.
Don’t forget the free Recovery Run with complimentary Bloody Mary’s Saturday morning, New Year's Day at 8:00 AM at The Island, Hotel by RL. See race director for more details.
When all is said and done, there are three main rules: (1) BE SAFE, (2) HAVE FUN and BE SAFE!!! Please assist our visitors throughout the race.
Contact information for the race director, Dennis Samac, is 850-830-6179.
RACE COURSE INFORMATION:
There are basically six turns on this course.
Turn left on Highway 293, also known as Danny Wuerffel Way or Mid-Bay Bridge Road or take the Matthew Blvd cut-through. Turn left at Wells Fargo/Starbucks, stay right at the round-about and choose your course through the Paradise Key parking lots. You should come out at Bonefish Grill and turn left on the sidewalk and run toward the Mid-Bay Bridge.
After running across the bridge and through the toll area, follow the sidewalk (30 yards past the toll booth) to White Point Road.
Mile 16.4- turn left on State Road 20, right after the 1st Ultra Aid station at Hurricanes.
Mile 21- Turn right and cross Highway 20 (BE CAREFUL and USE LIGHT) to Highway 85 South to FWB.
Mile 35- Follow sidewalk and turn left at Perry Road in FWB. Perry Road takes you to 98.
Mile 36.8- turn left into the Elks Lodge parking lot. Be careful with the entrance especially if there is water standing. Follow cones to the finish line.
Make sure cars see you before running in front of them on side streets. Cars will look left and turn right without seeing you, so make sure you are visible to them.
There are three locations where you will run across a road with oncoming traffic. The first is just south of the airport (around mile 26) where you will cross the overpass entrance for cars going to Crestview. Those cars will be traveling in the 55-60 mph range so make sure you have time to make it. The other two are located on Perry Road where one lane of oncoming traffic will merge right. You will cross both of these in a 100-yard area.
Please text or call me (850-830-6179) if there is an issue or if you have to drop out. I will run three miles during the race but someone will have my phone and answer calls.
Don’t forget the post-race massage by Bodyworks by Bull (tentative) and the food and drink. Sunday morning, you are invited to attend the Recovery Run to try and loosen those muscles up. Bloody Mary’s will be provided.
There will be turn signs at all turns with the exception of Perry Road.