RUM RUNNER CHALLENGE

	Rum Runner Challenge 2002 Kayak & Canoe Race November-15,16,17
RACE INFO 2002
RACE UPDATES
COORDINATES
RACE CHARTS
ENTRY FORM
RACE SPONSORS
SPECTATOR EVENTS
ACCOMMODATIONS
RACE RESULTS
EVENTS
FBO
E-MAIL
The Rum Runner Challenge is a 100+ mile, 3-day stage, paddling race that takes place in the tropical Florida Keys. The race, beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, follows a chain of islands and a barrier reef, the only living coral reef system in the continental United States. Key West is also the continental United States’ southernmost city, making the Florida Keys a warm tropical paradise. This southernmost coastline, a waypoint for most vessels heading north, brought to its shores a fair share of pirates, smuggling, shipwrecks, treasures and rum. Rum, a favored spirit made and shipped to us by our Caribbean neighbors at one time needed to be smuggled in during the Prohibition. These modern day pirates were known as Rum Runners thus giving us the name of our race and the name of a very popular drink in the Keys. Although rum smuggling is no longer necessary, the Florida Keys continues to keep the pirate spirit alive.

RUM RUNNER ~ 100 mile 3 day stage race

The First Annual Rum Runner Challenge was a great success. We are anticipating a nice size turn out for this year's challenge. A few minor changes were made in this year's course eliminating a few miles along the way. Last year's racers may wish to check their coordinates against the latest waypoints. In order to keep this year's entry fee (check out payment schedule) at the same level we had to make a few cutbacks along the way. (Not in the fun department of course.) We came to notice most participants of the 2000 race opted for the life of luxury splurging for the comforts of a resort room instead of roughing it outdoors. The resorts and sponsors of the Rum Runner will be giving special rates for the campsites, cottages, suites and motel rooms. So this year everyone will need to call in to make their own reservations. Check out the accommodations page for special offerings. We will be updating information on a bi-weekly basis so be sure to check out the race updates page to see what is being changed or added. We have added a special page for the spectators looking to get the most out of their stay. This year's finish line will be at Smathers Beach in Key West. The fancy dinner party will be replaced by a bar-b-que right on the beach. The Sheraton is located exactly across from the finish line and they are offering a rate for the Rum Runner that you just can't refuse. The Award Ceremony will take place on the beach at 5:00pm or sooner. Please read through the following information and please don't hesitate to contact us for questions or any problems with the site. See you soon!

LOCATION

FLORIDA BAY OUTFITTERS, 104050 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL. 33037 tel:305-451-3018 fax: 305-451-9340

RACE CATEGORIES

Categories Include: Surf Ski, Tandem Surf Ski, Sea Kayak 16'-19', Sea Kayak over 19' Sea Kayak Tandem 16'+, Sea Kayak Team 16'+, OC-1, OC-2, OC-6, Life Guard Dory (tandem). Outrigger canoes entering the race will be required to meet standard specifications required by the ECORA (length, width, weight).

The team sea kayak category must have three members. Each member must race one of the three days. All three members scores will be added for a total time. Teams will be competing against other teams and therefore may not apply their time against other sea kayak categories. This category is great for clubs, manufacturers, outfitters, etc. Each team paddler will need to complete a Rum Runner Team Registration Form. Again $50 from each team member ($150.00 per team) will be applied toward a first place cash prize as long as there are a minimum of three teams registered.

Categories will be divided into age groups; Open (39 and under) and Masters (40+). Gender will also be taken into consideration. The Sea Kayak Tandem, Sea Kayak Team Life Guard Dory and the Outrigger Teams will be classified as mixed (any age or gender).

PRIZES

Medallions will be awarded for first, second and third place of each division. Each participant will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win additional prizes. At this time, the only cash prizes will be coming directly from your entry fees. Fifty dollars of your fees will go directly into the division you signed for. The total sum collected will go to the first place winners of that division. If there are less than three racers in a division the cash prize will be forfeited.

REGISTRATION

Pre-registration is a MUST. For convenience you may print (maximize screen for best results) the registration form by clicking the ENTRY FORM button. Application and liability forms must be filled out entirely. Registration fee is $175.00 per racer if received or post marked by September 30th or $200.00 if received or post marked between October 1 and October 31. October 31st is the entry deadline. All team captains must send in registrations and payments for all team members together. This includes sea kayak teams, all tandems and six man outriggers.Race fees are payable by cash or check. You may also register and make payment with a credit card through our FLORIDA BAY OUTFITTERS ON-LINE TRADER. Once we receive your apps we will send you a confirmation, rules, and other information. This race will go on Rain or Shine. Refunds will not be issued. If you plan on camping in the Keys you will want to bring a free standing tent. The islands are fossilized coral reefs (rock). Florida Bay Outfitters will be shuttling gear for racers in need limited to one duffle bag (name tagged). Racers and boats needing a shuttle back to Key Largo will need to make special reservations with FBO. Seating and trailer space is limited so call soon. 305-451-3018 or E-Mail to kayak@terranova.net

REGISTRATION INCLUDES

Rum Runner t-shirt and goody bag.

Pre-race pasta dinner and entertainment.

Raffle ticket for additional donated door prizes.

Beer & Bar-b-Que, awards, trophies and cash prizes in Key West.

RACE PARTY KEY WEST

All persons wearing their 2002 Rum Runner Challenge t-shirt are invited for free food and beverage that will be served at the end of the Rum Runner Race in Key West. Race entries include one t-shirt. Rum Runner t-shirts are available for sale at $each. Don't forget you need to wear them!!!

RACE MEETING ~~ THURSDAY FLORIDA BAY OUTFITTERS

Racers check-in will be from 9:00am - 7:00pm at Florida Bay Outfitters. All vessels and safety equipment will be inspected at this time. All vessels need to be equipped with hand held VHF radio in waterproof case, signal flares, dry bag, whistle, PFD and paddle leash (canoe paddles excluded). All equipment must be in good condition.

A Sunset Celebration will begin at 4:00pm with live music. A Pasta Dinner will run from 5:00pm - 7:00pm "FREE" for all racers and support crews (family and friends), volunteers and sponsors. At 7:00pm a racers meeting will be held. All racers must attend!

REQUIREMENTS

All vessels need to be equipped with hand held VHF radio in waterproof case, signal flares, dry bag, whistle, PFD and paddle leash (canoe paddles excluded). All equipment must be in good condition. Decked kayaks are required to carry spray skirts, paddle float and bailing device (bilge pump). Bailing devices must also be carried aboard OC-1, OC-6 and Life Guard Dories (pail or pump). In addition to having these essential items, racers are required to know how to use them. This race is open to experienced paddlers only. We will exercise our rights to remove any paddler from the race if he or she demonstrates their inabilities to properly use the required safety equipment or shows obvious paddling incapabilities that may jeopardize their safety.

Although not required we highly recommend the use of a handheld GPS. The race course is fairly obvious and is easily followed with our safety vessels in place but the GPS can come in handy as an emergency toll for anyone new to the area. We are supplying all racers with emergency coordinates. These coordinates will be used for take-out along the way if anyone should need to pull out of the race or if the race has to be cut short due to severe weather. Most racers will not be familiar with the keys and a GPS can give you the closest waypoint and direction at anytime. The Emergency Coordinates can be found on the COORDINATES page.

DAY ONE FRIDAY 34.88 MILES START: 7:00AM

All racers will need to report in by 6:30am to race officials at Florida Bay Outfitters. At 7:00am the sound of the gun will be the official start of Day 1 of the 2nd Rum Runner Challenge. Racers will need to average 3.5 miles per hour just to finish the days race in the 10 hour allotted time period. This can be a grueling experience even if the weather is cooperating. Good Luck! Spectators will be able to view the race start from Florida Bay Outfitters. Another good view and photograph opportunity would be from the Adams Cut Bridge as paddlers race through the cut under US 1 towards Pennekamp Park and the Atlantic Ocean. From that point on, viewing would be only possible from a boat. Day 1 of the Rum Runner will end at the Fiesta Key KOA on Long Key. This campground is not what you'd call "roughing it." The camper resort offers their guests a swimming pool, a beach house grille and pub, a bait and tackle shop, a marina, a game room and motel units. The layout is great and the grounds are well kept. The folks at Fiesta Key are very friendly and have made special efforts to help us arrange this event. Racers and spectators not wishing to camp may book motel or RV sites at the same location. The folks at Fiesta Key will be offering discount rates, just mention the Rum Runner. Another plus for this resort is the Beach House Grille and Pub. Everyone will be responsible for the cost of their meals. The Grille normally opens at 8:00am but they will be opening specially for the Rum Runner at 5:30am so you can be ready to go at 7:00am. How's that for hospitality?

While you're out there working hard for your money, your racing fans can visit nearby Holiday Isle. They have a great party atmosphere (they invented the Rum Runner Drink), and they have been voted the best resort in the Upper Keys for the past 10 years in a row. There are numerous resorts on the property so if you're looking to dance and party big time you may want to check them out. Also near the Fiesta Key is Long Key State Park. A $10.00 pass will get you in any Florida State Park good for 7 days. We recommend getting the pass because you will definitely want to visit the Bahia Honda State Park just next door to the island of day 2's race. This park was voted the best beach in the country back in 1992. If the kids are along for the ride you may want to check out Theatre of the Sea. They have a great Dolphin Show and much more! And if you happen to think about it while basking on the beach sipping that pina colada, pick up your cell phone and call us to get an update on estimated finishing times. We hear it may be possible for some of the top notch racers to finish around noon. We'll need you to be there to cheer them on!

DAY TWO SATURDAY 31.64 MILES START 7:00AM

All racers will need to report in by 6:30am to race officials at Fiesta Key KOA. At 7:00am the sound of the gun will be the official start of Day 2. Of the three days, today will be be the shortest at about 32 miles. The course will wrap around Long Key on the gulfside and travel under the viaduct back to the Atlantic. Here racers will need to average 3.2 mph. That doesn't include breaks of any kind. Great photo opportunities can be had from the viaduct as paddlers pass beneath them. But be extra careful when viewing any of the race from bridges and road sides. Travelers are watching everything but the road as they pass over the tropical waters. Yes, the scenery is gorgeous and we hope the paddlers are getting to enjoy the beauty just as much. Currents down this way can get a little tough, tides in this year's event may not be working out as well as last year's. This day, racers will get to view the famous Seven Mile Bridge connecting Marathon and Ohio Key. There are actually two bridges, one is the Overseas Highway which is now in use and the other paralleling is the old Flagler Railroad Bridge. Unfortunately a number of devastating hurricanes put the railroad under. It sure must have been an awesome sight seeing the old steam engine puffing its way across those bridges. A cool place to check out is Pigeon Key. The Flagler bridge crosses right over this small island. You can access the bridge from the Marathon side. Sorry racers you won't have time. But you're almost to the finish. You'll be landing at Sunshine Key Resort. Again the folks here made special accommodations for this event and will be offering discount rates for the event. Just mention the Rum Runner. Spectators not camping may get a $5.00 day pass and may use the pool and facilities. RV sites and cottages are available at the park in case you don't want to camp. Management plans to put together another low cost Bar-B-Que and pancake breakfast for racers and campers. Don't forget to check out our accommodations page!

BASIC RULES

An early race day start is necessary in order to allow enough time for racers to finish prior to the half-hour before sunset deadline (5:00pm). All race course coordinates can be accessed and printed by clicking the COORDINATES icon. Charts may be accessed through the coordinates page or directly from the RACE CHARTS icon. The planned course is the most direct from the beginning to the end of each day steering way of shallow flats, reefs and other navigational hazards. This course will maintain significant water depth for maximum performance during high and low tides. Racers may use their expertise and navigational skills to alter or shorten their course and to take full advantage of wind, current and tides. Sails, pedal, or motorized power of any kind will not be permitted. At approximately 11-13 miles out each day all racers will be required to pass a point where a safety boat will be moored. This vessel will recognize and record each racer as they pass and will also be equipped with first aid personnel and water. Racers failing to check-in at the specified Check Points will be penalized or disqualified. Other vessels will be patrolling in case of emergency. It will be mandatory for any racer to assist another in any emergency situation until certified help arrives. Each racer assisting in an emergency will be credited for their loss of time. Loss of time will be calculated from first VHF radio contact. Any racers leaving or avoiding an apparent emergency situation without approval from the distressed or other assistants may be disqualified. Any racer needing assistance for any reason may contact safety vessels by VHF radio. A standby VHF radio channel will be selected prior to race. Approximately one mile before each days finish line, a marked vessel will be stationed to help aid in navigation. Racers that are obviously not going to meet the 5:00pm cutoff will be directed by race officials to the nearest boat ramp where a pick-up will be arranged. Race officials will begin this process at their discretion in order to properly manage and pick-up paddlers before dark. Late finishers will be timed as incomplete for that day. All powerboats must be in before dark. Racers will be clocked at each finish line. Each day will be tallied for the total time.

RUM RUNNER RECIPE pre-race fun
7/8 oz Blackberry Brandy X 7/8 oz Banana Liquer X 3/4 oz 151 Rum X 5/8 oz Grenadine X 1 1/2 oz Lime Juice X Freeze in blender and serve.