May Recap: Florida's Ultra Season is Heating Up!

May was another huge month for Florida ultrarunning, and if one thing became clear, it's that the summer heat isn't slowing anyone down. From rugged forest trails to the iconic Overseas Highway, runners tackled some of the toughest races our state has to offer.

The Tick Gets a New Home

One of Florida's most unique ultras entered a new chapter this year as "Papa" Joe Miller of Combat Racing took over race directing duties for The Tick, formerly an A1 Ultra Events race.

Race Director Joe Miller and winner Carl Gilley

The Tick isn't your typical ultramarathon. This free, fatass-style 57.4-mile adventure winds through the Ocala National Forest along the Florida National Scenic Trail, giving runners a chance to experience what locals proudly call "the real Florida." It's wild, rugged, and

beautifully untouched.

There are no aid stations on course, making crew support mandatory. It's just you, your crew, and miles of Florida wilderness.

Eight runners completed the challenge this year. Carl Gilley of Dunnellon claimed the overall victory, while Jane Tagariello of Yulee earned not only the honor of being the first—and only—female finisher, but also proudly took home the coveted DFL award. Around here, finishing is finishing, and every finisher deserves celebrating.

Keys 100: Florida's Crown Jewel

The biggest event of May once again belonged to the Keys 100.

This bucket-list race sends runners from Key Largo to Key West, following US-1 through relentless sunshine, humidity, ocean views, and yes... traffic. It's one of the most unique 100-milers anywhere in the country.

Race Director Bob Becker has built an event that attracts runners from around the world. For much of Florida's ultrarunning community, Keys weekend has become an annual reunion. Whether you're running, crewing, volunteering, pacing, or simply cheering along the course, there's a place for everyone.

Finishers at the 2026 Keys 100

With multiple solo distances, relay options, and over 200 awards handed out during the legendary beach finish-line party, it's easy to see why this race continues to grow.

On the course, Ivan Penalba Lopez looked like he might threaten the course record through the first 50 miles before the Florida sun reminded everyone who's really in charge. He still crossed the finish line in an incredible 15:55:18 to claim the overall victory.

On the women's side, Ashley Leisher continued her remarkable run through the ultra world, winning in 18:35:46.

Both champions earned automatic entries into next year's Badwater 135, assuming they meet all remaining qualification requirements.

Lopez continues to add to an already impressive international resume, while Leisher has become one of Florida's hottest ultrarunners over the past couple of years with multiple podium finishes and a victory at Badwater Cape Fear.

Couldn't make it to the Keys? Pacer Travel Media livestreamed the entire event, and race highlights, interviews, and shorts are available now on the Pacer Travel YouTube channel.

Sweat, Swat & Swear Delivers Fast Times

Although A1 Ultra Events passed The Tick on to new leadership, they still have a packed calendar, including one of Florida's fastest trail races—Sweat, Swat & Swear 50K in Inverness.

First place at Sweat, Swat and Swear Vince Carter

This year's race produced blazing performances.

Vince Carter took the overall win in 4:18:35, leading a men's field where all of the top five runners finished under five hours.

For the women, Rebecca Connor of Silver Springs continued what has become one of the most impressive streaks in Florida ultrarunning, winning in 5:02:03.

The victory marks her sixth ultra win in her last seven races dating back to April 2025, with the lone exception being a second-place finish. That's an incredible run of consistency.

Lake to Ocean Keeps Growing

Closing out the month was what many runners now consider Florida's premier 100K—the Lake to Ocean 100K.

The point-to-point course begins near Port Mayaca on the shores of Lake Okeechobee and finishes at the beach in Hobe Sound, connecting lake to ocean across 62 challenging miles.

The race isn't flashy. It's exposed, relentless, and demands patience from start to finish.

Nineteen runners reached the finish line this year.

Female winner at Lake To Ocean Jenny Lee Eisenman

Aryan Rochon captured the overall victory in 12:20:00. Impressively, this marked his third time running Lake to Ocean, improving both his finishing time and placement every single year.

Only two women crossed the finish line, with Jenny Lee Eisenman earning the win in 13:42:00. She also improved dramatically from last year's third-place finish, shaving nearly an hour and a half off her previous time of 15:10:00.

For an overview of all the top finishes as well as links to full results and to races not mentioned here, click this link.

Summer Has Arrived

The Florida heat is officially here.

While much of the country starts hiding from the rising temperatures, Florida ultrarunners simply refill their bottles, grab another popsicle, and keep moving. Summer racing doesn't slow down—it just gets sweatier.

Pickle juice becomes a sports drink. Ice bandanas become fashion statements. Aid stations start looking like frozen dessert buffets.

And don't forget the sunscreen.

We'll see you on the trails... or somewhere along the side of the road wondering why we willingly signed up for this in the middle of June. Happy running!

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For complete transparency, I wrote the article and asked AI to "clean it up."