The Vero Octopus Ultra

"Endurance, Community, and the Spirit of Resilience"

F**kCovid!

That was the sentiment when the news hit: the Keys100 was canceled due to the pandemic. I couldn't believe it. After waking up at 4am six days a week for a year, envisioning crossing that finish line at the mile 0 buoy, logging endless miles in the Florida humidity, my first Ultra race, the Keys100, was gone. But ultra runners have an insidious quality:they never give up. The race was canceled, but my determination wasn't.

So, the inner conversation began:"How will you do it without aid stations?""Easy...go out and back on different routes from your garage.""You can do 10-12 miles without an aid station!"

"Even in 100-degree temps?"

"Yes...that's what you'd have in the Keys100...so yes!"And so, the idea for the Octopus Ultra was born.

The Genesis of the Octopus Ultra:

The first Octopus Ultra took place in the summer of 2020. With races world wide being canceled,I devised a grueling course consisting of eight out-and back segments, each aptly named an"Octo-Arm." The idea was simple: a centralized location, a base station, with eight arms radiating out.This set up allowed for a variety of distances, catering to new Ultra runners and seasoned veterans alike. Completing all eight arms within 32hours would earn the esteemed Octopus Buckle.

The inaugural Octopus Ultra saw no finishers within the 32-hour limit, but two runners, Tony and I, completed the entire 100 miles in 33 hours. It was a brutal challenge, but the spirit of the race was set.It was more than just a race; it was a test of endurance, mental fortitude, and community.

In partnership with the Environmental Learning Center (ELC), the Octopus Ultra found its home base in Vero Beach. The ELC's mission to educate, inspire, and empower people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being aligned perfectly with the ethos of the race A portion of the proceeds from the race is donated to the ELC, adding a layer of purpose to the grueling event.

The Course and the Challenge

The Vero Beach Octopus Ultra is designed to push runners to their limits. The race includes everything from beach and road to sandy roads, trails, swamps, and sandy scrub The course is as beautiful as it is challenging, offering a variety of terrains that test the runners' physical and mental endurance.

In 2025, while the exact routes of the Octo-Arms are yet to be finalized, runners can expect a mix of beach, road, sandy roads, trails, a touch of swamp, and sandy scrub The race is set in July, bringing 90-degree temperatures and sauna-like humidity. The 100-mile race is particularly brutal, with the first 50 miles beating down body with intense heat, beach, swamp, rocks, and overgrown trails The se 50 miles test the mind, with long road miles, swarms of mosquitoes, the added challenge of "The Labyrinth" in arm 7, which gifts runners an uneasy feeling of being lost in a dystopian world.

The Labyrinth in arm 7, which gifts runners an uneasy feeling of being lost in a dystopian world.

THE SPIRIT OF THE OCTOPUS ULTRA

The Octopus Ultra is more than just a race; it's a community event.The centralized base camp at the ELC serves as a hub where runners, crews, spectators, and families can gather after each arm. This setup creates a unique atmosphere where lead runners can encourage others, and every one feels part of a larger community. It's a family-oriented and destination race that offers both a challenge and a sense of camaraderie.

The Octopus Ultra is a race born out of adversity, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.It's a brutal yet beautiful challenge that tests runners' physical and mental limits. With its unique format and community spirit, The Vero Beach Octopus Ultra has quickly become a must-do event for ultra runners. So, if you're looking to push your limits and experience the madness of ultra running in a supportive community, the Octopus Ultra is the race for you.