NEW for 2024 - the RPC DIVISION
NEW for 2024 - we have created the RPC Division (runner propelled cart division). This "invite-only" event is a solo, self-contained cart-mandatory 118-mile race run concurrently with LOST 118 and LOST 100K. If you did not receive invite and you are interested in learning more about this and/or interested in applying, please email the Race Director at aloywishes22@gmail.com
LOST 118 mile (full loop) & 100k (half loop) and Relays
The 18th annual LOST 118 is on February 24, 2024. We have a 118-mile full loop and a 100K half loop with individual and relay options for both distances. The race is held during the full moon weekend each February and is run along the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail ("LOST”) surrounding Lake Okeechobee. Everyone starts in Clewiston at 7am. The full loop finishes where it began and the half loop is run point-to-point finishing in Okeechobee.
Route, Running Surface & Roadway Sections
The route is atop the 118 mile Herbert Hoover Levee surrounding Lake Okeechobee, originally built for flood control. At 35 feet tall, runners will have stunning views of the Lake's calm waters and scenic grassy islands. Scheduled on a full moon weekend every February, a headlamp may not be necessary while on the levee.
Lake Okeechobee is the second largest lake wholly within the United States and is the largest in Florida. It covers 730 square miles and spans five counties - Glades, Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach, and Hendry. The Lake is home to all sorts of wildlife including alligators, osprey, pelicans, raccoons, wild hogs, white tail deer and a variety of both resident and migrating birds and waterfowl.
The running surface of the LOST trail is 10-foot wide paved asphalt with a few miles of crushed dual track.
There are 22 designated crew access points but there are several other points of contact for runners who want more frequent support.
There are places along the course where runners will leave the levee and run along the roadway. These road sections are usually short and are necessary to cross bodies of water such as the Miami Canal, St Lucie Canal, Taylor Creek, Kissimmee River, and Caloosahatchee.
On these sections, all runners must run facing traffic, wear appropriate road running safety gear (reflective vests, blinky lights, headlamp) and be exceptionally vigilant and careful. Crew is responsible to make sure their runner is alert and wearing appropriate safety gear.
Crew, Rules & Race Cutoff Times
All individual runners (other than RPC runners) must have crew support since there simply are not enough convenience stores or gas stations to self-support. Relay teams can act as crew when not running.
The rules of LOST 118 are simple - run the race, don’t cheat, don’t litter, and don’t do anything you think the Race Committee, your fellow runners, or the community would find unsportsmanlike, rude or obnoxious. Any violation of these rules by a runner or their crew will result in the runner and the crew being disqualified from this year’s LOST and permanently banned from all future LOST events. The Race Director’s decision will be final and there is no appeal. RPC Runners are subject o additional rules which will be shared with them directly.
Cutoffs:
Half Loop – 100k - 11:00 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024 (16 hours)
Full Loop – 118 miles - 9:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2024 (38 hours) with all runners having to make it past the 100k mark by 11pm Saturday.
Pricing, Refunds & Cancellation Policy
118 mile individual - $200
100k individual - $150
118 mile relay - first team member $200 and each additional team member $50
100k relay - first team member $150 and each additional team member $50
Participants will receive a 100% refund if they cancel their registration before 12/31/23.
No refunds after 12/31/23.
No deferrals.
If the event is cancelled by the Race Director prior to the 7am start on race day, all participants will receive a 100% refund
About the Levee
After 18 years and $1.5 billion, the massive Herbert Hoover Levee rehabilitation project was completed in January 2023. At the ribbon cutting in Clewiston, Colonel James Booth, Commander of the Jacksonville District United States Army Corps of Engineers, announced that the project was completed three years ahead of schedule and $300 million under budget. He added that the levee “has never been in better shape than it is right now." For LOST 118, this means the end to construction-related road sections which have been part of this race since inception.
Awards & Race Records
Race Records:
Female: Jamie Donaldson (2010) 18:36:15
Male: Marc Burget (2022) 18:25:54
Buckles will be earned by all individual runners (not relay) who finish the 118 within 38 hours.
Awards:
First place trophies will be awarded to the fastest female, fastest male and fastest relay team in both the full loop 118 and the half loop 100k.
Awards will be hand made by Brie of Wicked Skins Awards.
Timing
Timing will be provided by Mike Melton of MCM Timing & Results and electronic chip timing mats will be placed at several locations along the route.
Charity
LOST 118 has partnered with the Cypress Chapter of the IWLA, a 501(c)(3) charity created 50 years ago. A portion of each year’s gross revenue will be donated to this organization and the Race Committee encourages all runners and crew to get involved in the preservation and betterment of Lake Okeechobee and the surrounding areas. The organization’s mission is to conserve, restore, and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources, including soil, air, woods, waters, and wildlife specifically in and around Lake Okeechobee, Big Cypress National Preserve and the Greater Everglades.
Official Running Store
iRun of Miami is the official running store of LOST 118. iRun hosts training runs on the levees of Broward County and provides running shoe discounts to all LOST 118 registered runners and their crew during the 60 days prior to the race.
Race Director/Contact Us
Brendan Barry
Race Director
aloywishes22@gmail.com
Event's current local time: 5:24 AM ET
