2026 Lost 118 Ultras

The 2026 Lost 118 Ultra, now in its 20th year, will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, starting and finishing in Clewiston, Florida. The event is held entirely atop the Herbert Hoover Levee surrounding Lake Okeechobee, a 35-foot-high, exposed route with no shade, trees, or protection from the elements. The course is a 118-mile counter-clockwise loop, primarily on a 10-foot wide paved asphalt path with a 15-mile section of crushed shell. Participants can expect a challenging, self-supported experience with minimal aid and strict cut-off times. The event’s location is subject to variable weather conditions typical for early February in South Florida, including warm temperatures, potential breezes, and the possibility of sudden weather changes.

What is the Lost 118 Ultra?

The Lost 118 Ultra is a 118-mile endurance race held on the Herbert Hoover Levee surrounding Lake Okeechobee. It is a mixed-terrain event, featuring a primarily paved asphalt path with a 15-mile section of crushed shell. The race begins and ends in Clewiston, Florida, and takes place entirely on the levee, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding grassy islands.

What are the event divisions?

There are two distinct divisions for the Lost 118 Ultra:

1. Standard 118 Mile Division: Requires a mandatory crew to assist with supplies and logistics, as there are limited access points for aid.

2. Solo Self-Supported Cart Division: Runners must carry all necessary supplies in a cart for at least 50 miles at any given time and have a standby crew member for extraction if needed.

What are the requirements for the Solo Self-Supported Cart Division?

Runners in the Solo Self-Supported Cart Division must:

• →Carry a cart containing all supplies, including at least 2 gallons (8 liters) of potable water and 2,000 calories of food for 50 miles.
• →Have a standby crew member for the entire race to assist with extraction if the runner drops out or misses a cutoff.
• →Not pre-plan aid and only accept incidental free aid.
• →Ensure the cart stays with the runner at all times, including when resupplying at stores.
• →Prohibit water dumping until after mile 105.

What are the course details?

The Lost 118 Ultra is a counter-clockwise loop around Lake Okeechobee, starting and finishing in Clewiston. The course includes:

• →Approximately 103 miles on a 10-foot wide paved asphalt path.
• →Approximately 15 miles on a hard-packed, crushed shell, double-track section.
• →Brief road crossings to navigate major water bodies, such as the Miami Canal, St. Lucie Canal, Taylor Creek, Kissimmee River, and Caloosahatchee River. On these sections, runners must face traffic and wear high-visibility gear.

What are the cut-off times for the event?

Participants must adhere to the following cut-off times:

• →Halfway (Okeechobee Park): Must arrive by 1:00 AM Sunday, March 1 (18 hours from start).
• →Finish Line: Must complete the full 118 miles by 9:00 PM Sunday, March 1 (38 hours from start).

There are no exceptions for cut-off times.

What is the mandatory gear for the Solo Self-Supported Cart Division?

Solo Self-Supported Cart runners must carry the following at all times:

• →Sustenance: Minimum 2 gallons (8 liters) of potable liquid and 2,000 calories of food (enough for 50 miles).
• →Navigation: Map of intended convenience stores and a GPX track on a phone or watch.
• →Lighting: Headlamp or handheld light with extra batteries.
• →Communication: Working cell phone with an extra battery source.
• →Protection: Hat/buff, emergency blanket (mylar), and extra clothing for storms or unexpected weather.

What is the registration fee for the event?

The registration fee for the Lost 118 Ultra is:

• →$118.00 (20th Anniversary Pricing)
• →Total cost approximates $138.59 (including taxes/fees)

What is the refund policy for the event?

The refund policy for the Lost 118 Ultra is:

• →100% refund if cancelled before December 31, 2025.
• →No refunds or deferrals are available after this date.

What is the charity partner for the event?

The Lost 118 Ultra partners with the Cypress Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), an organization dedicated to preserving Lake Okeechobee and the Greater Everglades.

What are the records to beat for the event?

The current records for the Lost 118 Ultra are:

• →Male Record: 18:25:54 (Marc Burget, 2022)
• →Female Record: 18:36:15 (Jamie Donaldson, 2010)

What is the finisher award for the event?

All finishers who complete the 118-mile course within the 38-hour limit will receive a hand-made buckle as a finisher award.