Race directing isn’t just about setting up a course and watching people run. It’s a full-time job of logistics, problem-solving, and making sure 200 athletes safely make their way 300 miles across Florida. This year’s Sea to Sea Adventure Race was incredible. It started on the west coast in Crystal River and ended on the east coast in St. Augustine, with teams navigating by foot, bike, and kayak for 72 hours nonstop.
One of the coolest moments? Watching 12-year-old Elijah become the youngest finisher ever, breaking the world record I set 12 years ago. Seeing that full-circle moment made this race even more special for me.
What It’s Like to Direct a Race Like This
Once the race starts, the clock doesn’t stop. There are no mandatory breaks, meaning teams choose when to rest, if they rest at all. This year, the winning team never stopped moving and got zero sleep for three days. Other teams took short breaks before pushing forward, but everyone battled exhaustion, unpredictable terrain, and Florida’s wild conditions.
As a race director, my job is to keep everything running smoothly. I oversee safety, coordinate dozens of volunteers, and make sure racers have everything they need. But my main role this year was managing the media team, capturing over 10,000 photos and hundreds of hours of footage so racers could re-live their adventure.
From Racer to Race Director
I first did this race when I was 12 years old, setting the record for the youngest finisher. Over the years, I raced it nine times, placing second three years in a row before finally getting a win. Now, I’ve been race directing alongside my dad for the past five years.
The best part? Every year, we create an entirely new route, scouting every mile to keep things fresh and challenging. No two races are ever the same, making each one a brand-new adventure.
Living the Van Life While Running the Race
Race directing while living in my RV made a huge difference. Instead of crashing in a tent or scrambling for hotels, I had everything I needed a kitchen, shower, bed, and even a mobile office to manage race logistics. It made those long, chaotic days so much easier.
Now that the race is over, I’m gearing up for my next challenge: running across America in 50 days. My RV will be my home base for training, recovery, and chasing this massive goal. But no matter where I go, directing Sea to Sea reminds me why I love endurance sports, seeing people push past their limits and achieve things they never thought possible.
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