UPCOMING TRACK & FIELD EVENTS

2026 Paradise Events Schedule

January 1–2, 2026: Athlete Arrival in Key West
Athletes begin arriving in Key West ahead of the big weekend.

January 1, 2026 – Setup Day

Organizers and volunteers arrive to begin setup.
Runways installed and configured to USATF standards for certification.
Over 5 tons of equipment moved, including vaulting gear, tents, electrical, and signage.
Athletes continue arriving throughout the day.

January 2, 2026 – Final Setup & Clinics

January 3, 2026 – Event Day: Pole Vault in Paradise

6:00 AM: Event and volunteer staff arrive; music and entertainment setup
6:30 AM: Late Packet Pickup & Registration – Run for Paradise
7:30 AM: PVIP Registration Opens
8:00 AM: Run for Paradise 5K Starts
- Runways open for warm-ups
- Silent auction begins
9:00 AM: Flights 1, 5 & 9 begin
9:15 AM: Run for Paradise Course Cutoff
9:30 AM: Post-Race Party at Higgs Beach
11:00 AM: Opening Ceremonies & National Anthem (Live Performance)
11:30 AM: Flights 2, 6 & 10 begin
2:00 PM: Flights 3, 7 & 11 begin
5:00 PM: Flights 4, 8 & 12 begin
- Silent auction closes
Evening: Awards Ceremony (Immediately following final flights)

Competition Details:

Two alternating runways keep competition and warmups running smoothly.
Each flight includes ~15 vaulters and lasts ~2 hours.
Flights are managed by certified PV officials and feature a professional announcer.
Athletes introduced before each flight.
Runway capacity:
- Runway 1: Up to 60 vaulters
- Runway 2: Up to 120 vaulters
- Optional 3rd runway available for an additional 60 vaulters if needed.

January 4, 2026 – Cleanup & Equipment Transport

Volunteers, organizers, and athletes clean up Key West High School and return equipment.
Core crew: 11 key team members + 50 volunteers (including students and community members).
Monroe County Inmate Program supports cleanup efforts.