Marathon Events Calendar

For enthusiastic tarpon anglers, silver kings mean springtime. This high-energy, three-evening tournament mandates that teams fish with a different captain each evening. Teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in Marathon, so any potential "hot spots" are shared among all anglers.
Contact: David Breznicky at 215-542-1492
Email: dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com

A diva actress is barely tolerant of her philandering semi-alcoholic husband in this raucous farce about a dysfunctional theatre troupe at the Erlander Theatre in 1953 Buffalo, N.Y. Mishaps and confusion arise when they hear famed film director Frank Capra may attend a show to possibly cast the two in movies. Will they get the audition and give a performance of a lifetime? Find out in this fast-paced funny backstage comedy by Ken Ludwig. Check website for show times and tickets.
Contact: 305-743-0994
Email: gm@marathontheater.org

A $10,000 first prize awaits the angler with the largest bull and cow combined, as well as prizes awarded to anglers catching the largest dolphin, wahoo, tuna and tripletail, grouper and snapper.
Contact: Jack Carlson or Byron Goss at 305-289-0199
Email: twoconchs@comcast.net; carlson.jack@ymail.com

One of the Florida Keys most-established tarpon tournaments, the 47th edition of the Marathon International Tarpon Tournament is set for May 7-9 in the Middle Keys. This is a team tournament with trophies and retail prizes for the top three boats. Proceeds generated are to benefit the Marathon Youth Club and the tournament is to be hosted by the Tarpon Creek Bar & Grill.

Each year, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the DRC welcomes Florida Keys third- and fifth-grade classes for a fun-filled day of watching the center's resident dolphins and learning about marine life, the Florida Keys environment and other topics. As well as Dolphin Research Center, presenters include numerous environmental and nature groups such as Bahia Honda State Park, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Turtle Hospital, Reef Relief and others. The center is open daily to the public. General admission is $20 per adult, $15 for children ages 4-12, $17.50 for members of the military and free for children age 3 and younger.
Contact: 305-289-1121

Several cash prizes are awarded to anglers in this one-day tournament. Top cash prize for the heaviest fish is $5,000, with cash prizes also presented to second- through fifth-place finishers. Event benefits Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys.
Contact: 305-743-9828

The waters off Sombrero Beach are to be transformed into a swift racecourse for a day of dragon boat racing, one of the world's fastest-growing water sports, that involves 20 paddlers moving in unison a combination of strength and teamwork. Sombrero Beach provides a pristine setting and unique, direct-from-the-beach launch for the sleek, 40-foot-long race boats whose elaborate designs originated in ancient China. The festival is free and open to the public. Food, beverages, merchandise and a variety of entertainment are to be available shoreside.

This popular angling challenge with a 27-year history of fish tales and foolery helps fund the Ronald McDonald Summer Camp program for disabled youngsters. Captains are drawn during the kickoff event, and anglers fish with a different captain each of the three days of fishing, in what is a hugely popular tournament format.
Contact: Bob Traa 609-645-1840 ext. 115

Beginning at 8 a.m. at the west end of Sombrero Beach, nearly 100 triathletes are to set off for this family friendly event that has become a fundraiser for Marathon High School athletic teams. MaraTri7 is open to teams and individuals. The race begins on Sombrero Beach. When the start whistle blows, all racers dive into the ocean, swimming parallel to the Middle Keys' best beach. Then racers run out of the water to their bikes, riding off for a loop around the Sombrero Golf Course. Upon their return, racers don their running shoes and race down local streets, returning to the finish chute between palm trees and cheering fans. MaraTri offers two distances — a traditional sprint distance of a half-mile swim, 13.6 mile bike and 3.1 mile run and also a "minisprint" that is half that. Visit the website for registration costs and details.
Email: maratri2011@gmail.com