4 events in Jupiter, Florida

8th Annual Picnic Island Ultra - at Riverbend Park in Jupiter FL.

2026 USATF Sanctioned Event

SUNDAY March 15th, 2026

There will be 3 events; a 10 hour individual, a 6 hour individual, and a half marathon. ( A Fixed Time Event is where you have 6 or 10 hours to run as much as you can or want to. Technically, you're a finisher after completing one loop!) The half marathon is 4 loops.

​RaceDirector and Timing will be by Mike Melton of MCM Timing & Results LLC

Date: SUNDAY 3-15-2026

Location: Riverbend & Loxahatchee River Battlefield Parks,

9060 Indiantown Road Jupiter, FL 33478

Event Start Times: ( The park is open Sunrise to Sunset and that day it's 7 am to 7 pm. 12 hours of daylight = 1 hour to set up, 1 hour to break down & 10 hours to run )

Individual

10 Hour – at 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

6 Hour – at 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Half Marathon Distance -- at 9:00 am till you finish (4 Loops)

Finish Time: 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm March 15th 2026 (or when you decide to stop)

Course: This year the course will be a loop around Riverbend Park (the long loop will be 3.32 miles) . You'll pass the Start/Finish Line / Aid Station and your gear every loop.

Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/m0trljef

Aid Station: A fully stocked aid station will be at the Start/Finish line, stocked with better then average ultra food!

Charity Benefactor: Riverbend Park / Battlefield Park

Registration: RunSignUp.com The race has a NO Refund Policy in Place, Deferrals are only to the next years event

Packet Pickup: We do packet pick up race morning at the park, you'll get you bib with the timing tag attached from our timer.

Several Volunteers are still Needed!

You must be registered by the end of the day on March 3rd to be guaranteed a correct size shirt, after that shirts may or may not be available.

Loop Size: For this event we use 2 different size course loops the "Long" loop and a "Short" loop. Since we have a time limit there is no way the timer could measure partial laps on a 3.32 mile course and get results posted within our time limit. We will run the Long loop till hour 5 in the 6 hour event and hour 9 in the 10 hour event, then if you're not able to complete another full loop you can switch to the Short loop (0.85 miles) to get extra mileage in the final hour. Only completed full loops count, if the clock runs out and you're 6 inches from crossing the timing mat, that loop doesn't count!

Event Email: [email protected]

All participants, volunteers & spectators agree to abide by all park rules and regulations… The park has granted us approval to hold a race in 2025, we need to show the park we care about our trails and the parks that contain them.

Dogs: Sorry but Dogs are NOT allowed in Riverbend Park;

( https://discover.pbcgov.org/parks/General/Dogs.aspx )

Dropping Down: Runners can change the distance and drop down to a lesser distance. However, this has to be done before the start of the event. ONCE YOU START YOUR RACE, THERE ARE NO CHANGES ALLOWED.

The race has a NO Refund Policy in Place, Deferrals are only to the next years event. After you register if you find you are unable to attend for whatever reason, you can defer a registration to the next year’s race. Email us for a deferral at [email protected]

Note: All information presented here is tentative and subject to change for approval or compliance.

Riverbend & Loxahatchee River Battlefield Parks 9060 W Indiantown Rd Jupiter FL 33478

Mike Melton, Race Director [email protected]

This race is both a fundraiser to support individuals and families affected by autism and a celebration of the strides our community continues to make in autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K Run/Walk

Participants will start the race at The Els Center of Excellence® in Jupiter, Florida, and will continue through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area, the first certified autism-friendly trail in the state of Florida, before ending back at The Els Center of Excellence. This 5K features a scenic course through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area, a 160-acre preserve comprised of mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, depression marsh, and dome swamp ecosystems.

Packet Pickup

Pick up your race packet at the Big Easy Cafe by Ernie Els located in the Adult Services Building on The Els Center of Excellence campus. The Big Easy Cafe will be offering FREE coffee (hot or iced) with the purchase of an entrée for participants who come to pick up their race packets between 7:30AM - 2:30PM, Wednesday - Friday. Plan ahead and check out the Cafe menu HERE. Packet pickup dates and times below:

• Wednesday, April 15 from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM

• Thursday, April 16 from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM

• Friday, April 17 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Packet Pickup Address: 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter, FL 33458

Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course

The Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course is perfect for all ages and abilities. It features an array of obstacles that involve jumping, balancing, water, crawling, and more, all located at The Els Center of Excellence.

Post-Race Expo

At the Post-Race Expo, attendees can explore vendor booths showcasing products created by micro-businesses led by individuals with autism, race sponsors, and autism employment partners. The Expo will also feature delicious food provided by the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els, engaging activities, race awards, and much more — a morning you won't want to miss!

Virtual Race

Can't make it to the race? No need to stress; you can join in on the fun virtually!

Event Schedule

7:00 AM: Parking Opens at The Els Center of Excellence

7:45 AM: Welcome Announcements & National Anthem

8:00 AM: Race Begins, Post-Race Expo Opens, Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course Opens

10:00 AM: Race & Other Activities Close

Secure Your Sponsorship Today!

Els for Autism relies on generous sponsors to make our events possible! Your support of the annual Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K will play a crucial role in empowering individuals with autism and their families. In return for your generous support, your company will enjoy heightened visibility, reaching 300+ attendees and gaining increased brand exposure within the community, all while supporting the 1 in 36 individuals affected by autism. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities.

Additional Details

• Every runner will be provided with a disposable timing tag affixed to the race bib. AccuChipUSA will record the net timing for each participant.

• Strollers and pets are not permitted in the North Jupiter Flatwoods.

• On race day, parking directors will assist you upon entering the gates at The Els Center of Excellence.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact [email protected].

Proceeds benefit Els for Autism.