For the first time in two years, a run and walk was held in Islamorada, with about 100 people starting from Coral Shores High School. Under the tall hammocks on Plantation Key, runners and walkers from the surrounding area and as far away as Palm City raced and strolled up the Old Highway. Tony Pallaria, 39, of Islamorada crossed the finish line first in 20 minutes and 13 seconds. At 20 minutes and 21 seconds, 33-year-old Cameron Sabin of Tavernier came in second. Ryan Jacobsen, 43, of Tavernier, finished third with a time of 21 minutes. At 21 minutes and 30 seconds, Tavernier resident Jessica Hanley, 27, finished first among female runners. Paula Villarraga, a resident of Hollywood, came in second with a time of 21 minutes and 55 seconds, while Tess Hill, a 15-year-old from Tavernier, came in third with a time of 26 minutes.
Henry Menendez, the proprietor of HNO Productions and a resident of Key Largo, brought the Old Highway run back to life. Baptist Health’s Mariners Hospital in South Florida used to host the race.
According to Menendez, the turnout was excellent for the first year. We look forward to the Old Highway Run’s second year on November 15, 2025, and I want to express my gratitude to all of the volunteers and participants that showed up.
DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly photos
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