Contest for Florida Keys’ Fastest Stone Crab Claw Eaters Set for Nov. 2

MARATHON, Florida Keys — Florida’s stone crab claw harvest season runs from Oct. 15 to May 1, and the Florida Keys’ annual Stone Crab Eating Contest is an undisputed highlight of the season. The lively competition, this year set for Saturday, Nov. 2, draws enthusiastic amateur eaters and their fans.

Staged at Keys Fisheries Market and Marina, located on 35th Street gulfside in Marathon, the munch-a-thon begins promptly at noon. Entrants must register and be present by 11 a.m. 

Contestants compete to crack, clean and eat all the meat from 25 stone crab claws in the fastest time. 

Although entrants are provided with industrial-strength shell crackers, some choose to employ an effective method that’s popular among Keys locals — smacking the rounded area of the claw’s shell with the back of a large serving spoon or a simple butter knife.

Prizes such as overnight stays and passes to Keys attractions and eateries are to be awarded to the top three finishers and top teams. 

If a tie occurs, the tied contestants must face off in an additional 10-claw competition to determine the winner.

Interested crab consumers are encouraged to register early to secure a contestant spot at the table. Individual entry fee is $50 and two-person teams can register for $100. Competitors must be at least 18 years old. 

Proceeds from the event are to benefit a Marathon-based charity.

The Keys are Florida's top supplier of the succulent crustacean claws, considered a renewable resource because of the crabs’ ability to regrow harvested claws after being returned to the water. Every year, about 2 million pounds of stone crab claws are steamed, cracked and served at local markets and restaurants or distributed around the nation.

Event information: keysfisheries.com/upcoming-events/