Athletes to Compete in Key West’s Beachfront Pole Vault in Paradise

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Athletes are to test their strength and learn from world-renowned coaches Saturday, Jan. 4, during the annual Pole Vault in Paradise competition in Key West.

Scheduled to take place at Higgs Beach, located at 1000 Atlantic Blvd. on the Atlantic Ocean, the all-day open-air challenge is sanctioned by USA Track and Field. Spectators can watch entrants ranging in age from teens to seniors vying for prizes and personal best vaults in multiple categories. 

The 2025 competition is to draw elite pro and amateur athletes from the U.S. and other countries. Past participants have included national title holders, Olympic Games contenders and international champions. 

Pre-competition activities are to begin Friday, Jan. 3, with pole vault coaching clinics slated for 10 a.m. to noon. Coaches are to include Billy Olson, who set 11 world records in the sport, and 1984 Olympic vaulter Doug Lytle. 

Clinics are to be followed by a 1-5 p.m. final registration and open practice for athletes.  

Saturday’s action begins at 8 a.m. when the runway opens for the first flight. Flights are scheduled to start at approximately 9 a.m., with participating vaulters placed in flights based on their opening heights. 

Prize money awaits first- through third-place finishers in the open men’s and women’s divisions, and all men and women who break the island records. Records currently stand at 18 feet, 9.2 inches for men; and 14 feet, 11.9 inches for women.  

Registration is open for the high-energy competition; cost is $75 per person through Dec. 14 and $100 per person after that date. 

Proceeds from Pole Vault in Paradise benefit the nonprofit Key West Track & Field Club, whose mission includes raising money for the Key West High School track and field teams and promoting the sport of track and field within the Lower Keys community.

Event information: kwtfc.org/pole-vault-in-paradise/