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Stone crab eating contest held in Marathon

Posted at 11:21 AM, Oct 24, 2021
and last updated 2021-10-24 11:21:18-04

The 10th annual stone crab claw eating contest got underway in the Florida Keys on Saturday.

The contest took place at the Keys Fisheries Market and Marina in Marathon.

Individuals participated in two heats and were competing in hopes of being named the most proficient cracker and consumer of the tasty seafood.

Participants had to crack and eat 25 stone crab claws while picking them completely clean in the fastest time.

A 30 second penalty would be given if any claw meat was left behind.

In his third first-place finish, 55-year-old Juan Mallen was claimed the winner after finishing in 14 minutes and 29 seconds.

This was Mallen's fifth contest overall.

Stone crabs are considered a renewable resource because of its ability to regrow harvested claws.

In Florida, stone crabs can be legally harvested from October 15th through May 1st.