The Miami Marathon

Florida's biggest marathon, the Miami Marathon is one not to be missed

Running in a climate like Florida's can be a challenge but when you've the opportunity to run a half or marathon in a place like Miami you don't worry about that. You train accordingly and make sure you're ready for race day action. It's a unique city and it deserves a major running event. Here we'll walk you through what's currently happening and tempt you to give it a try.

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Miami

Miami, located in Miami-Dade County in Southern Florida is synonymous with beautiful beaches and warm turquoise waters, but it is of course much more than that. It's a leader in finance, commerce, culture, arts, and international trade and the third-richest city in the U.S. Over 70% percent of the city's population is Hispanic or Latino and their influence can be felt throughout the region, especially in the city's thriving food and drink sector.

Its most famous suburb is South Beach, known for its vibrant lifeguard stands and its incredible stretch of art deco architecture, many of the buildings now luxury, boutique hotels. This is the place for selfies and instagram stories, with fascinating characters everywhere in this iconic beach resort. It's a bit more reserved, but not much, at North Beach and Mid Beach and further north again is the glorious Surfside Beach, a mile of pristine sand.

If shopping is your vice, there are few better places than Miami. There are luxury flagship stores at lavish outdoor shopping centres to stylish boutiques, budget-friendly stores and the largest mall in Florida; this destination has whatever your heart desires when it comes to shopping. Given the superb climate, it’s no wonder there are so many al fresco malls and shopping districts in Greater Miami, including Bal Harbor Shops, the city's original, having opened in 1965. Lincoln Road, another great shopping destination in South Beach is a great place to have a break from the beach and people watch or take advantage of one of the many cool outdoor eateries. If you want to go really big then head to Aventura Mall, the largest mall in the state, where in addition to more shops than you'll be able to cope with there is a 93-foot tall sculptural slide tower and almost as many dining options as retailers. But it's not just beaches and shops; there are so many incredible places to see and activities to make the most of. One of the most fascinating parts of the city is Little Havana, the heart of Miami’s Cuban diaspora and part of what makes Miami such a dynamic cultural destination. It's centered around Calle Ocho, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with Latin-inspired restaurants, bakeries, fruit stands, cigar shops, rum bars, art galleries and music venues. You mustn't miss the Maximo Gomez Park, known as Domino Park, where locals gather to talk politics over often heated games of dominoes. The street is lined with murals and other artwork, from the mosaic tiles near Domino Park depicting classic symbols of Cuban heritage like cigars, musical instruments and tropical fruit, to walls covered with portraits of Cuban legends, including revolutionary poet José Martí and beloved singer Celia Cruz. There is so much to see and do here that you could spend a week or more soaking up its infectious atmosphere.

The Marathon will give you a fantastic tour of the city as you run, but make sure you leave plenty of time to explore this fascinating place and its surrounds before and after the race.

Wow!

History of the Miami Marathon

The first marathon in Miami was the inaugural Orange Bowl Marathon, held on December 26, 1977, with just over 800 participants. Originally the race started and finished in the Orange Bowl stadium, but after issues with the course the start and finish area was moved. It was never as popular as similar events locally and nationally and eventually financial problems, due to lack of numbers, caused it to fold, with the last being held in 1988.

There was a significant period during which the city had no marathon, until 2003 when the new era began. In that first year, the marathon attracted 3,400 people. Since then the race has been growing steadily. In 2010, 18,321 runners took part in the combined races and at the 10 year anniversary in 2012 the race sold out, with 25,000 runners taking to the city's streets. It has now developed into an internationally renowned event with a target field of 25,000 runners.

Race Organiser

The Miami Marathon is owned and produced by Life Time Fitness, who purchased it (and other events) from US Road Sports & Entertainment Group in 2014.

When is the Miami Marathon?

The race is held annually in January

Distances

Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k

Is there an Expo?

The Expo is held at the Miami Beach Convention Center and is the only place where registrants may pick up their race bib. There is no race-day registration and no race-day bib pickup. It's open for 2 days before the run, Friday and Saturday. Tickets for bus shuttles to the start can be picked up here. It's not the scale of some other big city center marathons so you're not likely to be here for long.

How many runners?

18,000

The course

Hot climates mean early race starts and Miami is no different. The opening ceremony is at 5.45 am and the mass start for the full and half is at 6 from Kaseya Center at 601 Biscayne Blvd. This 20,000-seat multipurpose sports and entertainment arena is located Downtown, on Biscayne Bay. It's one of the top sports and entertainment facilities in the US and is home to the Miami Heat, as well as hosting concerts, family shows and special events.

The start at the Kaseya Center, 601 Biscayne Blvd

Full and half marathon runners share the vast majority of the first half of the course, with half runners splitting at 12,8 miles to head to their finish. From the Kaseya Center it's across the MacArthur Causeway and arriving at Miami Beach at 3.5 miles, as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean. The MacArthur Causeway is a huge 3.5 mile six-lane engineering work of art linking the city and Miami Beach, opening in 1920 and expanded in 1942. It crosses the Biscayne Bay, connecting the islands to the mainland and offering stunning views of the city’s imposing skyline and passing Palm Island, Dodge Island and Star Island and their stunning mansions on the way. At mile 4 it's past the Miami Beach Marina and then down one of the most famous streets in the city, Ocean Drive and then heading north through Miami Beach, along Washington Avenue on mile 6, before leaving the barrier island at mile 8. Ocean Drive delivers the views, the street dining, the art deco architecture and the characters. Since the 1920s this has become the place to be and be seen in Miami. The run along here with the beach and Lummus Park to the left is a real course highlight.

It's then across toward Downtown over the scenic Venetian Causeway. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, it was re-dedicated in 1999 after the completion of a $29 million restoration and replacement project. The near three mile crossing takes in the Venetian Islands, Biscayne Island, San Marco Island, Di Lido Island, San Marino Island, Rivo Alto Island, and Belle Isle. On both sides of the Causeway there are beautifully landscaped, luxury, waterfront homes with spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Back Downtown runners turn left and head south, before half marathoners peel off to the left and to their finish at Bayfront Park. Marathoners now run south, first through Bickell at mile 14. This is the city's financial center, where luxury condos tower over Biscayne Bay and are amongst the most expensive in Miami. If you love rooftop bars this is the place to come. Just past mile 15 there is an out and back along the Rickenbacker Causeway, before passing the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens at mile 8. This breathtaking early 20th-century estate also includes extensive Italian Renaissance gardens and is open to the public. Definitely worth a visit.

Continuing south, it's past Kennedy Park at mile 19 and then the welcome turn at mile 20, to start the run north east back to the finish. Thankfully it's a different road back, so you're not totally doubling up in this section. Miles 21 to 23 are through Coconut Grove, Miami’s oldest neighborhood. It has a laid-back, tropical vibe and bohemian charm. Banyan trees, palms and live oaks line quiet residential streets. Parks and green spaces dot the Biscayne Bay shoreline, and peacocks are known to roam wild. With Bahamian roots dating to the 1870s, Coconut Grove is home to one of Miami’s historic Black communities. It's a great place to run through with lots to see and plenty of support. It's then back through Bickell and the right turn on SE 1st Street to the finish at Bayfront Park and the festive post-race celebration.There is a great atmosphere at the finish. It's extremely busy so you'll need some patience when moving around. You can find a quiet spot to take in what you've achieved if you look hard enough for it.

Runners head back from Miami Beach to Downtown, along the Venetian Causeway

Aid stations begin at the 1.5-mile mark on the MacArthur Causeway and approximately every mile after that, including at the start and finish line. Water and Gatorade (lemon-lime) are provided at each aid station along the course and Gatorade Energy Gel will be available at approximately miles 7 and 15.5..

What's unique?

Running on closed streets through Downtown and South Beach only happens once a year. It's a stunning course and the views are very special.

Do charities benefit?

There is a charity programme, but it is very much in its infancy. It's not currently a charity event like Chicago or New York, but this may change. The charities that are involved are predominantly more local than national, but runners can of course raise funds for any non profit they choose.

Our verdict

It's a superb event, really well organised and with breathtaking scenery around every corner. Some of the views back across the City from Miami Beach are some of the best you'll see on any marathon course. Crowds are light, but you'd expect that at a race that starts early. It's busy at the start and finish so be prepared, but out of the course there is no congestion and you can run at your own pace. Definitely one for the bucket list.

How to register

Online via the website. Previous editions have sold out so don't hang around.

Race website

https://www.themiamimarathon.com/