Do you have the endurance?

Miami is a prime destination for outdoor athletics thanks to year-round warm weather and an abundance of palm tree-lined parks flanked by the water. While training and endurance events take place year-round in sunny Miami, nothing’s quite like the excitement surrounding the Miami Marathon & Half Marathon.

As one of the biggest endurance events of the year, the Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Marathon will return on January 29, 2023 for its 21st edition. More than 25,000 people from all 50 states and more than 80 countries around the world will compete in both the 26.2-mile marathon and 13.1-mile half marathon that snakes through the city. With such a gorgeous racecourse, it’s easy to see why the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon has emerged as a top destination race for international runners.

It’s an exciting event not only for the athletes competing, but also for spectators who line the streets in the early hours cheering on friends and family with drums, signs and good wishes. From first-time marathoners looking to test their endurance to seasoned runners trying to beat their personal bests, the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon is filled with athletes with inspiring stories.

“It has grown into one of Miami’s signature events, not just for locals but visitors as well,” said Miami Marathon co-founder Frankie Ruiz. “One of the most appealing things about running this race is that you connect with so many people and the city at the same time. You form a special bond.”

The Racecourse

The race is a USTAF-certified, flat, single loop course with each mile showcasing the best of Miami’s iconic landmarks and breathtaking views.

“It’s the same route you might drive a friend or family member around to show them what Miami is all about,” Ruiz said. “From Miami Beach to Coconut Grove to Downtown Miami, this course offers a uniquely Miami experience for everyone.”

Runners participating in the marathon and half marathon start together in Downtown Miami in front of the Arena, home of the Miami Heat. They run the same scenic route for the first 12.8 miles of the race: across the MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean, then down iconic Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue before crossing back toward Downtown over the scenic Venetian Causeway.

As the half marathoners peel off and race for the finish line at Bayfront Park, the marathoners continue their route through Downtown and popular local neighborhoods – such as Brickell, Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove – before circling around toward the Bayfront Park finish line. All runners are greeted at the finish line with a unique, colorful medal that is designed by a different artist each year and a festive post-race celebration.

Tropical 5K

If running a marathon or half marathon feels like a tall task, the Tropical 5K is the perfect way to participate during race weekend without committing to all that mileage. The 3.1-mile race is held on February 5, the day before the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. It starts on Watson Island and runners dash across the MacArthur Causeway to finish at 1 Washington Avenue with a post-race celebration at Nikki Beach at the tip of South Beach.

Kids Run Miami

The Miami Marathon isn’t just for adults—kids can get in on the fun, as well. Kids Run Miami is a countywide initiative that invites all middle schools in Miami-Dade County to establish a consistent running program in order to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle. Schools and teachers encourage students to run 25 miles over 15 weeks leading up to the day of the Miami Marathon & Half Marathon where the students run their final 1.2 miles on the same course used by the runners after the conclusion of the main event. Kids Run Miami helps hundreds of students reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Whether it’s the full marathon, half marathon, the 5K fun run or kids run, the Miami Marathon will inspire you to get out there and move.

By: Shayne Benowitz | January 14, 2022