Miami Marathon
The Lowdown
The Miami Marathon, first run in the 1970s and now a staple of the South Florida racing calendar, has grown into one of the region's premier winter marathons. Held each January to take advantage of Miami's mild climate, the race attracts a mix of elite athletes, serious qualifiers and recreational runners from around the world. Over the decades it has become known both for its tourism-friendly timing and its role as a reliable Boston-qualifying opportunity, drawing participants who come for both fast times and the festive experience. The course is scenic and largely flat, showcasing many of Miami's signature landscapes. Runners traverse downtown Miami and the Bayside area with skyline views, pass through historic Coconut Grove, and tackle the iconic Rickenbacker Causeway for panoramic ocean and Key Biscayne vistas before returning toward the finish at Bayfront Park. Many stretches run along waterfronts and palm-lined boulevards, providing frequent visual variety and cooling breezes that help when temperatures rise. Spectator zones, live bands, cultural entertainment and frequent aid stations create an energetic, supportive atmosphere across the entire route. The event weekend also features a well-attended expo, family-friendly race options and pace groups to help runners meet target times. The Miami Marathon is a certified course (USATF-certified/AIMS) and is recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifier, making it an attractive choice for runners seeking fast, legitimate times. Overall the race blends Florida's outdoor beauty and multicultural city energy with strong race organization and services designed to support runners of all levels.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
2027 Edition Announced for January 31, 2027
Jun 23, 2026The Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Presented by FP Movement announced its 2027 edition for January 31, 2027 (with the Tropical 5K on January 30). Life Time member early registration access opens July 25; general registration opens August 1.
2026 Edition Completed
Jan 25, 2026The 2026 Life Time Miami Marathon & Half was held on January 25, 2026 in Miami, FL.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Bayfront Park
The race starts and finishes at Bayfront Park along Biscayne Bay with scenic waterfront views
Biscayne Boulevard
Runners pass down this iconic downtown corridor lined with palm trees and skyline vistas
Brickell Financial District
The course routes through Miami's financial hub with high-rise views and lively city energy
Coconut Grove
A shaded, historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a festive spectator atmosphere
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
The route skirts the landmark waterfront villa and formal gardens offering a cultural backdrop
Rickenbacker Causeway / Key Biscayne
A key coastal stretch with ocean views across the causeway
Coral Gables / Miracle Mile
A charming commercial corridor with Mediterranean-style architecture and enthusiastic crowds
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Miami, FL, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day
- Must be an officially registered participant and wear the assigned bib visibly on the front at all times
- Valid photo ID required for packet pickup
- No bib transfers or sharing of bibs allowed
- Participants must complete the course within the official time cutoff (6 hours 30 minutes)
- Runners must start and remain in their assigned corral based on declared pace
- Wheelchair and handcycle athletes must register in the designated division and follow division-specific rules
- No unauthorized wheeled devices, pets, or non-competitors allowed on the course
- Participants must comply with all race rules, USATF/organizer regulations, and instructions from race officials and course marshals
- Medical clearance is recommended for participants with pre-existing medical conditions
- By participating, runners agree to assume all risks associated with the event and to follow event safety and emergency procedures
Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID
- Signed race waiver/medical consent form
- Emergency contact information
- Proof of age (if claiming age-group prizes)
- Parental/guardian consent for runners under 18
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Life Time Member Early Access
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator/Travel Packages
- Elite/Invitational Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds (entry fees are non-refundable at any time)
Bib transfers permitted to another participant for a processing fee if completed at least 7 days before race day
Medical deferral available with physician documentation for credit toward a future race (less processing fee)
The course runs through downtown Miami, Brickell, Coconut Grove and along scenic Biscayne Bay with a mostly flat, fast route ideal for first-time marathoners and PR attempts.
The race weekend includes an official expo with packet pickup and vendors, a family-friendly Kids Run, and a pre-race pasta dinner hosted by local restaurants.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical finisher shirt, and the finish area features post-race food, hydration, medical tents, and a beer garden for eligible participants.
Aid stations are located approximately every 1.5-2.0 miles with water, electrolyte drink, and medical support; pacers are typically provided for common goal times.
Participants should plan for early arrival and use the provided shuttle/parking information for the start area in downtown Miami, and expect warm, humid conditions—light clothing and sunscreen are recommended.
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Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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