The countdown to the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon has begun, with the iconic event returning for its 23rd edition on February 2! Whether you’re getting ready to participate on the big day or are just planning on cheering for the runners, the races draw more than 25,000 people from all over the world.
The Miami Marathon route totals 26.2 miles, with the most scenic views the city has to offer, and the Half Marathon totals 13.1 miles, which has the same Bayfront Park finish line.
If you’d like to participate in either race, the event has unfortunately sold out, capping at 18,500 total participants. However, registration to the Life Time Tropical 5K, which is held the day before on February 1, is still open. Here’s everything you need to know about the Miami Marathon, one of the most significant endurance events of the year.
Miami Marathon schedule and course
- 5 a.m.: Start line access open
- 5:45 a.m.: Opening ceremony
- 5:55 a.m.: Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) start
- 6 a.m.: Miami Marathon and Half runners start
- 8:30 a.m.: Half Marathon Elite athlete awards ceremony at Bayfront Park
- 10 a.m.: Marathon Elite athlete awards ceremony at Bayfront Park
- 11 a.m.: Kids Run Miami/Miami Kids Mile start
Marathon runners begin at 6 a.m. at the Miami Heat’s Kaseya Center, 601 Biscayne Boulevard. The finish line is set at Bayfront Park, where they will be greeted with a finisher medal and neck ribbon designed by local artist Laelanie Larach.
The route for both Miami Marathon and Half runners start off the same: crossing the MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach, then over to Ocean Drive before crossing back over the Venetian Causeway. The half marathoners then go their own separate ways for the finish line at Bayfront Park.
The rest of the marathoners continue through Brickell, Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne before circling back toward Bayfront Park to reach the finish line.
Road closures for the Miami Marathon
There will be a number of road closures from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the race route. It is recommended that those wishing to enter or exit Miami Beach between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. use the Julia Tuttle Causeway. The MacArthur Causeway will be closed eastbound from 5 to 8:15 a.m. and the Venetian Causeway will be closed from 6 to 10 a.m. Additionally, the Rickenbacker Causeway will be closed from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Port of Miami will remain open, and can be accessed through NE 5th Street.
Click here for more details and traffic advisories.
If you’re volunteering for the Miami Marathon
Residents in and around Miami that are 13 years of age or older can sign up to volunteer for the Miami Marathon, where you can help out with everything from providing water to runners, fill in as a course spotter or distribute finisher medals. You can sign up as an individual or a group, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Other racing events include the Life Time Tropical 5K on Saturday, February 1, the Kids Run Miami for middle school students on Sunday, February 2, and the Miami Famous Expo at the Miami Beach Convention Center from January 31-February 1. For more information, visit their website.