Florida might not be your pick for a marathon in the heat of summer, but winter runners flock to the palm tree lined streets. We spent time rounding up some of the best Florida marathons for your goals from speed to a relaxing vacation with a side of running.
Coach Amanda lived and trained in Florida for 6 years, which gave her a lot of chances not only to race there, but to have runners visit for races. So a few key tips to remember when looking at your Florida Marathon list:
- If you’ve been training through winter and race day is 70 degrees…it’s going to be harder than you think, prepare to slow down (Miami marathon often a culprit)
- Just because it’s in Florida doesn’t mean it will be warm! Disney has been known to be 32F! So plan ahead.
- It’s flat, everywhere. If you haven’t been doing long flat runs, make sure to throw some in training, they really do feel different.
Depending on what you want from your race we’ve got party vibes, big crowds, to small more local races that will feel truly relaxing. No matter where you go, we fully approve of all these races.
#1. Walt Disney World Marathon
When: January
Where: Orlando
Size: 25,000 participants
Elevation Gain: Negligible
What Makes it Unique: The Disney atmosphere, like people in costume, park scenery, and characters cheering you on – also, collectible medals!
This race is popular with beginners, younger runners, and anyone who loves Disney and enjoys dressing up – even as an adult.
Serious runners who don’t also fit into one of those other categories might want to avoid the madness, unless you really go for collectible medals.
The Walt Disney World Marathon begins and ends at EPCOT, but in between, you’ll be treated to unique views of EPCOT, the Magic Kingdom (through Cinderella’s castle!), Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and resort areas like Disney’s Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village.
This means you’ll have many exciting miles filled with the sights and sounds of Disney World’s popular theme parks, but you’ll also have some quieter, more typical miles on the roads in between.
The course is mostly fast and flat, with very little in the way of challenging elevation changes, and the weather in Florida in January should be optimal for most runners.
There will for sure be plenty of photo ops, yummy food options, and an experience Disney lovers are unlikely to ever forget.
sarahmarie0024 says it’s everything she expected from Disney:
Disney puts on a helluva race and a helluva production.
It’s expensive but worth the experience and you’ll compare every race you run to a RunDisney race.
From the expo to the finish line, you are the star of the show.
Running through all 4 parks is amazing and the crowd support is top notch.
#2. Clearwater Running Fest
When: January
Where: Clearwater Beach
Size: 500 participants
Elevation Gain: 621 feet
What Makes it Unique: A smaller field with a true beach “vacation” feel – it’s great for being able to focus on your race on a fast course while enjoying those sweet Florida vibes.
A smaller group of runners means less stress and fewer crowds, so if you’re someone who enjoys races that feel a bit more personal and full of quiet community, this one could be for you.
Florida races tend to be fast and flat, with a few mild elevation changes when the course encounters a bridge or two. The weather is usually predictable, and this course is also a popular one for chasing those PRs.
The Clearwater Running Fest starts and ends at Sand Key Park, right by the Gulf, and those water views stay with you nearly the entire course. You’ll pass beachers, the intracoastal waterway, and quiet neighborhoods along the water.
The race starts early, and watching the sunrise over the ocean really never gets old.
It’s suitable for all types of experience levels, and you’ll definitely want to spend a few days recovering on the Gulf’s warm beaches.
Marathoner smeints says it’s a great way to take a few days off:
Highly recommend for a florida marathon! The scenery was great but the bridges were tough!
If you missed Disney, do this one and make it a vacation!
#3. Miami Marathon
When: January
Where: Miami
Size: 19,000
Elevation Gain: 254 feet
What Makes it Unique:This is one of the only U.S. marathons in a subtropical climate, and in January, you won’t find palm trees, ocean air, or humidity in many other races.
The Miami Marathon blends a city race with coastal scenery, and the mix of atmospheres really sets it apart. The weather and mild ups and downs provide a bit of a challenge for those who are looking for it, too.
One of the most unique features of the run is getting to traverse famous bridges like MacArthur Causeway and Venetian Causeway. The long stretches over the open water are as breathtaking as they are demanding.
You’ll get to experience Downtown Miami and South Beach, Ocean Drive, Brickell, and more. The bits in the city are high energy and full of crowds, while there are other portions that allow you space to breath into the quiet landscape.
It starts and finishes in Downtown Miami near Bayfront Park, and runners won’t feel like they’ve missed out on any of Miami’s classic tourist spots by the time they’re done.
Runner adamskelvin just keeps coming back for more:
I love the energy Miami marathon brings. It makes you want to go further than you ever imagined.
I ran my first one and it inspired me to run my second one which I did 25 minutes better. I now want to run my third one in 2025.
I love what Miami marathon is about and I want you join and keep the train moving.
#4. St. Pete’s Distance Classic
When: February
Where: St. Petersburg
Size: 500 participants
Elevation Gain: 164 feet
What Makes it Unique: Downtown St. Petersburg is a great place for a “runcation,” as it’s history, scenery, and beach vibes are immaculate – especially in the winter.
The St. Pete’s Distance Classic runs through beautiful neighborhoods right along Tampa Bay. The course traverses both downtown streets and the nationally recognized rail-to-trail path known as Pinellas Trail.
Runners trade ocean and trail views for the sights and sounds of shops, cafes, and famous murals, which only makes the race more interesting and exciting as it continues.
The Pinellas Trail is flat and shaded, giving runners a nice respite from the Florida humidity before turning them out onto the waterfront.
It’s a fast, flat race that offers great opportunities for those looking for a PR or to qualify for Boston.
The crowds at this race really show up, despite the lower numbers, giving it a community feel that is warm and supportive.
Todd17406 says this was a great way to see a bit of Florida:
Fast and flat course in beautiful St. Petersburg if the weather cooperates.
Super nice husband/wife team coordinate this event. Starts running along the Tampa Bay with some beautiful neighborhood homes. About mile 10 to 23 is on the Pinella bike trail.
Appreciate not having to fight traffic, but gets kinda lonely. RD said they’re planning on having live music on the trail next year, which will be an upgrade.
Very well organized with water stations and Police at every questionable intersection. Packet pickup location was a little frustrating as it’s at a park and the address given isn’t real clear.
I found it, but had to help several others stumbling around as I did searching for the small tented location outside in a large park area.
Overall…..definitely a nice way to knock out FLA if you’re going after the states!
#5. Run Gasparilla
When: February
Where: Tampa
Size: 20,000 participants
Elevation Gain: Negligible
What Makes it Unique: Bayshore Boulevard is one of the longest continuous waterfront promenades in the States, and since Tampa has been combining the Distance Classic with a whole city celebration since 1978, they really know what they’re doing.
Run Gasparilla is a multi-day event that offers a 5K, 8K, 15K, and a half marathon, along with two days of festivals, food, music, and multicultural celebrations. You can enter one or as many as you’d like.
This is a party atmosphere! Prepare to have fun.
The course is scenic, offering water views and the accompanying breezes, and fast, which many who are chasing PRs or qualifying times love.
As a bonus, it all raises funds for local youth organizations and running programs. Over the years the weekend has raised millions of dollars for local kids in need.
Grammarathon agrees that you can’t beat Florida weather in the winter:
Alot of fun during festival week. Music, pirates, arts. It’s a lot of fun.
The course is flat and fairly fast though there was a strong cross wind running out and back along a point on the water.
Not a fan of flat courses but the scenery is nice and it’s festive!
Always good to hit warm weather in the winter. 🙂 Have done it 3 times.
#6. Mainly Marathons – Gulf Coast Series
When: March
Where: Pensacola
Size: 100 participants
Elevation Gain: Negligible
What Makes it Unique: The fact that this is a series, with different distances and including 4 different states, really sets this one apart.
Mainly Marathons runs this leg of their week-long Gulf Coast series. It takes place in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, and like a majority of their events, is super chill and friendly to all skill levels.
There’s a focus on having fun rather than finishing in a certain time, so you can truly enjoy your look around Big Lagoon State Park. There are views of the coast and of the bay, and the terrain isn’t technical at all, either.
If you’re a nature lover, glimpses of the lagoon and marsh will also be a highlight of the day – you might be able to spot some wildlife native to Florida as well!
That said, there is very little shade along the course, so be prepared for Florida heat, sun, and humidity.
There’s food and medals for everyone at the end, and if you participate in the full Gulf Coast series, your four special medals will connect and represent the entire series.
Pretty cool idea for those collectors out there!
Runner pbegno loved their experience and would do it again:
Gulf Coast Series – We did 3 of the 4 – La, Mississippi and Florida – Awesome!!
In Florida we stayed at Pensacola Beach RV and it was about 30 minutes from Big Lagoon State Park (camping was still closed due to Hurricane)
Beautiful back and forth course and lots of snacks!!
BONUS: Key West Half Marathon & 5K
When: January
Where: Key West
Size: 2,000 participants
Elevation Gain: Negligible
What Makes it Unique: This race ranks among the top scenic and vacation-style half marathons in the States, and you’ll definitely want to make the most of your time in Key West.
Key West is a unique destination that not everyone gets the chance to visit. That’s one of the reasons – along with the tropical climate and scenery – their half-marathon is so loved and recommended!
There is also a festival that accompanies the race weekend, so you’ll be able to enjoy not only the expo, but parties, fun runs, music, and other social opportunities as well.
Runners really love the fun events like the Beach N’Beer Mile and Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll because they really steep you in the festive atmosphere of the event.
The race starts at Higgs Beach and finishes new Old Town. The course runs along the scenic waterfront and the historic town streets, including Old Town Key West and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
If you run all of the offered races you can win extra medals, too.
Key West is a bucket list destination for many, so this fun festival weekend and half-marathon is a great excuse to check it off yours!
First-timer rplace80 had a great time:
The race itself was well organized. I can’t make any comments about the packet pickup/expo as it was outside and pouring rain when I came. The workers were under a tent–thankfully for their sakes and the swag!
Luckily the line was not too long when I got there and there were volunteers helping to make sure you were in the correct line and to move things along quickly. The shirts were great fun colors and long-sleeved tech material.
Since it was pouring we decided to eat in the restaurant where packet pickup was held and that was also great!
Race day started smoothly. Definitely plan to be dropped off or arrive in an Uber or Lyft parking is extremely limited (the uber/lyft scene is amazing in Key West we never waited more than 5 minutes for a ride).
We were there about 5:15am and that was perfect. Plenty of time to stretch and warmup use the porta-potties etc. There seemed to be plenty of them available.
The start was on time and smooth. The sun was just starting to come up when we were passing the southernmost point. Great Pics! They had a photographer there if you wanted to stop to pose. Watching the sunrise over the water during the race was great! There were a lot of bathrooms and water stations set up along the course.
There was a lot to see on the course which made the miles go by easier. It is an out and back course so you did need to be mindful of where you were running as the road was for going out and the sidewalk for those coming back. Plan to stop and take pics along the way this is that kind of course.
I got a picture at the “mile zero” marker and several other shots along the course. It did get a little hot/humid by the last 5 miles, but it was not bad at all and the water stations will pour water on you if you want them to–It’s a cupless race so be sure to have something with you to put water in.
But that worked well since I wanted them to splash me, I just had the volunteer pour some water into my hands which I dumped on my face.
The medals are huge and bottle openers! That is cool.
The finish area was well stocked with water, fruit, bagels and muffins. Overall, this is a great race and I would highly recommend it.
It’s Key West so definitely plan to make a race-cation out of it there is plenty to see and do in the area and it’s probably way nicer weather in January than wherever you’re coming from.
If you live somewhere cold, it seems like you could spend all of January and most of February running across Florida.
That sounds like a great escape to me!
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