If you’re planning to run a marathon in the sunshine state, don’t miss out on these races which are consistently rated as the best in Florida by those who have run them.
Walt Disney Marathon – Lake Buena Vista
“The most magical 26.2 miles on Earth” – runDisney.com
Held in January each year, the course of the Walt Disney Marathon takes you through all of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, giving you a fantastic variety of locations to run through. There is entertainment for all ages and the event is extremely well organized.
If you really want to test yourself, why not try the Dopey Challenge? Take part in the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Full Marathon over a four day period for a total 48.6 miles of fun!Click here to read more about the Walt Disney Marathon
Image Source: Walt Disney World Magic
The Course
Starting at Epcot, the course winds through the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, and then finally finishing at Epcot again.
The course is essentially flat and fully paved with 19 drink and 5 food stops along the route. You will have 7 hours to complete the full marathon course.
Image Source: runDisney.com
Reviews
“Disney, as they seem to do in all areas, knocks it out of the park when it comes to the rundisney experience. Early wake up but Disney makes it smooth and easy. Free transportation (if you stay at a Disney resort), large pre-race gathering area with endless porta johns, Corrals were well organized and spread out also with lots of porta johns, each corral gets their own fireworks display as they take off with a DJ shouting encouragement, parks were so much fun to run through, outside of the parks its a little dull but with all the spectators and random DJs set up on the highways it goes by quickly, MORE than sufficient water/aid stations, 3 or 4 energy gel stations, Disney characters lining the roads encouraging you and taking pictures and a really fun finish line packed with people pumping you up. Just a really fun, well organized, and entertaining race.” – Miles W., Marathonguide.com Review
“No one puts on an event better than the House of Mouse. No one. This was my first full marathon and I am so happy I chose to do the Walt Disney World Marathon! From registration to the race itself to the runners to the events for the participants, everything was just about perfect. I don’t say this lightly as my other Yelp reviews on running events will attest. This race is run by an actual runner and it shows, in spades. Everything a runner needs or could want has been addressed in this event.”– Melissa L., Yelp Review
A1A Marathon – Ft. Lauderdale
The A1A Marathon is held in February along the coast of Fort Lauderdale. As the race website so accurately states: “With ocean breezes, palm trees and one of the most famous roads in America, this 26.2-mile course is one of the fastest and scenic in the state”. Click here to read more
The Course
As the name suggests, this marathon is run primary along Florida State Road A1A and is a turn back course that begins at the Museum of Discovery & Science, and finishes at the South Beach Park.You can expect temperatures from 60-75 degrees and 15 well stocked hydration stations will keep you going. The course carries a 6 hour time limit.
Image Source: Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon
Reviews
“Best race in Florida with the best medal ever! Excellent post finish food and drink (I mean, burritos, burgers, and beer? Is this real life?!)! Great course, clearly marked. Already signed up for next year.” – Emily P., Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon Facebook Review
“I was impressed with the race organization. With packet picket, you get a race program that includes maps of the start and finish areas. The aid stations were plentiful and well run. The course is well marked. There were digital clocks at every mile. In the last mile, there were banners every quarter-mile. Finish area had a wide variety of foods and beverages. The course is flat (except for one bridge in the early miles). Most of the course follows A1A, and there are views of the ocean. It’s a hot-weather race, so you have to be prepared for that.” – D. H., Marathonguide.com Review
Clearwater Distance Classic – Clearwater
Great for a mid-winter break, the Clearwater Distance Classic is run in January and offers a scenic course in usually ideal conditions.
From mansions on the beach to rustic neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, this marathon course has something to interest everyone. Click here to read more.
The Course
Starting at Coachman Park on the waterfront, the marathon course is a large loop that heads south along the prestigious Clearwater beach and later heads inland through some of Clearwater’s beautiful “old Floridian” suburbs.
The course is a certified Boston qualifier and is supported with 18 aid stations along the route.
Image Source: Clearwater Distance Classic
Reviews
“I was thrilled when this marathon started again. With the exception of the bridges, the course is flat and scenic. Aid stations perfectly placed and staffed with enthusiastic volunteers. All stations had plenty of water and Gatorade, which is important since I’ve run in marathons where stations ran out. Traffic control was excellent and I appreciated that they did not reduce the runners to one lane for the first two miles this year. Organization of packet pickup was right on track this year. I think the disposable chips were a great addition. I will run this marathon every year that I am physically able!” – K. B., Marathonguide.com Review
“Every year it just keeps on getting better. This year the most noticeable change for me, was the number of police on the route for traffic control. I don’t think you’ve had as many in the past. The water stations were well manned (womanned) and very organized. The volunteers were very enthusiastic and motivating. They are so much a part of the success of the race.” – Sue Faludi, Clearwaterdistanceclassic.com Testimonial
Miami Marathon – Miami
The Miami marathon is a sizable event with thousands of runners following a scenic course among famous landmarks and beautiful beachfront. Click here to read more about the Miami Marathon.
Image Source: The Miami Marathon
The Course
Like much of Miami, the course is essentially flat with the exception of 5 bridges that deliver a modest incline. Over 20 entertainment stations keep the atmosphere lively, and the race infrastructure for this certified course is excellent, with regular digital time clocks, well signed routes, and plenty of medical and refreshment stations.
Reviews
“This is the Super Bowl of all running races in Florida. With ING as the prime sponsor it’s a given some serious $$ is pumped into this event and it comes with all the bells and whistles. Well deserving of 5 stars no doubt! It can be super crowded at points in the race since there are over 22,000 participants but for me that just boosts my energy. The course is absolutely beautiful and takes you over the MacArthur and Venetian Causeways. I live on Miami Beach and run these routes often but NEVER get tired of the scenery- beautiful. I recruited a few friends to run it this year and show off my new city! Aid stations are plentiful and a few bands and high school cheer squads are along the course.” – Lindsey F., Yelp Review
“This year’s race was perfect. I took a gamble when I decided to register for Miami and try to BQ. The Expo was great; tons of goodies … Drop off was easy and low stress. Plenty of restrooms available by start … Bag drop was well staffed … Wave start worked really well. Mix of marathoners and half marathoners in corrals but I didn’t think it was too bad … Tons of water stops (approx. each mile), well marked and well attended! Beautiful scenery on course. Great medal…I managed a PR and BQ! … Overall I highly recommend!” – V.C., Marathonguide.com Review
Space Coast Marathon – Cocoa
The oldest marathon in Florida! Located minutes away from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, this marathon is great fun with it space themed props, themed aid stations, and even the volunteers have NASA inspired uniforms. Click here to read more!
The Course
Set among some exceptionally beautiful waterfront scenery, this turnaround course takes you up and down the banks of the Indian River.
The race is flat and fast, with restrooms and water available at every mile of the course. Gels are also available at mile 8, and every mile from 14 to the finish line.
Image Source: Space Coast Marathon
Reviews
“The Space Coast Marathon connects you with the excitement and inspiration that is NASA, and the heritage of our space program in a unique way. At the same time, you’re running this well-organized event on one of the most scenic waterfront courses ever.” – Jeff G., Space Coast Marathon Testimonials
“LOVED this race. Expo was small, but smooth. Course was a double out & back, which didn’t thrill me in New Orleans. It was very scenic as it ran along the Indian River. GREAT race support, and the volunteers were stupendous. Swag was just as well done. The long-sleeve tshirt looks great. The medal… well, the medal is why I chose this race in the first place. I recommend it without reservation. If you have a chance to do this race, do it!” – D.H., Marathonguide.com Review
Florida Marathon – Melbourne
Held a month after the popular Disney Marathon, the Florida Marathon is run in in Melbourne on Florida’s Space Coast.
If you feel like pushing yourself, take the Floridiot Challenge and run either or both the 5k and 8k on Saturday, and the half or full marathon on Sunday to receive a special medallion produced by The HIghland Mint. Click here to read more!
The Course
The course is a certified Boston qualifier and is largely flat with the exception of two bridges. Almost the entire length is ocean or river front, making for a beautiful course.
Half marathoners and full marathoners run the same course, however the full marathon is two laps. Aid stations are available at almost every mile marker, and over 20 bands along the course keep the atmosphere lively.
Source: The Florida Marathon
Reviews
“Fabulous details make this worth running. You’re in a great town on the Atlantic, the music along the route is really good (and I’ve run some races where I’ve sped up just to get away from the musicians, not so here), even the Nat’l Anthem singer was spot on her marks! Love the pianist and his grand piano on the bridge and I’ve run Big Sur. Good open area for the start and finish, lots of traffic controls wherever needed and spirited volunteers. I love this course, even in wind. Since it’s a loop, double loop for we marathoners, if the wind is against you, it will change and support you at some point. Neighborhoods are fun to run through as well.” – A. Y., Marathonguide.com Review
“We have run this half twice and the full once before, and this year was by far the best yet. The organizers nailed it this year with great volunteers and aid stations and the best after party of any like sized race. The weather was in the low 50s so all in all a great day for running. Congratulations Melbourne!” – K. A., Marathonguide.com Review
Town of Celebration Marathon – Celebration
The town of Celebration puts on an annual marathon to raise scholarship funds for high school seniors across Osceola Country, as well as a number of other community initiatives.
The event is held in January and is located only a few minutes from Disney World, so there’s a great opportunity to stay on for a longer vacation (or tackle the Walt Disney Marathon as well!). Click here to read more about the Celebration Marathon
The Course
The marathon course takes you on a virtually flat run through the township and beautifully manicured neighborhoods of Celebration. The town puts on a great event with plenty of support from local businesses and residents.
12 well stocked aid stations along the route dish out water, Gatorade, fruit, and gel to keep you going.
Source: Town of Celebration Marathon
Reviews
“Great organization and fantastic course. The town was beautiful and was a great way to keep your attention occupied. Plenty of hydration stops and the local radio station was a PLUS at various locations throughout. The Police and volunteers were amazing as was the town to host such an event. No problems with parking, regardless of when you show up (though, the later you show, the further you walk). I would certainly recommend this small town marathon to anyone. KUDOs to the organizers.” – D.W., Marathonguide.com Review
“Reasonable price. Very reasonable.Limited starters = less congestion and trippingBeautiful neo-urbanism town architectureNice nature trail stretches on the boardwalksAWESOME volunteers!!!Post race food is actually goodPre race swag is the best I’ve ever seen.” – Daniel M., Yelp Review