Runners Flock to Islamorada’s Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and Beach ‘n Beer Mile for Warm Weather and Water Views

To the delight of distance runners and winter visitors who relish the Florida Keys’ mild temperatures, Islamorada Running Co.’s annual half marathon, 10k, Rumrunner 5k and Beach ‘n Beer Mile race series is set for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10.

All races this year start and end at La Siesta Resort & Villas, mile marker 80.2 oceanside.

The Rumrunner 5k kicks off the race weekend with an 8 a.m. Saturday start that takes runners across the Tea Table Channel Bridge with a turnaround on Indian Key Fill. Participants are to be rewarded with a rumrunner cocktail after the race along with a finisher medal and hat.

At noon Saturday, the Beach ‘n Beer Mile provides “athletes” a one-mile, non-timed stroll that combines jogging or walking with four beers per participant.

Sunday’s half marathon and 10k both start at 7 a.m. The scenic course, typically featuring a stunning sunrise, takes participants south across Tea Table Channel Bridge. Runners in the 10k turn around just past Robbie’s of Islamorada, while half-marathon participants turn around just before the Channel 2 Bridge.

Runners in the half marathon and 10k are each to receive a finisher medal, hat, T-shirt and two free beers from Florida Keys Brewing Co. 

Awards await the top three finishers in all races, as do age-group awards for the 5k, 10k and half marathon.

Race registration is filling fast but some spaces remain for runners of all ages and skill levels, whether they’re bucket-list runners or newbies. Online race fees are $115 per person for the half marathon, $80 for the 10k, $60 for the 5k and $50 for the Beach ‘n Beer Mile.

Event information: runsignup.com/Race/FL/Islamorada/Islamoradahalfmarathon

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