Top-Ranked Half Marathon to Entice Runners to Subtropical Key West

Runners can compete in one of the United States’ top winter half marathons while enjoying typically balmy weather Sunday, Jan. 19, during the annual Key West Half Marathon & Runfest.

The challenge attracts thousands of enthusiasts each year from around the U.S. and many other countries, drawn by the chance to run beside the Atlantic Ocean and through the streets of Florida’s southernmost island city.  

The event has been named one of the nation’s top winter half marathons by Runner’s World and ranked among 13 must-do U.S. half-marathons by Competitor.com.

Associated 5k and 10k runs are planned Saturday, Jan. 18. In addition, an 8k race is scheduled alongside Sunday’s half marathon for those who prefer a shorter distance.

Pre-race and social events are to take place Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 16-18, while post-race fun Sunday, Jan. 19, includes the Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll and Key West Beach N’ Beer Mile.

The athletic action begins with Thursday’s 6-8 p.m. Runners’ Meet & Greet at the Half Shell Raw Bar at 231 Margaret St. in the Key West Historic Seaport.

A race expo and packet pickup are set for 2-7 p.m. Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday outside the Half Shell Raw Bar. Runners also can pick up their bibs from 7-10 p.m. both evenings at Fit2Run at 211 Duval St.

Saturday’s 5k and 10k races are to start at 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., respectively, at Higgs Beach beside the Atlantic Ocean on Atlantic Boulevard.

Sunday’s half marathon and 8k are scheduled to begin at 6:30 a.m. at the corner of Caroline Street and Trumbo Road in the seaport area.

Half-marathon runners follow a flat, fast 13.1-mile course through Key West’s scenic Old Town and along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline before finishing near the intersection of Caroline and Margaret streets.

After the race, an awards party and concert by the Cayo Ritmo Big Band are planned outside the Half Shell Raw Bar.

Awards are to be presented to first- through third-place male and female finishers in five-year age groups ranging from 9 and under to 75 and over, and to the top overall competitors and those in the masters division.

Running enthusiasts who can’t be in Key West can take part remotely via the “run anywhere” registration option.

Entry is $143.95 per person for the half marathon, $75 per person for the 5k, $78 for the 8k and $83 for the 10k. Prices are to increase Jan. 1, 2025. Special package prices are available for participants who register for multiple races. Military and local discounts are offered. Each entrant is to receive a tech race shirt and finisher medal.

Event information and registration: keywesthalfmarathon.com

###