Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon - January. Starting on perfectly landscaped Clearwater Causeway, heading west to Clearwater Beach, recognized as best city beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Turn south over Clearwater Pass Bridge (only 75 feet high in the third mile) as the sun rises, into Sand Key Park for two miles. Exit Park, head south along Gulf Boulevard through our condo canyons, exclusive residential neighborhoods, and our unique beach communities. Shortly after the halfway point in Indian Shores, head east over Park Boulevard Bridge (our second hill, just 25 feet high), to Old Oakhurst Road, a rustic view of "old Florida". At mile sixteen, run a quick lap around Seminole Park before turning north on Pinellas Trail for nearly ten miles. Pinellas Trail is a long, paved "rails to trails" linear park, closed to vehicular traffic, with just three brief overpasses 25 feet high. Back in Clearwater, head west on Drew Street, finishing downhill at Coachman Park on Clearwater's waterfront. With just two bridges and three overpasses, this course is very flat and very fast, with perfect weather for both running and a winter vacation!
ING Miami Marathon - January. The ING Miami Marathon has grown as a winter escape for international marathoners. A run through paradise is a 26.2 mile scenic and historic tour of a culturally diverse city. A flat course with a beautiful backdrop, runners will experience the best of Miami with a first hand view of paradise. A morning start in front of American Airlines Arena welcomes 10,000 runners to the "Magic City". Standing under Miami's "Statue of Liberty", the Freedom Tower, runners wait with eager expectation excitement until the starting gun fires and waves of runners hit the streets. Climbing the only major elevation on the course, runners are experience panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the skylines of Miami and Miami Beach. Crossing the causeway, cruise ships pass alongside runners as they run past luxurious mansions on Star Island, home to P. Diddy and others. The neon of Ocean Drive looms as Miami Beach approaches. On South Beach, runners dash by world famous Joe's Stone Crab then turn onto Ocean Drive. As the sun rises over Art Deco hotels, runners will witness late night partygoers cheering them outside the clubs on Washington Avenue. In sharp contrast to the vivid life on SoBe, runners pass a large copper hand standing solemn at the Holocaust Memorial as a tribute to victims of the World War II tragedy. Leaving the beach, runners stride on water through the lush chain of islands known as the Venetian Isles. Runners return to the Magic City directly in passed the newly built Miami Center for Performing Arts, a cultural centerpiece of Miami. Passing the 24-hour club district of Downtown, runners will see the Gesu Church, Miami's first Catholic parish and racially-integrated school. At this point, half-marathoners will split towards the finish line at Bayfront Park. The full marathon continues past the Miami River under shadows of skyscrapers, where Calle Ocho (8th Street) serves as a centerpiece for the Latin culture of Miami. This point marks a transition from urban running to the residential views of Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, under the shade of Poinciana trees. In the Grove, runners will see Miami's oldest homes built Bahamian Style in the early 1900's. This trendy hotspot has become popular because of its outdoor café's and relaxed night life. It is also one of the favorite running routes for locals who take advantage of the wide sidewalk for long traiing runs. The Barnacle, Miami's oldest home and a State of Florida historic site, is also nestled among the trees and cafes in Coconut Grove. The final stretch on Brickell is a straight shot through the "Wall Street of the South". Crossing the Miami Avenue Bridge, runners can see the Miami Circle, a 2000 year old link to Miami's Tequesta Indian pioneers. Around the corner, the rumble of thousands of spectators can be heard as runners cross the finish line at Bayfront Park, marking the end of a run through paradise. From start to finish, the race course delivers an unforgettable experience for both first-timers and those coming to repeat their previous excursions. As you can see, every mile enchants with awe-inspiring views for the eyes to feast on. We invite you to let your imagination run wild.
Blue Angel Marathon - February. The course begins on the Naval Air Station Pensacola, is mostly flat, travels through historic downtown Pensacola along the waterfront and two golf courses before finishing back at the Naval Air Station.
