Warm weather, delicious food, and a bustling nightlife make Miami one of the world’s most popular vacation spots. The city drew more than 15 million visitors in 2016 and many of them came for one or more of Miami’s scenic, sea-level races. From fun runs to triathlons, plan your next racecation with our picks for our favorite races in Miami.
Tropical 5K
January 27, 2018 | Miami Beach
Consider the Tropical 5K a “runner-up” to the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. The walker-friendly race takes place the day before and features a shorter, yet equally scenic route across Biscayne Bay from Miami to Miami Beach. If you’re not familiar with the area, the water-lined course and guaranteed finisher’s medal make the Tropical 5K a rewarding introduction to Miami races!
The Miami Beach Halloween Half Marathon and Freaky 4-Miler
Oct. 28, 2017 | Miami Beach
These races are a ghoulishly good time with oceanfront views and of course, costumes! Whether you choose to get your spook on for the 4-miler or the full 13.1, you’ll enjoy a race across the causeway to South Pointe Park. Half marathoners will continue up the coast on Ocean Drive before joining the others at the post-race Halloween party. There, you’ll receive your signature “Featured Creature” medal – come back each year to collect ’em all!
South Beach Triathlon
April 15, 2018 | Miami Beach
The South Beach Triathlon lets you swim, bike and run the best of Miami Beach in either the Olympic distance or the Classic, which is shorter with a 0.5-mile swim, 20.7-mile bike, and 4-mile run. Either way, you’ll start with a warm ocean swim along South Beach. Then, bike along the flat causeways into Miami and back for the final waterfront run through Miami Beach’s Art Deco District. You’ll cross the finish line on the soft sands of South Beach, where post-race fuel and vendors are waiting.
Key Biscayne Half Marathon & 10K
Oct. 1, 2017 | Key Biscayne
This half marathon and 10K take you south to Key Biscayne, an island town that’s a little less urban than its Miami neighbors. You’ll start at the Miami Marine Stadium and race out and back, over the ocean and through tropical landscapes on Rickenbacker Causeway. Every participant receives a finisher’s medal, but you do have to earn it! The Key Biscayne Half Marathon is more vertically challenging than the other sea-level races.
Miami Jingle Bell Jog
TBD 2017 | Miami
Take a winter vacation to Miami for the Jingle Bell Jog 5K! If you think you’ll miss out on the holiday feel, ho ho ho, do we have a surprise for you! While most holiday-themed events encourage you to bring your own festive gear, the Jingle Bell Jog does it for you. Every participant receives a full Santa suit and jingle bells to wear during your run around Tropical Park. At the finish, you can add an extra piece of flair with a holiday themed medal.
Miami Beach 13.1
March 4, 2018 | Miami & Miami Beach
This flat, fast half marathon starts in Miami Beach and makes its way past million-dollar homes, across the Julia Tuttle Causeway to Miami, and back across the MacArthur Causeway for the home stretch up Ocean Drive. It’s a beautiful looped tour, from the docked cruise ships to the graffiti artwork in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. At the finish in Lummus Park, it’s a Miami-style post-race party with Latin food and free beer.
Tour of the Gables 5K
May 20, 2017 | Coral Gables
There’s a reason that Coral Gables is known as “The City Beautiful”! Just south of downtown Miami, the town is home to detailed architecture and lush greenery. You’ll see it all on this family-friendly 5K that starts and ends at the historic City Hall built in 1928. Top off your relaxing run through the scenic city with music, food and beverages at the post-race celebration.
Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run
April 27, 2017 | Miami Beach
Since its induction in 1985, the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run has become a staple of the South Florida running (and business) scene. In 2016, this series of 5K’s (Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami) drew in more than 26,000 participants from 860 different companies in Miami alone! But the fun doesn’t end at the finish line: after the run, many companies host drinks and other fun events at their booths, earning this race the title of the country’s “Largest Office Party.”
Miami Marathon & Half Marathon
Jan. 28, 2018 | Miami & Miami Beach
The Miami Marathon and Half Marathon top our list of the best races in Miami for their expansive courses and non-stop entertainment! Broadcast live on TV, you’ll have spectators both near and far cheering you on at every step. This, combined with scenic views and 20+ entertainment stations, will keep you moving through downtown Miami, along the shore, and across bridges to and from Miami Beach. Once you complete the looped course, the party keeps going at the Finish Line Festival in Bayfront Park!
Ironman 70.3 Miami
Oct. 22, 2017 | Miami
If you’re ready to step up your triathlon game, Miami is a great place to do it! The half-Ironman in Miami starts and ends in downtown’s Bayfront Park. After a looped swim through Biscayne Bay, you’ll bike northwest through Miami’s suburbs before making the half marathon run up the shore and over the causeway to Watson Island. When you return to Bayfront Park, you’ll find live entertainment and refreshments in the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden.
What’s your favorite race destination? Build your profile on Athlinks.com to claim your results and connect with fellow racecation-goers!
How about the ZooRun5K & ZooKidsDash? You get to run through the exhibit path at Zoo Miami, get a wild t-shirt, access to finish festival brunch AND free admission to Zoo Miami on race day! This year (2017) it’s on Veterans Day.