7-Mile Offshore Grand Prix to Speed into Marathon April 26-28

MARATHON, Florida Keys — Powerful offshore powerboats racing at high speeds near the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge are to show their muscle Friday through Sunday, April 26-28, when the 7-Mile Offshore Grand Prix roars into the Middle Keys. 

The challenge is the second annual Race World Offshore (RWO) powerboat race to take place in Marathon as part of the American Power Boat Association’s Offshore National Championship Series. It serves as the opening event for RWO’s 2024 season. 

Race teams are to come from around the United States, Bermuda and as far away as the United Kingdom to compete in Marathon. 

Eleven classes of boats are to participate in the challenge, with the largest classes racing Sunday — including the Super Cat that can achieve speeds of up to 140 mph — on a course that provides spectators an adrenaline-inducing, close-up viewing experience.

A free-admission opening event, set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, 11710 Overseas Highway, is to welcome race teams and fans. 

Races are to take place Saturday with the smaller class vessel race brackets taking to the water from 1:30-4 p.m. 

Sunday is to feature four races beginning at 11 a.m. and ending with the Super Cat competition from 2:30 to 4 p.m. 

The pedestrian-friendly Old Seven Mile Bridge is to be the primary viewing area for spectators, with 90% of the 5.6-mile counterclockwise race course viewable from the span that parallels the contemporary bridge. According to race organizers, the old bridge will be open to the public with free admission, with one section reserved for VIP viewing. 

Race World Offshore plans to set up its VIP hospitality area below the northeast end (Marathon side) of the Old Seven Mile Bridge. VIP guests will be allowed to park at Sunset Grille, 7 Knights Key Blvd., and walk under the bridge.

Free general-admission parking is to be available at Marathon Community Park with shuttle service to Sunset Grille. There will be no general-admission parking at Sunset Grille or on-site at the entrance to the Old Seven Mile Bridge. VIP ticket holders will receive a parking pass at will call. 

Race fans can enjoy free admission to the dry pit area at San Pablo Catholic Church, 550 122nd St. oceanside, to view high-speed boats and meet race teams and crew from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 

Wet pits, located at Suntex Faro Blanco Marina, 1996 Overseas Highway, are to be open to the public Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Events culminate Sunday evening with an awards ceremony and and after party at Sunset Grille, 7 Nights Keys Blvd.  

Race schedules, VIP tickets and information: raceworldoffshore.com/marathon