Runners to Explore Subtropical Key West During Jan. 14 Half Marathon

KEY WEST, Fla. — The 26th annual Key West Half Marathon & Runfest is to draw several thousand runners to compete Sunday, Jan. 14, in the subtropical island city’s historic Old Town and scenic waterfront. 

Lauded repeatedly as one of the United States’ “bucket list” half-marathons, the race typically attracts American and international runners to test their speed and endurance in Key West’s typically balmy January climate. 

The sporting challenge is to begin at 6:30 a.m., with participants proceeding along a flat, fast 13.1-mile half-marathon course amid the island city’s Victorian architecture, historic landmarks, harborfront businesses and Atlantic Ocean shoreline. A 5k is scheduled to start at 7 a.m. for those who prefer a shorter course.

The event’s registration booth is to be set up from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, outside the Half Shell Raw Bar, located at 231 Margaret St. in the Key West Historic Seaport. Participants can pick up race packets during that time and attend a runner’s expo as well.

The following day, runners are to start their challenge at the corner of Caroline and Grinnell streets in the Historic Seaport and end near Caroline and Margaret streets. 

After the race, an awards ceremony and party are to take place outside the Half Shell Raw Bar. Attendees can rock to live music by the Cayo Ritmo Big Band.

Awards await the first- through third-place male and female finishers in five-year age groups ranging from 9 and under to 75 and over, as well as the top overall competitors and those in the masters division. All runners who complete the half-marathon and 5k are to receive finisher medals. 

Post-race fun Sunday afternoon includes the Key West Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll starting at the Hemingway Rum Company’s distillery, 201 Simonton St., and the Key West Beach N’ Beer Mile. 

Other attractions for participants during the Runfest long weekend include a waterfront meet-and-greet gathering, pre-race pasta meal special and lively parties.  

The half-marathon entry is $143.99 per person plus sign-up fee, with the price to increase after Dec. 15. Entry in the 5k is $68 per person plus sign-up fee. Each entrant is to receive a tech race shirt and race bag.  

Cost for the Rum Stroll is $55 per person, while cost for the Beach N’ Beer Mile is $49 per person. Sign-up fees apply for both events. 

Running enthusiasts who can’t be in Key West can take part in the half-marathon and 5k remotely via the “run anywhere” registration option.

Event information and registration: keywesthalfmarathon.com 

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY 

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