Miami Marathon

MiamiFloridaUnited States

Next race

Sunday, 31 January 2027

6:15 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Scenic coastal road

Elevation

Rolling · 77 m gain

77 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Miami Marathon draws approximately 3,800 finishers on a scenic coastal road in Miami, United States. The course starts and finishes at the American Airlines Arena. Mostly flat with a climb on the MacArthur Causeway bridge.

Miami Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 3,800 finishers

Weather: Warm and humid winter
20–24°C · humidity 70–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:12:22 — David Ruto (2003)Women: 2:29:00 — Martha Akeno (2022)

Course & terrain

Miami Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Miami Marathon is a coastal city loop starting and finishing at the Kaseya Center area, crossing the MacArthur Causeway to South Beach and following Biscayne Bay on the return. The bayfront flats are the easiest because the terrain stays level, while the causeway crossings and any wind off the water make the tougher sections; spectator support is strongest downtown, on the causeway approaches, and along South Beach and Biscayne Bay.

Miami Marathon route map

Registration

Miami Marathon entry requirements

The Life Time Miami Marathon uses open online registration at themiamimarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying standard. Sign-up for the January race typically opens in spring and tiered pricing increases as race day approaches. Charity entries are available through official partner organisations, and the full marathon can sell out given demand for the South Beach course.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Miami Marathon a Boston Qualifier?: The Miami Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Miami Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
What is the Miami Marathon elevation profile?: The Miami Marathon has 77 metres of total climbing and 77 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Miami Marathon route map?: This page includes a Miami Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. crosses the MacArthur Causeway to South Beach, then follows Biscayne Bay.
How long is the Miami Marathon?: The Miami Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starting and finishing at the American Airlines Arena.
What time does the Miami Marathon start?: The 2027 Miami Marathon starts at 6:15 am local time on Sunday, 31 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Does the Miami Marathon course pass through South Beach?: Yes. The course takes runners across the MacArthur Causeway onto Miami Beach and through the iconic South Beach neighbourhood, with the Art Deco architecture of Ocean Drive and Lummus Park providing one of the most glamorous backdrops of any marathon in the US.
Does the Miami Marathon offer ocean and bay views?: Yes. The coastal route provides views of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Miami Beach shoreline. The Rickenbacker Causeway section gives runners an elevated panorama of the bay and downtown Miami skyline that is genuinely breathtaking.
How warm is it at the Miami Marathon in February?: February is Miami's coolest month, but by most runners' standards it is still warm — race morning temperatures typically range from 18 °C to 24 °C, often with humidity. Runners unaccustomed to warm-weather racing should adjust their target pace and prioritise hydration from the start.
Is the Miami Marathon course flat?: Yes — Miami is one of the flattest marathon courses in the US, with only about 77 metres of total climbing. The flat profile means the primary challenge is heat and humidity management rather than terrain.
When is the Miami Marathon held?: The Miami Marathon is held in early February, typically the first Sunday of the month, making it one of the earliest major US marathons of the year and a popular destination race for runners escaping northern winters.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Miami.

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Next race: Sunday, 10 January 2027

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Next race: Saturday, 12 December 2026

Myrtle BeachSouth CarolinaUnited States· 889 km away

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Next race: Saturday, 6 March 2027

WilmingtonDelawareUnited States· 965 km away

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The Delaware Marathon draws approximately 643 finishers each April on an urban road in Wilmington, United States. The Delaware Running Festival marathon is a USATF-certified Boston qualifier and Wilmington's flagship 26.2-mile race. The course tours Wilmington's Riverfront, Brandywine Park, and city neighborhoods on a rolling urban loop. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027

WilmingtonNorth CarolinaUnited States· 965 km away

Wilmington Marathon

The Wilmington Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each February on an urban and coastal road in Wilmington, United States. The point-to-point design links beach scenery with a historic downtown finish in one of the South's best weather windows. The route passes Intracoastal Waterway stretches, Airlie-area roads, and the Cape Fear River in the final miles. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Saturday, 27 February 2027

AtlantaGeorgiaUnited States· 975 km away

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The Publix Atlanta Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each February on an urban road in Atlanta, United States. Atlanta's hills make this a true pacing race rather than a flat-city time trial. The route passes Midtown, Piedmont Park, and Atlanta neighborhood corridors with skyline views on repeated rollers. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

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