Half Marathons Florida: Your Guide to Sunshine State Races 2024

Florida, known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches, is also a great destination for running enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves in half marathons. These events take place throughout the year, offering both seasoned runners and newcomers to half marathons the opportunity to experience the thrill of the race in unique and picturesque settings.

We’ve gathered a list of some popular half marathons taking place across the Sunshine State. From coastal routes to urban landscapes, each race offers its own character and charm to the participants. So, grab your running shoes and join us in exploring the diverse half marathon options Florida has to offer.

Some notable races on the calendar include the Florida Holiday Distance Classic and the Treasure Coast Halloween Half. These events cater to various skill levels, with courses designed to challenge and inspire runners while showcasing the beauty of Florida’s natural and urban landscapes. We hope you’ll find the perfect race to meet your goals and interests.

Top 9 Half Marathons Florida

1. 🏃 Miami Beach Half Marathon
2. 🚀 Space Coast Marathon
3. 🦃 Thankful Turkey Half Marathon
4. 🛒 Publix Florida Marathon
5. 🦈 Shark Bite Half Marathon
6. 🎉 Town of Celebration Marathon
7. 🇺🇸 Veteran’s Run
8. 🏝️ Key West Half Marathon
9. 🏖️ Panama City Beach Marathon

1. 🏃 Miami Beach Half Marathon

We love the Miami Beach Half Marathon for its beautiful course that showcases the stunning Miami Beach, FL area. The scenic run takes place along the picturesque coastline with great views. This race is perfect for both beginners and advanced runners as it offers a flat and fast course.

2. 🚀 Space Coast Marathon

The Space Coast Marathon is a unique event held in Cocoa, FL. It offers both a half and full marathon, and its thematic connection to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center adds an exciting twist. Runners enjoy a backdrop of rocket launches and a space-themed finisher medal!

3. 🦃 Thankful Turkey Half Marathon

Held in DeBary, FL, the Thankful Turkey Half Marathon is a fun-filled race event that takes place on Thanksgiving Day. Runners can burn off those holiday calories in advance while enjoying a challenging course through beautiful natural surroundings.

4. 🛒 Publix Florida Marathon

The Publix Florida Marathon takes place in Jacksonville, FL. This race is known for its well-organized event, scenic course, and excellent post-race refreshments provided by Publix Supermarkets. If you’re looking for a first-rate marathon experience, this one’s for you.

5. 🦈 Shark Bite Half Marathon

Head over to Ponte Vedra, FL, for the Shark Bite Half Marathon. This race has a unique theme and takes runners through a scenic course that includes beaches and parks. Get ready to enjoy your run amidst shark-themed entertainment and lively spectators.

6. 🎉 Town of Celebration Marathon

Located in Tampa, FL, the Town of Celebration Marathon is a popular and well-organized event that features a beautiful course through the picturesque Disney-designed community. Running enthusiasts can choose between a full marathon, half marathon, or the Holiday 5K.

7. 🇺🇸 Veteran’s Run

The Veteran’s Run takes place in Pinellas County, FL, and is known for its Marathon Mania event series. This patriotic race honors veterans and offers an enjoyable course through scenic neighborhoods. Participants receive unique finisher medals and have plenty of opportunities for post-race celebrations.

8. 🏝️ Key West Half Marathon

Enjoy a tropical running experience at the Key West Half Marathon. This race features a flat, fast course along the stunning coastline of Key West, FL, offering beautiful ocean views. It’s an ideal destination race for those wanting to combine their love for running with a fun vacation.

9. 🏖️ Panama City Beach Marathon

Last but not least is the Panama City Beach Marathon, held in—you guessed it—Panama City Beach, FL. This race offers multiple distance options and takes runners along the beautiful white sand beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s the perfect way to wrap up our list of top Florida half marathons.

Half Marathons Florida Calendar 2024

As we move into 2024, the first half of the year is packed with half marathons Florida. You can find races in:

January 2024: A good month for runners with several half marathons scheduled.

Date	Event	Location
Jan 6	Fort Desoto Half Marathon	St. Petersburg
Jan 6	Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon & 10k	Pensacola Beach
Jan 6	Swamp Forest Trail Run 20M Half Marathon & 6.5M	Tallahassee
Jan 6	Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Half Marathon	Lake Buena Vista
Jan 7	13.1 Marathon – Fort Lauderdale	Fort Lauderdale
Jan 7	Brandon Half Marathon & 5k	Brandon
Jan 7	Marathon Mania @ Ridge Manor Marathon Half Marathon 10k & 5k	Brooksville
Jan 13	Hollywood Beach Broadwalk Half Marathon	Hollywood
Jan 13	Sarasota Marathon Half Marathon 10k & 5k	Sarasota
Jan 13	Wild Things Races & Half Marathon	Ocala
Jan 14	FTC Marathon & Half Marathon	Hawthorne
Jan 14	Key West Half Marathon	Key West
Jan 14	Naples Half Marathon	Naples
Jan 14	Shark Bite Half Marathon & 5k	New Smyrna Beach
Jan 14	St. Pete Beach Classic Half Marathon	St. Pete Beach
Jan 20	Best Damn Race – Safety Harbor Half Marathon 10k & 5k	Safety Harbor
Jan 20	Moonlight Beach Run Half Marathon 15k 10k & 5k	Daytona Beach
Jan 21	Vero Beach Half Marathon and Sea Turtle 2M	Vero Beach
Jan 28	Clearwater Running Festival	Clearwater
Jan 28	Miami Marathon Half Marathon & 5k	Miami
Jan 28	Town of Celebration Marathon & Half Marathon	Celebration

February 2024: This month also brings a variety of half marathons Florida.

Date	Event	Location
Feb 3	Naples Distance Classic Half Marathon 10k & 5k	Naples
Feb 4	DONNA Marathon & Half Marathon Weekend	Jacksonville
Feb 10	Ave Maria Marathon Half Marathon 10k & 5k	Ave Maria
Feb 10	Everglades Half Marathon	Homestead
Feb 11	Daytona 2 Beach Half Marathon and 5k	Daytona Beach
Feb 11	Friends of Seminole State Forest Run for the Woods Half Marathon 12k & 5k	Sorrento
Feb 11	Publix Florida Marathon Half Marathon & 10K	Melbourne
Feb 11	St. Petersburg Distance Classic Marathon Half Marathon 10k & 5k	St. Petersburg
Feb 11	Tallahassee Marathon & Half Marathon	Tallahassee
Feb 17	Howey in the Hills 5k 10k & Half Marathon	Howey-in-the-Hills
Feb 17	Venice Half Marathon & 5K	Venice
Feb 18	Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half Marathon	Fort Lauderdale
Feb 18	Seaside School Half Marathon & 5k	Seaside
Feb 24	USA Women’s Half Marathon Key West	Key West
Feb 25	Disney Princess Half Marathon	Lake Buena Vista
Feb 25	Gasparilla Distance Classic Half Marathon & 8k	Tampa

March 2024: Another great month to lace up your running shoes and participate in marathons across the state.

Date	Event	Location
Mar 2	Best Damn Race Orlando Half Marathon 10K & 5K	Orlando
Mar 2	Florida Shamrock Distance Classic Half Marathon 10k & 5k	St. Petersburg
Mar 2	Fort Myers City of Palms Half Marathon	Fort Myers
Mar 2	Long Play Trail Run Half Marathon 33.3M & 10K	Brooksville
Mar 3	305 Half Marathon & 5k	Miami
Mar 3	Marathon of the Treasure Coast	Jensen Beach
Mar 16	St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon & 5k	Venice
Mar 21	Gulf Coast Series – Day 4 Marathon Half Marathon 10k & 5k	Marianna
Mar 23	Sunrise Half Marathon & 5k	Sunrise
Mar 24	Caddy’s Bradenton Half Marathon 8M & 4M	Bradenton
Mar 24	Lake Minneola Half Marathon 10k & 5k	Clermont
Mar 30	Run Singer Island Half Marathon & 10K	Riviera Beach

April 2024: As the weather starts to get warmer, you can find more half marathons florida to enjoy during this month.

Date	Event	Location
Apr 7	KB Half Marathon	Key Biscayne
Apr 7	Run Your Buns Off Half Marathon 10k & 5k	Hawthorne
Apr 20	The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park Half Marathon 10k & 5k	Lakeland
Apr 27	Blueberry Cupcake Race Half Marathon 10k & 5k	Brooksville
Apr 27	Dunes Endurance Challenge 50k & Half Marathon	Hobe Sound

May 2024: This month marks the end of the spring racing season, so don’t miss out on the last few events before summer kicks in.

Date	Event	Location
May 5	Palm Bluff Trail Race and Ultra Marathon	Osteen
May 5	Punta Gorda Half Marathon & 5k	Punta Gorda
May 11	Ocho de Mayhem Half Marathon & 12k	Middleburg

I think with the selection you could easily find your next half marathon.

Preparing for Your Run

🏃 5K and 10K Prep Runs

Before diving into a half marathon, it’s a great idea to participate in some shorter races, like 5K and 10K runs. These races provide valuable experience and help us build endurance. It is essential for us to understand our running capabilities and limitations. We can find a variety of 5K and 10K races in cities such as Naples, Weston, Ocala, Largo, and Bradenton.

Here are some upcoming events in Florida you might consider joining:

Location	Event	Date
Naples, FL	Paradise Coast Half Marathon & 5K	Nov 25
Weston, FL	Weston Run for Tomorrow	Dec 9
Ocala, FL	Run for the Rim	Nov 18
Largo, FL	Florida Holiday Halfathon	Dec 16
Bradenton, FL	Bradenton Holiday Run	Dec 8

🏞️ Training in Different Florida Locations

👉 When training for a half marathon, it’s important to shake up our routine and explore different training locations.

👉 Some cities offer well-known running routes, while others present the perfect chance to explore the beautiful scenery of Florida.

👉 Take advantage of this diversity by training in cities like Homestead, Melbourne, Ridge Manor, Brooksville, and Sunrise.

👉 Make these training sessions more enjoyable by inviting friends or joining a local running group.

👉 Training in different locations and weather conditions helps develop both physical and mental strength.

👉 Practicing on various terrains can enhance adaptability and prepare for any surprises during the race.

Race Etiquettes and Tips

When participating in half marathons Florida, it’s essential to follow proper race etiquettes and be prepared with some useful tips. In this section, we’ll explore some key advice to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Firstly, be start line savvy. Arrive at the race location early to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and avoid congestion at the starting line. Pay close attention to announcements for updates on course conditions and important instructions. Position yourself according to your anticipated pace, allowing faster runners to move ahead.

🏃 Keep in mind the following tips during the race:

• ✅ Stay on the designated course and follow any course marshals’ directions.
• ✅ Maintain a steady pace and avoid sudden stops or direction changes that may inconvenience others.
• ✅ If using headphones, keep the volume low, so you remain aware of your surroundings and can hear instructions from race officials.
• ✅ Always be courteous and respectful to fellow runners and race staff.

💧 When it comes to hydration and refueling, please take note of these pointers:

1. ✅ Familiarize yourself with the location and frequency of water stations.
2. ✅ Give way to those who need water or refreshments.
3. ✅ When taking water cups, a slight squeeze helps avoid spillage and makes drinking easier.

🏁 As we approach the finish line, remember the following:

• ✅ Keep moving through the finish line area to avoid bottlenecking.
• ✅ Be patient while waiting for your medal and allow the volunteers to distribute them efficiently.
• ✅ Return your timing devices, if required, and make your way to the designated post-race area to collect any belongings or meet friends and family.

By keeping these race etiquettes and tips in mind, we can expect a safe and enjoyable race experience during half marathons Florida. Happy running!

Listing and Upcoming Races

As running enthusiasts, we’re excited to share some upcoming half marathons Florida in various regions. We’ve organized the races by Central, South, North, West, and East Florida to make it easier for you to plan your next race.

🏃 Races in Central Florida

In Central Florida, the Central Florida Legends Marathon takes place in the heart of the state. The event offers a half marathon, attracting runners from across the region.

Upcoming Races:

• Central Florida Legends Marathon: December 9, 2023

🌴 Races in South Florida

South Florida is home to vibrant Miami-Dade and Broward counties. In Broward County, you can participate in the 13.1 Marathon – Fort Lauderdale, scheduled for January 7, 2024. Meanwhile, Collier County hosts exciting races in the Naples area.

Upcoming Races:

• 13.1 Marathon – Fort Lauderdale: January 7, 2024

🌲 Races in North Florida

North Florida offers a variety of races in Duval, Alachua, and St Johns counties. Don’t miss the Tallahassee Holiday 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon on December 9, 2023, and the Swamp Forest Trail Run on January 6, 2024.

Upcoming Races:

• Tallahassee Holiday 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon: December 9, 2023
• Swamp Forest Trail Run: January 6, 2024

🏖️ Races in West Florida

Runners in West Florida can look forward to races in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. The Best Damn Race – Safety Harbor in Safety Harbor is scheduled for January 20, 2024.

Upcoming Races:

• Best Damn Race – Safety Harbor: January 20, 2024

🌊 Races in East Florida

Last but not least, East Florida offers races in Volusia and Brevard counties. With a scenic coastline and beautiful weather, it’s an excellent location for running events year-round.

Upcoming Races:

• Check the race calendar for upcoming races in East Florida.

We hope this list helps you find the perfect half marathon in Florida. Happy running!

Our Opinion on Half Marathons Florida

In our opinion, Florida offers a variety of exceptional half marathons for runners of all skill levels. The races we discuss below are among the best known and consistently highly rated.

The Best Damn Race – Cape Coral is one of our personal favorites. It lives up to its name by offering a fantastic race experience in the beautiful city of Cape Coral. With plenty of community engagement and a well-planned course, it’s no wonder so many runners love this race. 

Some upcoming half marathons in Florida that caught our attention include the Holiday 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon on Dec 9, 2023, in Tallahassee, and the Gobbler 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon on Nov 11, 2023, also in Tallahassee.

Florida’s amazing weather, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant running community make it a fantastic destination for half marathons.

FAQ

What is your option about half marathons Florida? I would love to hear it in the comments. I’m sure you also like reading about Half Marathon Calorie Burn or our Marathon Checklist.

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