Oscar Arias Rubiano's Staging Area

This was my first full marathon ever, and second time in Miami (first was half-marathon in 2018). This race is just awesome and keeps you pumped during all the course. First, the basics: weather was fantastic, even before dawn, we were all time between 21 and 25 °C (~70-80 °F), partially cloudy and with strong winds in some parts; the race is almost entirely flat and, since it’s right at sea level, performance for us who come from higher places is great. The whole atmosphere made this race better: aid stations every 2 km with water, gatorade and some of them with fruit, gels and pretzels. One unique feature from this race was the “adoption” of some of this stations bu countries (this is the 3rd race in the US with more participants from abroad): Costa Rica, Canada, Colombia… etc with flags, typical clothes and music from each country.

People support during all race was incredible, and particulary in the last 500 m, made you forget all the pain and the suffering, specially that last draw bridge on km 41-ish which seemed like a wall to climb. This year’s medal was one of my favorites: minimalist, simple, but huge, heavy and resembled a little one from the Olympics.

The post-race party was great with plenty of food, music and beer, just for all the excitement and happiness you get once you cross the finish line!