Overall Rating
Overall Rating (48 Reviews)
4
(48 Ratings)  (48 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.3
SCENERY
3.3
PRODUCTION
4.4
SWAG
4.5
The Everglades Half Marathon & 5K is a pleasant and mostly flat course (you’d be hard pressed to find a hilly course in south Florida). This course runs primarily on dirt roads with some sections on pavement. As you run, you’ll be surrounded by the flora and fauna of the … MORE
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Recent reviews

    Profile photo of Kathy Parks
    kparks521970 REPEAT RUNNER '24

    Race was cancelled. Probably will not complete this vacation races. Did not get cancellation insurance on airfare and hotel so took the cross country trip to Florida. I really think … MORE

    Race was cancelled. Probably will not complete this vacation races. Did not get cancellation insurance on airfare and hotel so took the cross country trip to Florida. I really think the cancellation reason was bogus. Lack of scenery on course, Ha. There is no scenery on the rocky mountain course, Teton course only had a view the last 3 miles so cancelling for lack of scenery was not true

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    1
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    1

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    anupama.moorthy REPEAT RUNNER '22

    nice flat course, lot of dirt n some road. you will be running thru plantations it was humid , a well organised VR race as usual. Swag was great. Lot … MORE

    nice flat course, lot of dirt n some road. you will be running thru plantations
    it was humid , a well organised VR race as usual. Swag was great. Lot of aid stations.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    kristia365 FIRST-TIMER '22

    I was amazed that organization of this race. Great communication and planning before the race, very easy bib pick up, and race day was well organized. The course was lovely … MORE

    I was amazed that organization of this race. Great communication and planning before the race, very easy bib pick up, and race day was well organized. The course was lovely and the narration of Everglades facts in the RaceJoy app just added to that. The staff and volunteers were so supportive. This was my first half marathon and I can’t wait to do more. I will definitely choose vacation races again and I hope the Everglades half returns next year.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    Profile photo of Bill Rowland
    billtrowland FIRST-TIMER '22

    It was hot, but hey, it was also in south Florida, thankfully in October and not July. Course was nice and flat, but a bit longer than 5K. I was … MORE

    It was hot, but hey, it was also in south Florida, thankfully in October and not July. Course was nice and flat, but a bit longer than 5K. I was thrilled to win my age group and snag an extra medal!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5

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    Profile photo of Bill Rowland
    billtrowland FIRST-TIMER '22

    My wife and I did this more-or-less on a whim, and WHAT A WHIM it turned out to be! We both did the Gator Double (half marathon AND 5K). Between … MORE

    My wife and I did this more-or-less on a whim, and WHAT A WHIM it turned out to be! We both did the Gator Double (half marathon AND 5K). Between the two of us we came home with 10 MEDALS and LOADS of kool shwag! After the race they apologized for 1) a slightly late start (I say THANKS for not making us run with a headlamp); 2) some mud…uh, have you never done any trail runs?; and 3) some unsightly garbage (yeah, that detracted from the otherwise awesome ambiance, but they could scope that out ahead of time, arrange for a garbage truck or two, and ask for volunteers, I would have gladly pitched in on that).

    My wife and I plan to hit ALL of their races…

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    trilaurie FIRST-TIMER '22

    The medals were awesome and the organizers thought of everything….even coffee at the start. I’ve never been to an event that had such impressive organization and swag. I’ll be back!! … MORE

    The medals were awesome and the organizers thought of everything….even coffee at the start. I’ve never been to an event that had such impressive organization and swag. I’ll be back!!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    domino76 FIRST-TIMER '22

    As always I loved this VR event. Loved the course, swag, people and other runners. I see a lot of reviews complaining about the course and the mud. One thing … MORE

    As always I loved this VR event. Loved the course, swag, people and other runners. I see a lot of reviews complaining about the course and the mud. One thing I love about VR races is that they are not supposed to be just street (boring) runs. Thats the point you get out in nature: trails, mud, hills, high elevation all the fun things you will remember. This course was challenging because of the climate for me, coming from the north I don’t run in heat/humidity. This one was killer even though it was cooler than normal in the area. Only thing I would change on this one is have it in the winter time. Also the 5k was a little long at almost 3.5 miles.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    hawillis FIRST-TIMER '22

    Albeit my first race EVER, I’ve attended many events and festivals, and this production was AMAZING. The race itself — just plain ol’ awesome. The course looped through the fields … MORE

    Albeit my first race EVER, I’ve attended many events and festivals, and this production was AMAZING. The race itself — just plain ol’ awesome. The course looped through the fields and crops of southern Florida, just bordering Everglades National Park. It was an athletic and cultural dream. It offered a taste of trail running and a heaping plate of classic road running. Everyone was super friendly and encouraging — the racers, the staff, the volunteers, and the watchful public. Let’s face it, too… It is hard to beat Miami in October. The weather is perfect. The baby alligators are plentiful. The tourists, less so. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Next up, the Grand Tetons.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    cfconwayiii FIRST-TIMER '22

    This was my 6th vacation race and it was my least favorite of all. Staff and volunteers were phenomenal as usual! I ran the Gator Double-5K on Friday and Half … MORE

    This was my 6th vacation race and it was my least favorite of all.
    Staff and volunteers were phenomenal as usual!
    I ran the Gator Double-5K on Friday and Half Marathon on Saturday, and I did not care for either course.
    Scenery was lacking on both courses, half marathon course had some very muddy sections that I know that race director has no control over. Very average.
    Expo and post race were overall great.
    Swag is awesome! I got an extra medal for doing the Gator Double.
    I will not run this race again.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    5

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    cfconwayiii FIRST-TIMER '22

    Vacation races are awesome! Staff and volunteers are some of the hardest working folks in the business! The course was a little long 3.47 miles to be exact and was … MORE

    Vacation races are awesome!
    Staff and volunteers are some of the hardest working folks in the business!
    The course was a little long 3.47 miles to be exact and was rougher terrain than I was expecting
    Expo and post race was usual for vacation races
    Swag is top notch!
    I would not run this race again

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    5

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    domino76 Oct 29, 2022 at 7:30am

    It was long! I thought something was wrong. There was so much course left after the 3 mile marker and my gps. I probably would have had my PB for… MORE

    It was long! I thought something was wrong. There was so much course left after the 3 mile marker and my gps. I probably would have had my PB for a 5k if it was not so long! =( LESS

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    katie.roan REPEAT RUNNER '22

    When I heard Vacation Races was bringing back this east coast race, I jumped on board immediately. VR always puts on top-notch productions, and this race was no different. The … MORE

    When I heard Vacation Races was bringing back this east coast race, I jumped on board immediately. VR always puts on top-notch productions, and this race was no different. The course is FLAT (think ~60ft total elevation gain), which is to be expected in south FL. It was also hot, sunny, and humid – also to be expected for south FL. I really enjoyed running through the fruit farms, and the camraderie amongst Vacation Racers is always fulfilling on the course. Once again they put on a great race!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    r2salcho FIRST-TIMER '22

    Aid stations were great, the information about the race was very helpful. Packet pick-up was well set up. However, the race started late. Additionally , there were several area’s on … MORE

    Aid stations were great, the information about the race was very helpful. Packet pick-up was well set up. However, the race started late. Additionally , there were several area’s on the course were you had the navigate large mud puddles and pot holes. Overall, I liked being able to go to the Everglades National Park after the race, but I don’t plan to run this course again.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    2
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    3

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    danielpls FIRST-TIMER '22

    This race was my first ever. I was very impressed with how easy the registration and bib pick-up was; also, I loved the training plan provided by vacation races, it … MORE

    This race was my first ever. I was very impressed with how easy the registration and bib pick-up was; also, I loved the training plan provided by vacation races, it was really helpful!
    The vibes before, during, and after the race were great. Having a brewery/winery was also incredible good.
    The only downside were a few cars in some parts of the dirt road of the course, some garbage on the side of the road, agricultural waste being burned right on the road/course towards the finish line (which difficulties my breathing), and the mud (which was actually expected given the rain in previous days and dirt roads). Other than that, everything was great and I loved it.
    Nice looking medals and t-shirts as well!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5
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    LifebytheMile FIRST-TIMER '22

    It is definitely a flat course but it is through farm land so you definitely needed to watch your step for holes potholes and ground ruts. It was a pretty … MORE

    It is definitely a flat course but it is through farm land so you definitely needed to watch your step for holes potholes and ground ruts. It was a pretty course in the jungly areas. The heat and humidity definitely took its toll on me. But just like all VR races I had a great time and it was a well put on event. Only recommendation would be chests of ice throughout the second half of the event to help with the heat and humidity. Nothing like shoving some ice cubes in your bra to cool off!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    lannom.kayla FIRST-TIMER '22

    It was more puddles and trail than I expected. It was nice to go through farms and flat land! The trail was mostly shaded and the stations were spaced great. … MORE

    It was more puddles and trail than I expected. It was nice to go through farms and flat land! The trail was mostly shaded and the stations were spaced great. I don’t believe trail shoes would be needed. The medal and recovery boxes are good as always!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    4
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    mjenn66 FIRST-TIMER '22

    5K event was good, although the course was way long. About 3.5 miles. Not sure why they couldn't cut the course to be 3.1. Half course was nothing exciting. Mostly … MORE

    5K event was good, although the course was way long. About 3.5 miles. Not sure why they couldn’t cut the course to be 3.1. Half course was nothing exciting. Mostly rural agriculture access roads. Potholes and gravel in many parts. Also many puddles and mud caused bottlenecks getting around problem areas. Overwise a well run event and great bling, as always from VR.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5

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    CJoy FIRST-TIMER '22

    VR does an amazing job of putting on great races. The course was pretty basic though with little in the way of gorgeous scenery. We ran on rough roads full … MORE

    VR does an amazing job of putting on great races. The course was pretty basic though with little in the way of gorgeous scenery. We ran on rough roads full of potholes around farms of varying types such as fruit, vegetable, nurseries. The finish at the winery was through the back of the property, really not attractive, on rough dirt and unmowed trail. The parking area and start area was all unmowed with long grass. I was disappointed in the location for the race, but we were not far from the Everglades, although they were not visible at all from the winery. Then the winery charged a $10 cover charge for dinner or even going into the brewery after the race. I look forward to my next VR but will not return to the Everglades event.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5

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    musical23 FIRST-TIMER '22

    I completed the Everglades Alligator challenge put on by Vacation Races. If you've ever run one of they're events, you know they are run well. On Friday , the 5k … MORE

    I completed the Everglades Alligator challenge put on by Vacation Races. If you’ve ever run one of they’re events, you know they are run well. On Friday , the 5k had one hiccup… it was about a half mile long. If you usually run longer distances, this isn’t an issue, but not everyone participation fits into that category. If you are new to running or train for the 5k distance, that extra half mile can be discouraging.

    On Saturday, the half went off without much of a hitch. The only negative would be the scenery or lack of it. When you run a Vacation race, you tend to expect nice/beautiful scenery… We ran on roads that separated the fields where tropical plant and Fruits and vegetables are grown. That got old real quick.

    Overall, the race was pretty good… not my favorite, but a Vacation Race is better than most good races hands down. If you haven’t run one of theirs before, I suggest you do it. They are top notch

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5

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    Profile photo of Marc Schiff
    maschiff FIRST-TIMER '22

    There were long stretches of mud and puddles that made for tough going. Had I known more about the terrain I’d have worn trail shoes instead of road shoes. MORE

    There were long stretches of mud and puddles that made for tough going. Had I known more about the terrain I’d have worn trail shoes instead of road shoes.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    4
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    anupama.moorthy REPEAT RUNNER '22

    road and trail combo. it was humid. as a walker it was a good warm up before the half marathon next day. the double gator swag is really cool. Great … MORE

    road and trail combo. it was humid. as a walker it was a good warm up before the half marathon next day. the double gator swag is really cool. Great show put on y VR. would do this again!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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  1. Races
  2. Everglades Half Marathon & 5K