The Key West Half Marathon and Runfest will include a scenic half marathon course that takes participants through Old Town and beautiful waterfront paths that create a memorable running experience. The Key West Half Marathon and Runfest also features many other running events including a 10K, 8K, 5K, the Papa’s …
MORE
The Key West Half Marathon and Runfest will include a scenic half marathon course that takes participants through Old Town and beautiful waterfront paths that create a memorable running experience.
The Key West Half Marathon and Runfest also features many other running events including a 10K, 8K, 5K, the Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll, and Key West Beach N’ Beer Mile. The Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll will take participants across eight popular locations in Old Town Key West with a Papa’s Pilar Rum Drink to enjoy at each stop. Participants of the stroll will receive a custom Rum Stroll shirt and rooster wrap. The Beer Mile will feature a run on the beautiful Key West beach with four beer stops along the way. After completing the mile run and tasting four beers, participants will be rewarded with a custom shirt.
Some additional exciting race weekend events for participants are the Runner’s Meet and Greet, Runner’s Expo, a live concert, an awards party, and a raffle with prizes worth up to $3,500. Some of the raffle prizes will include a snorkeling boat trip, a sunset boat trip, a variety of restaurant certificates and a grand prize of Elite Caribbean Certificates for two at the Antigua Resort.
Participant Perks
– Custom race t-shirts
– Custom medals
– Finish festival filled with live entertainment, raffles, and free drinks -Shipyard Beer and Papa’s Pilar Rum Tasting!
LESS
98% Humidity & 73 Degrees
The humidity was brutal, but the course was really cool and essentially goes on Duval St and along the coast, I just wish it hadn't been a cup-free race (though … MORE
The humidity was brutal, but the course was really cool and essentially goes on Duval St and along the coast, I just wish it hadn’t been a cup-free race (though a couple water stations thankfully had a few cups). Also the race people screwed up the bathroom lines by splitting one big line into a bunch of lines 10 mins before the race so everyone who’d been waiting and was near the front of the line lost their spot. Otherwise really cool race!
Beautiful Scenery Fun Atmosphere
The race itself was well organized. I can't make any comments about the packet pickup/expo as it was outside and pouring rain when I came. The workers were under a … MORE
The race itself was well organized. I can’t make any comments about the packet pickup/expo as it was outside and pouring rain when I came. The workers were under a tent–thankfully for their sakes and the swag! Luckily the line was not too long when I got there and there were volunteers helping to make sure you were in the correct line and to move things along quickly. The shirts were great fun colors and long-sleeved tech material. Since it was pouring we decided to eat in the restaurant where packet pickup was held and that was also great! Race day started smoothly. Definitely plan to be dropped off or arrive in an Uber or Lyft parking is extremely limited (the uber/lyft scene is amazing in Key West we never waited more than 5 minutes for a ride). We were there about 5:15am and that was perfect. Plenty of time to stretch and warmup use the porta-potties etc. There seemed to be plenty of them available. The start was on time and smooth. The sun was just starting to come up when we were passing the southernmost point. Great Pics! They had a photographer there if you wanted to stop to pose. Watching the sunrise over the water during the race was great! There were a lot of bathrooms and water stations set up along the course. There was a lot to see on the course which made the miles go by easier. It is an out and back course so you did need to be mindful of where you were running as the road was for going out and the sidewalk for those coming back. Plan to stop and take pics along the way this is that kind of course. I got a picture at the “mile zero” marker and several other shots along the course. It did get a little hot/humid by the last 5 miles, but it was not bad at all and the water stations will pour water on you if you want them to–It’s a cupless race so be sure to have something with you to put water in. But that worked well since I wanted them to splash me, I just had the volunteer pour some water into my hands which I dumped on my face. The medals are huge and bottle openers! That is cool. The finish area was well stocked with water, fruit, bagels and muffins. Overall, this is a great race and I would highly recommend it. It’s Key West so definitely plan to make a race-cation out of it there is plenty to see and do in the area and it’s probably way nicer weather in January than wherever you’re coming from. 🙂
Great event for escaping the cold!
This course has a beautiful ocean view with sunrise. It was my first time with cupless event. I completely agree with the principle of environmental friendliness, but I felt it … MORE
This course has a beautiful ocean view with sunrise. It was my first time with cupless event. I completely agree with the principle of environmental friendliness, but I felt it was simply complicated to stop and lose time.
The event was organized during the long weekend, so it was rather pricey with accommodation. The T-shirt had long-sleeves. I wonder why it was not half sleeves in warm weather…
Flat Course with Ocean View
The race website boasts that the race was voted one of the best half marathons in the US, but I would disagree. The view of the ocean is nice and … MORE
The race website boasts that the race was voted one of the best half marathons in the US, but I would disagree. The view of the ocean is nice and it was great to visit Key West, but the best thing about these races are the medals. If you do the 5k/10k/half challenge, you run the same stretch of bike path over and over again as they are the same path and an out and back course. In addition, for how much it costs I expected better support on the course. There were a few water stops but they did not have electrolyte drinks or any kind of food, gels, etc. Its not the best race, but a good excuse to get to Key West.
Big Pecker Experience -
I ran the Key West Half Marathon as part of the Big Pecker Series. This was new for 2025. You had to run the 5k at 6:30am on Saturday, 10k … MORE
I ran the Key West Half Marathon as part of the Big Pecker Series. This was new for 2025. You had to run the 5k at 6:30am on Saturday, 10k at 7:30am on Saturday. Then the Half Marathon at 6:30am on Sunday.
PACKET PICKUP
It was tough to evaluate this year because it happened to rain during the packet pickup. There is no cover for the line. So if you arrive, anticipate either standing in the sun or rain. Recommend to bring a hat regardless.
They had a spot to buy gels/hats/running gear and a tent for Key West Half Marathon apparel. I was a little disappointed in the lack of tents. I purchased a running hat at the running spot and then went over to the Key West Half Marathon swag. Since this is a cupless race, I wanted to but a reusable cup for $4. The line to wait to purchase had to take 30-45 minutes. The people in front of us were using credit cards. Everyone with cash was waiting for awhile for us to get to the front. Some people were just buying the cups (me included). I watched 5 people just walk to the front, drop off $5 and walk away. It was a little bit of a cluster.
5k/10k RACE
Out of the entire weekend, I felt this was the most lacking. The 5k and 10k take place at Higgs Beach, about 1.25 miles away from the Key West Harbor (where packet pick up is). As someone who loves Key West, it does not really give a Key West experience. It is 2 out and back courses, which you should become familiar with because you will also have to do the same course for the Half Marathon. There was a massive miscommunication in the start of the race to say to always be on the left side while running. The other side is for on the way back. Since there was a large crowd, people were all across the entire thing. Well, when the race leader was on the way back. A race worker on a bike was trying to ensure no one was in the way, which prompted the biker to say “Get the ****ing street, what are you ****ing deaf?” Well, that did not make the whole crowd around me feel good about the 5k.
Once you finish the 5k, you have a slight break before you jump into the 10k, which is the same course, you just go longer along Smathers Beach (N Roosevelt). This time, you are out in the sun which can be brutal.
I signed up for the Big Pecker before the 5k and 10k courses were announced. I regretted doing the 5k and 10k simply because the courses were boring. I feel like there are so many options in Key West but the decision to do the same race twice was a huge let down.
HALF MARATHON
I stayed close to the start so was able to get there 25 minutes before start time. I felt their were adequate bathrooms. My only wish is that they sent a map for the start time showing where all of them were. The best part of the race in my opinion is the first 2 miles and the last 4 miles. The beginning of going through old town and Duval was fun. Keep your eye out for photographers as you go! They are out there. Since I did the 5k/10k the North Roosevelt stretch (3 miles – 9miles) was a little boring. It was nice to catch the sunrise 2 days in a row though! The stretch from the White Street Pier to the End is fun. There are a lot more spectators around and you are going through Old Town again. Running through Mallory Square was a something I will always remember as the cruise ship people were cheering from their rooms on the boat! The ending was awesome.
POST RACE PARTY
I was fully expecting a crazy post-race given Key West. I was a little disappointed. Maybe I wasn’t looking in the best spot or something but the only drinks I found were 2 different types. A Blueberry Wheat Beer or a Shandy. Not my favorites. Was excited just for a regular Lager. I did see people bring their own drinks (beers) to the celebration. I saw a couple 30 packs and 12-packs. Since I saw that, I am assuming that is the normal post-race.
OVERALL
Running the Key West Half Marathon is a Bucket List Experience. I am happy that I did it and be able to say I did it. As for the Big Pecker, I do not think it was worth it. Maybe if they change the location of 5k/10k it would have been different. As I mentioned, I am happy I did it but I would not do it again.
Nice course - be ready for heat/humidity
Nice course through town and along the ocean front. Pancake flat. Real-feel temp of near 80 was tough coming from the North. Didn’t realize this was a cup-less race until … MORE
Nice course through town and along the ocean front. Pancake flat. Real-feel temp of near 80 was tough coming from the North. Didn’t realize this was a cup-less race until I got to Florida. Wish this was communicated better during registration. (Fortunately, I was able to buy a Nathan handheld bottle at a running store in KW.) Limited crowd support. Well organized race. I had a great time — a nice escape from the cold up North! Thanks to the organizers and all the volunteers!
Love the Scenery and course!
I have been wanting to run this race as a destination run for 4 years. I finally got to run it this year! Starting off with packet pickup and swag. … MORE
I have been wanting to run this race as a destination run for 4 years. I finally got to run it this year!
Starting off with packet pickup and swag. Pickup was easy enough. I was hoping for a bit more of the expo. I like picking up alternate shirts like quarter zips or whatnot. There wasn’t much to choose from though. The swag was probably the biggest bummer part, we got a bag of rice. Felt a bit like Charlie Brown…. I got a rock.
Race day was easy and simple to find the start line. This isn’t a knock on the race or the race organizers, but I was really disappointed in the local hotels. This race pulls people from all over the US and beyond who are there for a destination run. They could have done something to support the race, or at the very least provided a race day shuttle. Nope. Uber, bike or walk were your options.
The race itself was outstanding! Great start off, heading through downtown Key West. The course then turned up Duval street, which is the main street in Key West. Ran past some great sites like the Southernmost buoy. Quite a few racers were stopping to grab a race day selfie. From there the course turned East along the shoreline. Beautiful run along the shore as the sun was coming up. This was an out and back race, once you get to what the locals call the ‘triangle’ you turn around and come back. The one sticking point on the back half was the course turned onto the beach. You have to run for about 100 yards through the sand. I think this was due to construction having the sidewalk closed.
The final thing I will mention is if you run this, definitely prepare for humidity even though it’s in January. The morning of the race it was 72ish but with ~90% humidity. It was also quite breezy. I thought the wind coming off the Gulf would be chilly but the humidity wiped that thought immediately.
All in all, the race met my expectations and I am glad I ran it for my Florida Half!
Great volunteers!!
Flat and fast course! Beautiful scenery about 85% of the course! Love this race! The only think I can really “complain” about is the swag! We got a bag of … MORE
Flat and fast course! Beautiful scenery about 85% of the course! Love this race! The only think I can really “complain” about is the swag! We got a bag of rice in our swag bags this year.. and last year we were told we’d get water bottles and then at pick up were told they couldn’t find them!
Nice race fun atmosphere!
Registration easy. Direction for swag a little disorganized. Nice cool start. Nice INITIAL breeze. If one takes too long, the humidity becomes a factor. MORE
Registration easy. Direction for swag a little disorganized. Nice cool start. Nice INITIAL breeze. If one takes too long, the humidity becomes a factor.
Flat and fun
The beautiful setting was just what I needed for a winter getaway. The course is truly flat and scenic, but there were some parts that were sandy or even on … MORE
The beautiful setting was just what I needed for a winter getaway. The course is truly flat and scenic, but there were some parts that were sandy or even on the beach (very short portion) that broke up the rhythm. The route was clearly marked, and wide enough that the crowds thinned out pretty quickly after the start. Be prepared for a cupless race. I appreciated the new 6:30 start given the temp (70) and humidity. The band at the finish was great with a tropical vibe, and the racers stuck around to party. I would do this race again.
Ladies Weekend...so much fun! Lots
We went as a group of friends and had the best time! The whole production from the race company was great, everything was easily accessed. The course was along the … MORE
We went as a group of friends and had the best time! The whole production from the race company was great, everything was easily accessed. The course was along the water and beautiful. We had a gorgeous day , but if was rainy, I could see how the rain and water from the ocean could not make this fun. I highly recommend this race. Connie was a great help!!
Amazing Destination Race
The Key West Half Marathon was just fantastic. I mean it's in Key West, scenery was gorgeous, the course was flat and for 2023 we had absolute perfect running weather. … MORE
The Key West Half Marathon was just fantastic. I mean it’s in Key West, scenery was gorgeous, the course was flat and for 2023 we had absolute perfect running weather. Sunny, temps in the 50s, not too windy. Along the course they also had live music throughout. The volunteers were all so friendly and the after party was so much fun! If it wasn’t so expensive to travel to Key West I’d do it every year!
The medal is awesome, probably one of my favorites that I have so far. If you’re looking for a great destination race, I can’t recommend this one enough!
Love Everything Key West!
A great way to see Key West! I'm a regular visitor to Key West and lucked out visiting in 2022 on the same weekend as the race for the first … MORE
A great way to see Key West! I’m a regular visitor to Key West and lucked out visiting in 2022 on the same weekend as the race for the first time so I had to do it. Hardest part was actually getting up for the race after a late night of fun and drinking… Barely made it to the start but once we got going I felt great! Had a blast and after a quick nap finished out the weekend on Duval and even ran the “Beer Mile” too! I just registered for the “Big Pecker Challenge” for next year, 5k, 10k and 13.1, can’t wait to go back!
Well Org Race in Beautiful Key West
Beautiful course through a fun vacation town (just make sure that you plan early if you want it to be an easy and affordable experience). Race organizers did a great … MORE
Beautiful course through a fun vacation town (just make sure that you plan early if you want it to be an easy and affordable experience).
Race organizers did a great job putting on the event. Post-race featured a live reggae band and all you can drink Sea Dog/Shipyard Brewing beer. Race swag included a well designed shirt and medal, along with branded water bottle and sack pack.
Race had race morning bib pickup, which was nice.
Weather was bad in 2022 as a storm came to the Keys a couple hours after the last runners crossed the finish line. Winds were sustained at 20 mph with gusts at almost 40 mph. This caused the crashing waves on the seawall to crash and then spray hard on runners as they were running along the southern end of the race (which was a majority of the course). Also, be prepared for warmer temps. The adjustment from being used to freezing January temps in the Northern US can be a shock to some bodies.
Couldn't beat the views
I opted to run this as a birthday present to myself. The course was spectacular - going through downtown and then out and back along the water. Unfortunately as someone … MORE
I opted to run this as a birthday present to myself. The course was spectacular – going through downtown and then out and back along the water.
Unfortunately as someone who had been training in the northeast – I was so unprepared for the humidity. As much as I would like to blame the organizers for that 🙂 – I turned in my worst performance ever in a half.
However – my own mistakes aside – the production was so smooth – lots of e-mails and instagram postings keeping us informed; the registration was smooth and fast. My only complaint (and this is personal preference) was that I wasn’t keen on the shirt design. This – was completely mitigated by the sheer amount of free beer at the end of the race!
I highly recommend this race – Key West is a destination that was great.
Hot and Humid in Jan
Be prepared for whatever So FL has to throw at you in Jan. As a resident of Ft Lauderdale, we have a bit more humidity in the winter than other … MORE
Be prepared for whatever So FL has to throw at you in Jan. As a resident of Ft Lauderdale, we have a bit more humidity in the winter than other US areas, but this year was a toughy! Dehydration was a real thing and you don’t even realize it.
Beautiful out n back route
What a small, fun race in mid January. While standing at the Finish Line, I was amazed at the hometowns being announced as runners finished. I believe I heard all … MORE
What a small, fun race in mid January. While standing at the Finish Line, I was amazed at the hometowns being announced as runners finished. I believe I heard all 50 states and many foreign countries. It really is a destination race, especially for those tired of the cold! Not a lot of fan support out on the out n back along the shore of the Atlantic, but the scenery makes up for it.
The BEST race-cation
The Key West Half is right up there with runDisney races for vacation destinations. The course is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and fun, but the roads are a bit uneven. Expo: Small, … MORE
The Key West Half is right up there with runDisney races for vacation destinations. The course is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and fun, but the roads are a bit uneven.
Expo: Small, but fun
Swag: fun shirts and AWESOME medal
After party!!! Beer and live music 🙂
Fun Destination Race
I am starting to really like this race. My third time running and gets better every year. Nice warm weather spot for very scenic half. I use race to start … MORE
I am starting to really like this race. My third time running and gets better every year. Nice warm weather spot for very scenic half. I use race to start my spring marathon training.
Well organized-slight weather delay did even cause glitch in the execution of the race.!
Highly recommend the race, Key West great spot and mostly you will have blast at the race and in Key West
OK race in a fun place :)
The race starts early which is great since its hot and humid, even in October....but its dark and the course is not well lit or even lit at all in … MORE
The race starts early which is great since its hot and humid, even in October….but its dark and the course is not well lit or even lit at all in some places (on the pier) Bring a headlight!! So because you start 2 hours before sunrise, you dont see any scenery for at least the first half of the race…. Course was well laid out, and plenty of police for traffic. The smell was quite horrible as the seaweed was rotting along most of the shore, but the elevation gain of 20ft almost made up for it! Fun race, would do it again!