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!
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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!
Wonderful scenic race
This race allows you to see the entire island in one race! There is a photo point with the southernmost spot in the background so you don’t have to fight … MORE
This race allows you to see the entire island in one race! There is a photo point with the southernmost spot in the background so you don’t have to fight with crowds to get the picture. The race goes along the ocean with beautiful views throughout the race.
my overall race expeirence
Outstanding views of the ocean, and saw plenty of RV's along the course. Great medal and plenty of on course support and crowd support. Getting to the race start was … MORE
Outstanding views of the ocean, and saw plenty of RV’s along the course. Great medal and plenty of on course support and crowd support. Getting to the race start was super easy
Iconic experience
Key West is an iconic town for a race. The start and finish close to the wharf is a beautiful setting with the restaurants and shops. Running down the middle … MORE
Key West is an iconic town for a race. The start and finish close to the wharf is a beautiful setting with the restaurants and shops. Running down the middle of Duval St at the start of the race, running along the waterfront, and past the “Southern White House” are one of a kind experiences.
Perfect Fun Race to start out the year
This race has become yearly tradition for me. Race organizers put on super race in Key West! Scenic course, solid group of runners, and party atmosphere...what more can you ask … MORE
This race has become yearly tradition for me.
Race organizers put on super race in Key West!
Scenic course, solid group of runners, and party atmosphere…what more can you ask for in race.
Great location and so much fun!
The half marathon was so much fun! It was sort of a windy, chilly day when we ran, but that didn't take away the enjoyment. The course starts off running … MORE
The half marathon was so much fun! It was sort of a windy, chilly day when we ran, but that didn’t take away the enjoyment. The course starts off running down Duval street then takes a detour past the southernmost point (where all the tourists are!) and then runs along the ocean for the majority of time. It’s an out and back course, so you run the same portion of the course again, but it’s very scenic and very flat. Key West as a destination is a challenge to get to, but well worth the effort. The swag is fantastic! A long sleeve, technical shirt with Key West-inspired design, and the medal had the lighthouse on it which actually blinked. Would highly recommend this race as a destination race!
Easy course for a first timer
I thought the course was nice and flat very scenic going out for the first 2-3 miles and coming in the last 2-3 miles everything I between is sidewalk along … MORE
I thought the course was nice and flat very scenic going out for the first 2-3 miles and coming in the last 2-3 miles everything I between is sidewalk along the ocean. Volunteers where very sweet aid stations where plentiful, i felt like bathrooms lacked a little and had to stop to find a public restroom. Overall a good race . My only complaint is that after the 3:30 mark a lot of volunteers started walking off the course and as I sat and watched the BOP come in they didn’t have any direction on where to go and no course markings . I was giving directions to the finish line!! That’s not cool and I would have felt defeated if it was me.