Rated as one of the top 15 scenic half marathons in North America by Runner’s World and a top 10 half marathon by USA Today, the Key West Half Marathon and Runfest provides the opportunity for runners and walkers to take on a half marathon, 10K, 8K, 5K, Papa’s Pilar …
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Rated as one of the top 15 scenic half marathons in North America by Runner’s World and a top 10 half marathon by USA Today, the Key West Half Marathon and Runfest provides the opportunity for runners and walkers to take on a half marathon, 10K, 8K, 5K, Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll, the Key West Beach N’ Beer Mile, the Big Pecker Challenge, and the Lil’ Pecker Challenge! The half marathon, 10K, 8K, and 5K routes take participants along the scenic Key West Waterfront with views of the ocean throughout.
Participants of the Big Pecker Challenge will take part in the 5K, 10K, and half marathon, receiving medals for all three races in addition to a Big Pecker Challenge medal! Those who take part in the Lil’ Pecker Challenge will participate in the 5K, 8K, and 10K distances, and will be awarded a medal for each distance run, as well as a one-of-a-kind Lil’ Pecker Hat.
The Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll will take participants across six popular locations in Old Town Key West with a Papa’s Pilar Rum Drink to enjoy at each stop, while the Informal Beer Mile will feature an untimed fun run on the Southernmost Beach with four beers. After completing the mile run and tasting four beers, participants will be rewarded with awards for several categories and raffles. Thousands of runners are expected to take part in the festivities over the weekend.
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Great Vacation but Disappointing Race
I decided to do this race as my mom and I wanted to visit Key West. Our trip to Key West was amazing but the race was far from it. … MORE
I decided to do this race as my mom and I wanted to visit Key West. Our trip to Key West was amazing but the race was far from it. I honestly don’t know why the reviews are so high. I think people rated the vacation and not the race. I decided to do the Big Pecker Challenge (5K + 10K Satuday and Half Sunday) because I have the sense of humor of a 5 year old and also it would be a good way to get high mileage weekend in for marathon training. One reason this race was so disappointing is the high price. I signed up as soon as registration opened and with early bird pricing the challenge was over $200 and it becomes over $300 closer to race day. If I pay that much for a race I expect it to be perfect and this sure was not. I took off Friday to do the challenge. Pre-race communication was okay. There were the right amount of emails. I just didn’t find the website the most user friendly and sometimes had to search for information I needed. To get to the race you can fly to Key West or to Miami or Fort Lauderdale and drive. Flights to Fort Lauderdale were much cheaper so we flew there Friday morning and drove down to Key West and made a couple stops. One thing I love is the expo is open until 7pm on Friday but they also have a late packet pick-up until 10pm which meant no worries about making it to packet pick-up and if you are coming from South Florida after work should be able to make packet pick-up. Of course the late packet pick-up is just bib and no shirt so I was hoping to make the regular expo which we did. We arrived around 6:15. The expo was outside a restaurant. The line for packet pick-up was not very organized. It was one long line but they had separate areas for each race distance so the line was chaotic as they would call out for runners in other distances. I didn’t have much time to check out expo as it took maybe 20 minutes to get the bib and things were closing up when I finished. They also turned someone away before 7 but then let them go in line after they realized it said open until 7 in the instructions. I did want to purchase the collapsible race cup since it’s a cupless race and had my mom go and buy it while I waited in line. I was pretty annoyed when I finally picked up my bib and they told me they were out of my shirt size and I had to get a size up or down. I chose a size up and was hoping it would run small but the shirt is too big for me. It’s a shirt I would wear all the time if correctly sized. I still will likely wear it as a second layer in the cold. For how much I paid I kind of expected the correct sized shirt especially since I picked it up the first day of the expo and registered right away. It was the same shirt for all distances so I’m sure there were either slimmer pickings the next day or they didn’t bring all the shirts the first day. Regardless you should not get the wrong sized shirt for an expensive race you signed up for right away when you pick it up the first day of the expo. This was a sign of things to come. After the expo we went to our hotel. We stayed at the Perry Hotel as Perry is my dad’s name. It is a nice resort and was a bit pricier than I usually pay but not super expensive. It is not that close to the start of the races so if you are not planning on renting a car may not be the best choice. It is an excellent choice if you are renting a car and looking to stay in a quieter area away from downtown. The restaurant at the hotel was also delicious. Saturday was the 5K and 10K which I will review separately. Sunday was the half. It started in downtown Key West close to packet pick-up. This year it started at 7am which I believe was later than before. It got a bit hot with the later start but it was never too dark on course which seemed to be the issue with the earlier start. There were not enough porta potties at the start. My mom dropped me off since I didn’t know how parking would be. I arrived around 6:15 and there was already a huge line. The start of the race was more organized than the 5K and 10K as there were pacers. I stood by the 3 hour pacer. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep up with the heat and humidity but wanted to try. The pacers helped people line up by paces so the start wasn’t a huge mess. It wasn’t perfect but much better than the shorter races. I liked the start of the race a lot when we ran on Duval street closed off to traffic. It is always cool to run on these busy streets when they are empty. I was less excited around mile 3 when we went back to the same out and back beach path we already ran twice for the 5K and 10K. There are nice waterfront views but it is boring seeing it 6 times (since 3 out and backs as there are 3 races) and this part is not shaded. I did like that we ran on the boardwalk during the half. The last mile or so is along Whitehead St where you pass Hemingway Home and other fancy buildings and it ends downtown. The race is very flat but it’s very hot and humid. There is sparse spectators support but there are some pockets with spectators. There is a 4 hour time limit and they keep the finish line open longer but I’m not sure it was that back of the pack friendly. Production was not very good for the price and honestly it didn’t feel very safe. The positives is the course was well marked and most streets were closed off. There were also mile markers and volunteers anywhere that could be tricky. The big issue is there was not nearly enough aid stations and the aid stations were not efficient. In a race in the heat there should be aid stations every 1-2 miles. For instance Miami a similarly hot and expensive (and much better organized) race had tons of aid stations. This race had maybe 6 and the first didn’t come until mile 2.5. The aid stations were cupless. As someone who cares about the environment this is totally cool with me if you have a good system. Vacation races has a great system. This was just volunteers with jugs of water pouring it into our cups and water bottles which is not efficient (not the volunteers fault – thank you to everyone who helped). One of the aid stations on the out and back ran out of water when I was coming back. The worst part is some walkers didn’t reach it the first time so may have went 6 miles without water. About half the aid stations ran out of gatorade when I reached them and there was no nutrition on course for anyone. I also saw no medical stations. This is pretty unacceptable and not safe for a race in a hot location. I had a good pace until about mile 8 and was on pace to be under 3 hours but I was very electrolyte depleted. I even carried a water bottle and brought the salty clif blocks so it wasn’t like I was unprepared but it still wasn’t enough. Eventually at mile 9 I said I can’t run until I get gatorade but the next aid station didn’t have it. I felt dizzy and had to ask if anyone had an salt tablets or anything. No one around me did but a nice participant gave me honey stinger chews which got me through the race (thank you if you are reading this). One of my friends caught up with me at mile 11 and we sped walked the rest together. There was finally gatorade at the last aid station but it was so water downed it didn’t help. My finishing time was actually really good for having to walk 4 miles but obviously wasn’t great. It is really frustrating because if the race provided enough aid I would have been under 3 hours. When I spend this much on a race I don’t think I should need to be self sufficient. It also is unacceptable to run out of water and gatorade and not have medical stations in a race like this. The finish line area was nice. I got my half medal which is beautiful and then picked up the challenge medal which is huge and has sound. There was a solid post race party and post race food options with muffins, bagels, etc. While the race has a 4 hour time limit they ran out of aid early and my mom told me they were packing things up as she came over to meet me after the race even though it was not 4 hours. A friend of mine who participated in a few years ago told me it was packed up early so maybe it’s not as back of the pack friendly as advertised. Overall I thought parts of the course were nice and the swag was great (even if I got the wrong size shirt) but the issues with aid stations running out of water and gatorade and lack of medical stations is unacceptable for a very expensive race in a hot and humid area. I would definitely recommend a trip to Key West but I’d recommend running the Miami half marathon instead and visiting Key West during your trip.
2 Races in 1 Day
I ran this is part of the Big Pecker Challenge which is the 5K + 10K on Saturday and the half on Sunday. The other race reviews have more details. … MORE
I ran this is part of the Big Pecker Challenge which is the 5K + 10K on Saturday and the half on Sunday. The other race reviews have more details. The 10K is scheduled to start 1 hour after the 5K. There were not enough bathrooms for me to know I would make it before the start and I also didn’t want to start in the back given how crowded the start of the 5K was. I knew the 10K would start late as they would have to wait for all the 5Kers to finish. I don’t know why they didn’t just make it 1:15 after the 5K. The 10K start was also a mess but I think enough fast runners doing the challenge lined up right away so it wasn’t quite as bad at the 5K. It was still about 1 minute of having to walk but I found my pace by 2-3 minutes. There was a public bathroom around mile 1 so I lost about 3 minutes using it. It was the same beach path. There was an aid station at mile 1.55 (the 5K turnaround) you pass twice and one at the 10K turn around. The aid stations just had water. These races also needed more electrolytes as 9.3 miles is a long way without electrolytes. I survived okay as I did have the coconut water inbetween. My finishing time wasn’t great as it was hot and I took a bathroom break but I was at least under 1:30. The medal is cute and the best part of the race. There were still some food leftover but some was picked over from the 5K. I was quite disappointed at the end of the 5K and 10K and didn’t have high hopes for the half marathon.
Way Too Crowded
I ran this 5K as part of the Big Pecker Challenge. I left more details in my half marathon review. The 5K and 10K start at a beach. It is … MORE
I ran this 5K as part of the Big Pecker Challenge. I left more details in my half marathon review. The 5K and 10K start at a beach. It is located about 1.5 miles from the half start/finish. Not a complaint just something to consider when planning your trip. Much like the half there were not enough porta potties at the start. The race is an out and back with the same start and finish. The start was an absolute s**t show. There was no indication of where to line up by pace. I figured I’d be middle of the pack in a race like this (correct assumption) and stood in the middle but there were people next to me that were clearly going to slowly walk the whole race and others next to me that were clearly going to run sub 8 minute miles. Races should be everyone but a sub 24 minute 5Ker should not be lined up next to me nor should an over 50 minute walker. But the start was so crowded the fast runners couldn’t get to the front. When we crossed the start line it was so jam packed full of walkers we had to walk 1 minute before I could run at all and it took about 5 minutes to get past enough walkers that I could find my pace. I was also constantly being passed by people faster than me so I had to both be careful about not running into walkers and careful about not have speedsters run into me. This is the reason we need paces where to line up for safety. The race is just an out and back along a beach path. The out is on the road and the back of side walks. There was an aid station with just water in the middle. I had a decent finishing time for weaving around so many walkers. The medal is nice. They are all sea creature themed and bottle openers. The 5K one is cute and appropriate sized. I rated the swag only 4 sneakers since it is one shirt for all the races. There was a good selection of post race food I knew would be mostly picked over when I finished the 10K but couldn’t eat between races. I did drink some coconut water to get some electrolytes. This race seriously needed a more organized start. You also do the same part of the course for the half marathon. Other than the awesome medals, it wasn’t really worth doing the challenge.
Do the Challenge. 5k 10k and half over 2
Its a flat and fast out and back primarily along the ocean. They have a fun challenge where you complete multiple races over the weekend for multiple medals and bragging … MORE
Its a flat and fast out and back primarily along the ocean. They have a fun challenge where you complete multiple races over the weekend for multiple medals and bragging rights 😉
Keep in mind, if you’re training in the north, be prepared for the heat and humidity and sun on a mostly open course.
Fun weekend, flat course, humid!
Another great destination race! Lots of very fun events throughout the weekend. Beautiful scenery, including the sun rising over the ocean. Post race concert, beer, rum, and LOTS of bars … MORE
Another great destination race! Lots of very fun events throughout the weekend. Beautiful scenery, including the sun rising over the ocean. Post race concert, beer, rum, and LOTS of bars nearby. My only complaint is that it is sooo humid that I found it very difficult to run.
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.