Tyler Bauer's Staging Area

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.