20th Anniversary Key West Half Marathon & 5K Nearing Capacity

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Runners are encouraged to sign up for the 20th Anniversary Key West Half Marathon & 5K on January 14th, as space for both races is nearing capacity.

“Because it’s a special milestone, we will sell out,” Barbara Wright, event founder and co-director, said. “We really encourage people to sign up soon to lock in their space.”

To mark the 20th year, the race’s headquarters has been moved back to where it began – Half Shell Raw Bar. Many amenities have been added: for the first time, long-sleeve tech shirts guaranteed for each participant, the highest end finisher medals for both races, increased number of musicians on the race course, 2-day registration, a pre-race pasta special, and more. As always, the after-party will be had in typical Key West style – a concert by Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band, free beer, complimentary food and a free raffle for all, which includes Caribbean trips.

Competitor Magazine ranked the race second in its 25 “Can’t-Miss Half Marathons” this year. It was listed among many long-standing and well-established races such as the San Francisco Half, Alamo 13.1 in San Antonio, the Yosemite Half, and Covered Bridges Half in Woodstock, VT.

Wright said the annual race’s growing popularity is due in part to accolades from many other sports writers and renowned running media. It was named one of the United States’ leading winter half marathons; one of 14 Best Destination Half Marathons (Runner’s World Feb. 2014); Bucket List Best Half Marathons (Runner’s World April, 2015); in December, 2015 Competitor.com ranked it among 13 must-do U.S. half marathons; and most recently, in Steven Kesh’s new book, Top 50 World’s Best Half Marathons, the Key West Half Marathon is ranked #7!

In 20 years, the race has grown into a truly international event. Last year, thousands of runners hailed from countries such as Slovakia, The Bahamas, Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Canada, Denmark, Germany, and the UK — plus all U.S. states — and similar stats are expected this year.

The sporting challenge will begin on Sunday, January 14th at 7 a.m. on a fast 13.1-mile half marathon course amid the island city’s Victorian architecture, historic landmarks and harborfront businesses. A 5K run is scheduled at 7:30 a.m. for those who prefer a shorter course.  Now, more musicians and great volunteers will be along the course to cheer runners on. Our sponsor Honey Stinger will have gels available on the course.

Awards await the first- through third-place male and female finishers in five-year age groups ranging from 9 and under to 75 and over, as well as the top overall competitors and those in the masters. Again each entrant will receive a long-sleeve, gender-specific fully sublimated race shirt. Plus, unique and collectible medals will go to all Half Marathon finishers and to all 5K finishers.

Our Charitable Partners include: Key West Sunrise Rotary scholarship programs, local school programs, FKCC Youth Swim Program, and more.

For a full schedule and other information, like us on Facebook or visit keywesthalfmarathon.com. To register, visit Active.com or keywesthalfmarathon.com.

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