K Runners can race through the colorful streets of the southernmost city in the continental United States Sunday, Jan. 20, during the 21st annual Key West Half Marathon.   Running enthusiasts from throughout the U.S. and many other countries participate in the athletic challenge each year, drawn by the high level of competition as well as Key West’s typically balmy January climate.   Drawing as many as 4,000 runners annually, the event has been named one of the nation’s top winter half-marathons by Runner’s World and ranked among 13 must-do U.S. half-marathons by Competitor.com.   A race expo and packet pickup are set for 3-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, inside the Turtle Kraals and outside the Half Shell Raw Bar. Both emporiums are located at 231 Margaret St. in the Key West Historic Seaport.   In addition, a limited packet pickup is slated for 5:30-6:30 a.m. on race day.   The half-marathon is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Sunday at the corner of Key West’s Caroline and Grinnell streets. Runners follow a flat, fast 13.1-mile course through the island city’s scenic Old Town and along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline before finishing near the intersection of Caroline and Margaret streets.   The associated 5k starts at 7:15 a.m.   An awards ceremony and post-race party are planned with entertainment by Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band.   Awards are to be presented to 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 division.   Other featured events include a Friday evening reception with renowned fine-art photographer Alan Maltz, whose images adorn the race T-shirt, at his 1201 Duval St. gallery.   The half-marathon entry fee is $120 per person and the 5k entry fee is $55 per person. A military discount is available; contact [email protected]. Each entrant is to receive a gender-specific fully sublimated race shirt and a unique finisher medal.

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