The Miami Marathon is an annual marathon racing event hosted by Miami, Florida, since 2003.
The marathon course also runs through the city of Miami Beach, Florida. The 42.195-kilometre (26.219 mi) race is typically run on the last Sunday in January or the first Sunday in February, at approximately 6:00am. The event also includes a half marathon, and a wheelchair division for both races.[a] Marathon finish times can be used to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Shifting Gears United is partner for the disability division.
Celebrities or local politicians typically start the race. Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic marathon champion, and Ryan Hall, winner of the marathon event in the 2008 United States Olympic Trials, have been previously given this honor.
The average temperature at the start of the race for the years 2003-2007 was 63.4 °F (17.4 °C).
The inaugural Orange Bowl Marathon, established as part of the annual King Orange Jamboree, was held on December 26, 1977, with over 800 participants.[2][3]
Originally the race had started and finished in the Orange Bowl stadium but after issues with the course the start and finish moved to the Crandon Park.[4]
The marathon was never as popular as other races in the racing calendar and had trouble attracting athletes.[5]
Eventually financial problems caused the event fold.[6]
The inaugural race was held on February 2, 2003 with about 3,400 participants.[8]
The race has been growing over the years. In 2010,18,321 runners took part in the combined races. For the 10 year anniversary in 2012 the race sold out at 25,000 runners and has continued to reach that number of participants since.[citation needed]
The 2021 edition of the race was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. with all registrants given the option of running the race virtually, transferring their entry to 2022, or obtaining a refund (less any processing fees).[9][10]
18,000 runners participated in either the half or full marathon race in the January 2024 event.[11]
Through partnership with Shifting Gears United of South Florida, The Miami Marathon hosts a division for athletes with all disabilities. Sub-divisions include open divisions male and female, push-rim, handcyle
2019 Alfredo De los deSantos member of the Freedom Team of Shifting Gears United.
Paralympian Alfredo de los deSantos repeats another win. Bronze medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
^The half marathon is started concurrently, while the wheelchair division begins 5–10 minutes before the footrace.
^The marathon was initially held with the annual King Orange Jamboree, and although the inaugural race was held on December 26, 1977, subsequent marathons from 1979 to 1988 were held in January or February.[2][3][7][14]