North AmericaUnited States

Miami Marathon

25th edition

A flat causeway-crossing tour to South Beach where the subtropical heat builds fast.

Good for Debut
4.0/10 Difficulty
90m Elevation Gain
2003 Founded

Course Map

Elevation Profile
km
mi

Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.

About this Race

The Life Time Miami Marathon is a flat, scenic course through the South Florida city, crossing the MacArthur Causeway over the bay toward the art-deco glamour of South Beach before looping back through downtown and Coconut Grove. The level profile is fast on paper, but the subtropical heat and humidity build quickly even in the winter staging, making an early start and cooling essential. It draws a large, international, vibrant field to a sun-soaked celebration of the city. The flat roads reward steady effort once the climate is respected. It suits runners who want a glamorous, waterfront race and are prepared to pace conservatively against the Florida warmth.

city flat hot humid coastal bridges festive

Course Insight

Miami is a flat but humid January-into-February course defined by its early causeway bridges out to South Beach, exposed climbs that arrive while legs are fresh but tempt an over-eager surge. Pace those bridge rises gently and respect the tropical humidity from the start. The flat stretches between are fast, but the sticky air rules the day. Ocean views and energy are a constant distraction. Run within yourself early and the humid back half stays under your control.

Pro tip: Pace the early causeway-bridge rises gently and respect the humidity from the start so the back half stays controlled.

Difficulty Breakdown

4.0/10

Mostly due to very flat, challenging typical weather.

Elevation
1.9
Hill Placement
3.6
Weather
9.1
Turns
3.3

How we calculate difficulty →

Course Details

Course type
Loop
Elevation gain
90m
Elevation loss
86m
Highest point
20m
Net drop
4m
Start
601 Biscayne Boulevard
Cutoff time
7h 0m

Course Records

Men
2:12:22
David Ruto
Kenya — 2003
Women
2:34:11
Hiromi Ominami
Japan — 2006

Race History

The Life Time Miami Marathon was first held in 2003 and grew into a flat, scenic course crossing the causeway toward the art-deco glamour of South Beach. Defined by the subtropical heat that builds quickly even in winter, it built an identity around its sun-soaked waterfront setting. From its founding it became a popular cosmopolitan event. Held each winter, it draws a large international field to the South Florida city.

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.

Nearest airport(s)
Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood (FLL)
Best area to stay
Brickell downtown for proximity to the route and modern hotels, South Beach for the iconic oceanfront on the course, and Coral Gables for quieter, elegant stays.
Getting to the start
The start is near Bayfront Park downtown; take the Metromover or walk from downtown/Brickell hotels to the start.

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