21st Anniversary Key West Half Marathon & 5K Nearing Capacity
21st Anniversary Key West Half Marathon & 5K Nearing Capacity
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Runners are encouraged to sign up for the 21st Anniversary Key West Half Marathon & 5K on January 20th, as space for both races is nearing capacity.
“The race has grown tremendously,” Barbara Wright, event founder and co-director, said. “We really encourage people to sign up soon to lock in their space.”
The race’s headquarters is again at Half Shell Raw Bar and Turtle Kraals Restaurant. The event includes amenities such as Alan S. Maltz photo tech shirts guaranteed for each participant, finisher medals for both races, more 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, beer courtesy of Shipyard Brewing Company, free Papa’s Pilar rum tasting, complimentary food and a free raffle for all, which includes Caribbean trips.
Competitor Magazine has ranked the race second in its 25 “Can’t-Miss Half Marathons”. 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; 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 20th 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 7:15 a.m. for those who prefer a shorter course. Now, more musicians and great volunteers will be along the course to cheer runners on. Also, on the race course, our sponsors Honey Stinger gels and Ultima Replenisher Sports Drink will be available to runners.
On Saturday, from 2:00-3:00, participants are invited to hear Dr. Ray Rodriguez, from Mt. Sinai Cardiology of the Florida Keys, who will be speaking about “What every runner needs to know about heart disease.” He’ll be joined by special guest Bill Amirault, who collapsed at the finish line two years ago and was given immediate CPR, which saved his life.
With locations in both Key West and Marathon, Mount Sinai Cardiology of the Florida Keys provides convenient same or next day appointments with expert cardiologists. The highly-skilled team of Dr. Ray Rodriguez, Dr. Joan Homan and Dr. Roger Steinfeld make up the largest and most experienced cardiology group in the Keys. A division of Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, home of the best cardiac surgery survival rate and the most valve surgeries performed in South Florida, patients receive quality care close to home. Backed by Columbia University, Mount Sinai is also home to the only Ivy League-affiliated cardiology program in South Florida. For more information or to schedule an appointment at Mount Sinai Cardiology of the Florida Keys, call 305-674-2273.
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 gender-specific fully sublimated race shirt. Plus, unique and collectible medals will go to all Half Marathon finishers and to all 5K finishers.
Sponsors include: Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Half Shell Raw Bar, Turtle Kraals, Shipyard Brewing Company, Papa’s Pilar Rum, Ice Pik Vodka, The Marker Key West Resort, Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, Runner’s Depot, Southernmost Beach Resort, The Perry Hotel, Elite Island Resorts Caribbean, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Alan S. Maltz Gallery, On Running, Drink Simple, Endurance Imaging, Mt. Sinai Cardiology of the Florida Keys, and Ultima Replenisher.
For the second year, Keys Auto Group is also a sponsor and are proud to support the local community! The two Daves offer exceptional customer service and a superior buying experience that goes beyond the sale with the Keys Advantage — 2 Years No Charge Scheduled Maintenance. Whether in the market for a new Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, quality used vehicle or to have a vehicle serviced, visit today and remember – “Forget about Miami, everybody go to Keys Auto!”
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.
