KEY WEST, Florida Keys — More than 4000 participated in the 25^th Anniversary Key West Half Marathon, 5K, Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll and Beer Mile held on Sunday, January 15, 2023.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary with record breaking numbers, thousands signed up for the half marathon, the 5K and many other festivities spread over the five day event.

Event Director Barb Wright, who has directed the event since its beginning in 1998 said there are so many moving parts of the event, course set-up, volunteers including all the musicians on the course, having the junkanoos, concert with the Expanded Cayo Ritmo with Ross Brown and were added fun!   The weather was one of the coolest in the race history but were ideal running conditions.  Runners came from 49 states and 17 countries.

First Overall in the Half Marathon was Garrett Burger of New York City with a time of 1.15.45. Brian Houck of Seattle took second with a time of 1.16.52. Third was Patrick Gavin of New Orleans with a time of 1.17.10.    Topping the female runners was Christa Collins from Irmo, South Carolina with a time of 1.26.13, followed by Megan Gohres from Louisiana with a time of 1.28.33 and third place was Roseanna Mullins from Summerland Key.

Topping the 5K Race was 16 year old Luke McGillivray form North Andover Massachusetts with a time of 17;12.02, followed by Nicholas Ford, also from Andover and Key West resident Michael Labrada in Third Place.

In the Female 5K race, Jane Jenson from Denver was first with a time of 21;50, second was Monica Beien from Kansas and coming in Third Vicki Lang of Maryland.

Luke McGillivray came with family and friends.  The elder McGillivray said he wanted to take a five day vacation and found the event.  Dave has directed the Boston Marathon for 36 consecutive years and competed his 50^th consecutive run in 2022.   “I saw the half marathon was flat and the weather perfect.  The festivities here are marvelous.  I have heard a lot about the race from people I know or come to work or run the race.  I am glad I was able to experience it” said Dave McGillivray

This is great. There are so many parties. Kudos to Wright and her team. “

Each year the Key West Half Marathon donates to multiple Key West Nonprofits adding up to hundreds of thousands since the beginning 25 years ago.   Our main charity partner is Key West Sunrise Rotary which uses 100%  of the donation toward scholarships for Key West High School students.

Pictured Here:  Jim Smith, Treasurer of Key West Sunrise Rotary and longtime Race Volunteer Denny Bird presenting the $20,000 Check from the 25^th Anniversary Key West Half Marathon.