Hello from Key West!
It’s fantastic that you’re joining the festivities
for our 26th Anniversary!
Key West indeed offers a plethora of exciting experiences, from its diverse restaurants and vibrant nightlife to the numerous museums and art galleries. The wide range of water sports options adds an extra layer of adventure, making it an unforgettable destination.
And let’s not forget the intriguing fact of having 400 bars on an island that’s only 2 x 4 miles—truly a unique aspect of Key West’s charm! Your time on this magical island is sure to be filled with entertainment and discovery. Don’t forget to set aside some extra time to explore all that Key West has to offer. Keep checking this page for more updates!!!
BELOW ARE A FEW IMPORTANT RACE UPDATES:
Key West is the Southernmost City in the US. It is warmer and more humid this time of year than you may be used to. Hydration on the course is absolutely Vital! Our event is cup free which means you need to bring your own water bottle while you are on the course. There will be many aid stations (12) on the course where you can refill your bottle with either water or energy drink.
PACKET PICK-UP
Packet Pickup hours are on Friday, January 12th from 3PM until 6PM and on Saturday, January 13th from Noon until 6PM. You must present your ID when checking in. Location outside the Half Shell Raw Bar, 231 Margaret Street. Race day for pre-registered late arrivals available from 5:00 am till race start, next to bag check, across from Harpoon Harry’s.
DO YOU HAVE FRIENDS OR FAMILY THAT WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER?
Each volunteer gets a shirt at volunteer check in and two drinks, conch fritters from the Half Shell Raw Bar. We have dozens of jobs available to fit a variety of time schedules and abilities. Click Here to Volunteer.
RACE START:
100 Yards down Trumbo Road & West Marine (less than two blocks from the Packet Pick-Up location.)
Half Marathon: 6:30 am. Racers MUST be in position by 6:00 am.
5K: 7:00 am.
BAG CHECK: 5:30 am – 6:30 am on Race Day, in the parking lot by the finish line area across from Harpoon Harry’s. You can find your bag check tag on your bib.
RACE FINISH: Behind Waterfront Brewery.
WATER STATIONS: At the start & finish lines and approximately every mile along the Cup Less Course. Must bring own vessel for water.
ENERGY DRINKS/GELS: Ultima Replenisher Sports Drink will be at most stations. Gels for sale at Expo
RESTROOMS/PORT-A-POTTIES:
- Race morning – 100 yards behind the start line
- Half Shell Raw Bar
- The Boathouse
- Harpoon Harry’s
- Public restrooms between the Boathouse and Waterfront Brewery (yellow building with on the water side
- The Waterfront Brewery
- Schooner Wharf
- Dive Bar Shirt Club, 320 Grinnell – right around the corner from race start – opens at 5:30 am race day.
AWARDS: All awards will be given out at tables near bag check. Overall Male/Female 1-3, Master Male/Female 1-3, and five year age groups Male/Female 1-3. Awards presented at 8:30 am for 5K; approx. 10:00 am for Half Marathon, raffles will follow. Age groups and walkers (Half Marathon only)
WE ARE A CUP FREE RACE!
Bring own cups for water/electrolyte drink! Because of the fragile nature of our marine environment, we won’t be using disposable cups at water stations. Most of the race is adjacent to the ocean, and because of the winds we normally see this time of year , we won’t be handing out disposable cups. Please bring your own reusable vessel for drinks. There will be silicone collapsible cups available for sale at the expo if you forget!
2024 Schedule of Events
Thursday, January 11, 2024 (Day 1)
- 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Runner’s Meet & Greet
Location: Half Shell Raw Bar
Friday, January 12, 2024 (Day 2)
- 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Runner’s Expo
Location: Outside the Half Shell Raw Bar
Saturday, January 13, 2024 (Day 3)
- 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Runner’s Expo
Location: Outside the Half Shell Raw Bar - ALL DAY: Pasta Special – $21.99 – Includes Pasta and Meatballs, Garlic Bread, and Salad.
Location: Half Shell Raw Bar
Sunday, January 14, 2024 (Day 4 – Race Day)
- 6:30 am: Half Marathon Start
Location: corner of Caroline Street & Trumbo Road/West Marine (less than two blocks from the Packet Pick-Up location.) - 7:00 am: 5K Start
Location: corner of Caroline Street & Trumbo Road/West Marine (less than two blocks from the Packet Pick-Up location.) - 8:30 am: 5K Awards at tables near bag check
- 8:30 am – 12:30 pm: Concert & Awards Party – Cayo Ritmo Big Band
Cayo Ritmo in Spanish means Island Rhythm. The Band plays American & Caribbean Dance Music, Funk, Pop, R&B, Reggae, Cha-Cha, Calypso and Latin Jazz with Key West’s Finest Musicians!
Location: Outside Half Shell Raw Bar - 10:00 am: Half Marathon Awards at tables near bag check
- ALL DAY: $7 Bloody Mary and Mimosa Drink Specials
Location: Half Shell Raw Bar - 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm The Key West Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll Sponsored By Papa’s Pilar Rum
Featuring delicious Papa’s Pilar Rum Libation Special at each location!
Starting at the Hemingway Rum Distillery, 201 Simonton Street. This beautiful location is really cool! You may go in any order you like.
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- Hemingway Distillery – Makers of Papa’s Pilar Rum – 201 Simonton Street
- Half Shell Raw Bar, 231 Margaret Street
- Galleon Tiki Bar, 617 Front Street
- The Saint, 417 Eaton St
- Rams Head Southernmost, 804 Whitehead Street
- The Speakeasy Rum Bar, 1117 Duval Street
- Tipsy Rooster, 1325 Simonton Street
- Southernmost Beach Cafe, 1405 Duval Street
- 3:00 pm Key West Beach N’ Beer Mile! 4 Loops, 4 Beers, Custom Shirt. Race is NOT TIMED!
This casual and fun beer mile takes place on the beach at the Southernmost Beach Cafe, 1405 Duval Street, event starts at 3 pm. Look for the Key West Half Marathon sail flags and cones! Costumes are encouraged and we will be giving various prizes out for the best costumes.
Prizes awarded for:
1. Best Team Spirit
2. Best Dressed
3. Least Dressed
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Cool Down & Recover Pool Party at the Gates Hotel. Free Entry! Live Music and Drink Specials. 3820 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Key West Farewell Party for Participants and Volunteers
Location: Salty Oyster with Live Entertainment at the Perry Hotel located 7001 Shrimp Road, Key West, FL 33040. Happy Hour pricing is 50% off well drinks and draft beers. And continue on to Matt’s Stock Island Happy also at the Perry Hotel!!! - 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Key West Farewell Party for Participants and Volunteers
Location: Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar at the Perry Hotel located 7001 Shrimp Road, Key West, FL 33040. Happy Hour pricing is 50% off well drinks and draft beers.
Monday, January 15, 2024 (Day 5)
- 3:00 – 6:00 pm: Marathon Farewell Party and Happy Hour at the Blu Bistro at the Skipjack Resort in Marathon. 20% off all Menu items and Drinks All Day! Just mention you participated in the Key west Half Marathon
Location: SKIPJACK RESORT & MARINA – 19 Sombrero Blvd, Marathon, FL 33050
Post Race Concert Featuring The Cayo Ritmo Big Band
Cayo Ritmo in Spanish means Island Rhythm. The Band plays American & Caribbean Dance Music, Funk, Pop, R&B, Reggae, Cha-Cha, Calypso and Latin Jazz with Key West’s Finest Musicians!
PARKING: Ample parking within a block of start/finish area.
ARRIVE BY 5:30 am. We strongly suggest you arrive by taxi or bicycle or Uber and Lyft are available. City of Key West lots: Corner of Grinnell/Caroline and Margaret/Caroline, Conch Harbor Marina. Mallory Square lot and Opal Resort lots are within 1/4 mile of start/finish.
Expo Map
IV Hydration Station Offering IV vitamin infusions for Energy boost, athletic prep and recovery, immune boost and much more!
Charity Partner
We would like to thank our main charity partner, key west sunrise rotary, who uses all the proceeds to fund scholarships
For key west high school students.
Classic Harbor Line is proud to offer Key West Half Marathon or 5K participants a free ticket aboard the Schooner America 2.0 on the Classic Day Sail or Champagne Sunset Sail with the purchase of at least one additional adult ticket.
Call Tom at (305) 293-7245 and mention this promotion to book! Offer good 01/10-01/20.
