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| After each year's half marathon, we pay tribute to the star of the show… the course. Runners count on the course each year to pull them through each mile, and every year this course doesn't let them down. 13.1 miles of Miami views and sounds help propel one to the finish line. This half marathon course basically has everything in common with the full marathon route, for it shares the same route for 12.8 miles. |
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"...The first predawn mile along the MacArthur Causeway brought views of the cruise ships. As the sun rose on Ocean Drive, the horizon glowed in cockatoo-and flamingo-feathered hues. Sailboats bobbed in the waters off the Venetian Causeway…"
- Linda Robertson
Miami Herald |
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Runners will finish heading north adjacent to Bayfront Park which is located only 4 blocks south of the start line.
Address: 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33131
The course is the same as the full marathon with
the exception of the last 800 meters where half-marathoners will split "LEFT" from the full marathoners. Please look for volunteers and
signs that indicate the "LEFT" turn off point.
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You will be able to check your belongings near the finish line. Gear check is near the finish line at the north end of Bayfront Park. Please use the bag provided at packet pick- up. Affix to your bag your bib number sticker which was provided in your registration packet. Please make sure your belongings are well-marked with your contact information. We are NOT responsible for damaged or lost items.
2008 Turn by Turn Half Marathon and Mile Marker and Aid Stations.pdf*
Click here for a descriptive and elaborate course narrative with historical
and interesting facts of each mile.
*Course Subject to change.
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- Zephyrhills Water will be provided at each aid station throughout the course.
- Aid Stations will begin after the 2.8 Mile mark, there will be aid station approximately every mile thereafter.
- Gatorade Endurance Formula (Lemon-Lime) will be provided at every aid station.
- There will be an aid station at the start and finish line.
- Clif Bar Gels will be available at Mile 11 (subject to change).
- Medical personnel will also be present at several stations, start line, and finish area. The medical team from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine will make sure runners are provided with top notch first-aid care.
- Port-o-let units will be placed at each aid station for your convenience.
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The truth is Miami and Miami Beach are at sea level; we have really no noticeable elevation changes. However, we do have to have a way to get from one beautiful piece of land to another without getting our feet in the water. Description of bridges or as we say in Miami "hills":
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- A 1/4 of a mile into the race there is the largest of the bridges (9 meters above sea level-highest elevation on the course) that is really not too tough because it is gradual and early in the race. This bridge connects us to Watson Island.
- At the 2.5 mile mark you'll have a second incline that is less gradual of an incline but much lower in height than the first bridge. This connects us to the island of Miami Beach.
- At the 8.5 mile mark you'll encounter a "hump" drawbridge that really isn't anything that will slow you down nor take much out of you. This is just more island hopping.
- At the 10.5 mile mark there is another "hump" just slightly higher than the 8.5 mile drawbridge.
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Miami is known for entertaining its visitors and residents, so of course we couldn't have a half marathon without offering Miami-Style entertainment. You'll be getting over various entertainment stations along your journey
through paradise.
Entertainment is provided by Music Desires.
Click here to contact Music Desires. |
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The ING Miami Half Marathon® course is extremely spectator friendly. You can give your loved one a shout of encouragement or snap a photo of them with a dramatic Miami backdrop in one of the many different areas that the course winds through.
ING Cheering Zone - Omni Station
Mile: 10.5
Location: NE 15th St and Biscayne Blvd.
Hours of Operation: 6:40 am to 8:45 am
Tip: This ING Cheering zone is ideally located at Mile 10.5 to cheer both marathon and half marathon runners alike.
Getting There: From anywhere in downtown, take the MetroMover’s Omni loop to Omni station. Exit the train and you are there (aprox 5 minutes ride)
What can you expect at the ING Cheering Zone?
• Go signs you can customize for your favorite runner
• Thunder sticks and other noise makers to “turbo boost” runners to the finish line
• Complimentary snacks and beverages
• Emcee and live entertainment to keep you dancing in the streets and cheering for joy
What to bring with you?
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Bright, colorful clothing (preferably orange)
• Camera for that special moment…you know the one
• A reliable wristwatch to keep track of the race
ING Community Fun Zone Challenge
The ING Community Fun Zone Challenge is designed to encourage spectator and community participation in the ING Miami Marathon®. There were five Fun Zones along the 26.2 mile course, each being run by a different group or organization. The goal for the Fun Zones was to form a foundation in which we could continue to build into an event that involves, engages, and gives back to the community.
The inaugural ING Community Fun Zone Challenge recap & results!
SPECTATOR TIPS
Viewing a friend or family member running in the marathon or half-marathon is easier than you think. Your runner will be following the course, while you can take shortcuts back and forth on the course and get to your next ING Cheer Zone before your runner does. However, since the object here is to both see and be seen, you’ll need to work out a few details beforehand.
THE FINISH LINE
To see the actual finish, all you need is to get to Bayfront Park. We are providing bleachers for our spectators which are available on a first come first serve basis. These bleachers are located just south of the finish line.
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- The 13.1 mile course is a USATF certified flat single loop course.
- There are several bridges well spread out along the course with a very slight graduated incline. The bridges are being held in the closed-to-vessel position for the duration of the race.
- The half marathon course will remain open for 3 hours & 30 minutes (with aid stations and other staff support). The finish line will remain open for 4 hours (meaning you will receive your certificate and other finish line ammenities).
- The course will close at a graduated pace, approximately 16 minutes/mile. When the course closes it will no longer have aid station nor other course support, participants will need to abide by normal pedestrian rules.
- Digital time clocks will be positioned throughout the course.
- Course markers, directional arrows, and other signage will be positioned throughout the course. Pay attention at the "LEFT" turn off point towards the finish line as the marathon and half marathon splits apart.
- ChampionChip mats will be placed at the 10K point.
- Several digital clocks at the Finish Line will display unofficial times.
- The half-marathon will feature music and entertainment along the course for both spectators and runners.
- If you signed-up for the half marathon and you decide to run the full marathon you will be considered a "Bandit" runner. Therefore, you will not be considered an official finisher. Please register for the race you plan on running.
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The time period for the marathon is historically among Miami's driest and coolest time of the year. Nevertheless, we recommend that you please plan and prepare accordingly. Miami's weather can be humid, warm and wet.
Get a sense for how pleasant our climate is during that time of the year...
- Start time averages in low 60's
- Noon averages in mid 70's
- 2003 start temperature 51° F
- 2004 start temperature 65° F
- 2005 start temperature 63° F
- 2006 start temperature 70° F
- 2007 start temperature 68° F
- 2008 start temperature 59° F
* The winter in Miami can vary drastically so please plan and prepare accordingly in case marathon day is warm, humid, and wet.
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| To help you hit your goal time, the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon® has partnered with New Balance to offer pace groups. For more information click here. |
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The sights along the course are probably going to be extremely familiar, for hundreds of Hollywood hits have been shot at the very deco buildings you'll be running by, the sidewalks you run alongside, and the waters you'll trot across.
Movies and TV shows are such a big part of this course that we have created a seminar during ING Miami Marathon® Weekend at the TotalHealth & Fitness Expo presented by The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald. The seminar will focus on movies and other trivia that pertain to the marathon route.
For a list of the Major Motion Pictures shot on or near the course click here.
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- Community Fun Zones
