Half Marathon Course

Miami Half Marathon® Course Information

On This Page:
Start & Finish Lines / Check-In
Turn-by-Turn & Mile Markers
Marathon Aid Stations
Course Elevation
Entertainment
Other Important Info
Pace Groups
Weather Conditions

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.

"...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

RaceMyRace Runner Tracking:

We are proud to announce runner tracking will be available for the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon®.

CLICK HERE TO TRACK THE HALF MARATHON


Course Information
Course Map: 2014 Course Map 2014 (Interactive) Half Marathon Course Map Course subject to change USATF* Certified: FL-09007EBM

The Start Line: The 13.1 mile course starts and finishes in the same general area. The race will start heading north in front of the American Airlines Arena (official home of the Miami Heat). The half and full marathons start at the same start line and at the same time.
Address: 601 Biscayn e Blvd., Miami, FL 33131

The Finish Line:

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 from the full marathoners. Please look for volunteers and
signs that indicate the turn off point shortly after Mile 12.

Event Status System:

An Event Status System will be displayed at each mile marker indicating the status of the race based on the current course and weather conditions:

Green – "Normal" - Good conditions; runners/walkers should be alert and enjoy the race.

Yellow – "Caution" - Less than ideal conditions; runners/walkers should slow down and drink plenty of water.

Red – "Dangerous" - Potentially dangerous conditions;

Heat - runners/walkers should slow down and drink plenty of water.
Lighting/Hail/Tornado - runners/walkers should take cover at the closet shelter until the course is reopened.

Timing of the event has stopped and no awards will be given out at this time. Medical remains in place on course.

Black – "Cancelled" - Extreme dangerous conditions; Event cancelled, participation stopped – runners/walkers should stop, seek shelter and follow instructions from race staff, volunteers, and public safety officials.

Gear Check-In:

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.

Turn-by-Turn:

2012 Half Marathon Turn-by-Turn.pdf *
Click here for a descriptive and elaborate course narrative with historical
and interesting facts of each mile.

*Course Subject to change.

ING Half Marathon Aid Stations:

Aid Stations will begin after the 2.8 Mile mark, there will be aid station approximately every mile thereafter.

Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula (Lemon-Lime) will be provided at each aid station throughout the course.

There will be an aid station at the start and finish line.

Medical personnel will also be present at several stations, start line, and finish area. The medical team from Baptist Health South Florida will make sure runners are provided with top notch first-aid care.

Over 75 Port-o-let units will be placed for your convenience throughout the Half Marathon course (near each aid station).

Course Elevation Information: 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":

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.

Course Entertainment:

Miami is known for its incredible nightlife and club-like atmosphere and that is exactly what the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon® is all about. Over 30 entertainment stations of all sorts scattered throughout the 26.2 mile course will keep you energized and dancing throughout your journey. Snap your photo with some of South Florida's favorite mascots such as a Sebastian from the University of Miami Hurricanes, stop by and sing a few songs with our course "Rock Band Rock Off," or keep your pace to the sounds of never ending marching drum lines throughout Miami's Downtown.

Be a part of the Miami Marathon Entertainment Crew!
We are accepting new applications for both the Community Fun Zone Challenge and for various Entertainment Stations throughout the course. Submit your info here.

Cheering Zone - Community Fun Zones

The 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.

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 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 (approx 5 minutes ride)

What can you expect at the 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

Community Fun Zone Challenge

The Community Fun Zone Challenge is designed to encourage spectator and community participation in the 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.

Half Marathon Course Time Limit Policy:

In order to comply with city permits, the roads used will reopen in a graduated fashion. We require that participants be properly trained to complete the half marathon (13.1 miles) within 3.5 hours (~16min/mile pace). However, the half marathon finish line will remain open for 4 hours (~18 min/mile). Please note that after the 3.5 hour pace, support (i.e. aid/water stations, volunteers, course marshals, clocks, etc.) is not guaranteed and you will be required to adhere to local pedestrian rules (move to curbsides, break down lanes, sidewalks, etc.).

Half Marathon Cut-Off Policy Summary:
► 3.5 hours (16 min/mile pace) for the course
► 4 hours (18 min/mile pace) for the finish line (use sidewalks, curbs, etc.)

*The cut-off times are based on chip time, not gun time, in consideration of the additional time it takes the start corrals to clear through the start line.

**These cut-off times are also based on industry benchmarks, a majority of the races throughout the US implement similar policies.

Other important course details:

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 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.