The Miami Marathon 2026 is just days away, and the excitement in South Florida is at a fever pitch. With thousands of runners from across the United States and around the world preparing to hit the streets of Miami on January 25, 2026, this year’s event promises both athletic achievement and vibrant spectator energy. Drawing elite competitors, casual runners, and enthusiastic fans, the marathon weekend has become one of the most anticipated endurance events in the U.S.
Below is a comprehensive and fact-based look at what’s confirmed for this year’s race — from course details and weather forecasts to road closures, community events, and what runners and visitors can expect.
Race Date, Start Time & Participation
The 2026 Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The marathon and half marathon races begin early on race day at 6:00 a.m., giving runners a chance to tackle the course before Miami’s midday warmth becomes more intense. This year marks the 24th annual edition of the event and continues the tradition of a sold-out race with an expected field of at least 18,500 participants representing a wide range of ages and experience levels.
Scenic Course Through the Heart of Miami
The marathon course covers a full 26.2-mile route that showcases Miami’s most iconic sights and neighborhoods. Certified by USA Track & Field, the course is flat and Boston qualifying, drawing both serious runners and first-timers alike.
The race begins in downtown Miami on Biscayne Boulevard outside the Kaseya Center, home of the Miami Heat. Runners then head east toward the waterfront and continue across the MacArthur Causeway toward Miami Beach. From there, the course winds through Miami Beach and follows the Venetian Causeway back toward the mainland.
Half marathoners separate from the full marathon distance before the latter tackles additional scenic stretches, including portions through Brickell, segments along the Rickenbacker Causeway toward Key Biscayne, and a loop through Coconut Grove, ultimately finishing back near Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.
This combination of coastal views, skyline panoramas, and scenic urban neighborhoods makes the Miami marathon course a standout in the U.S. racing calendar.
Weekend Festivities: Expo, 5K, and More
The Miami Marathon weekend begins two days before race day, centered around the Miami Famous Expo. The expo takes place Friday, January 23 through Saturday, January 24, and serves as the primary location for packet pick-up, bib collection, and event orientation.
Runners and fans can explore exhibits from running brands, engage with sponsors, pick up official merchandise, and attend last-minute briefings. Complimentary shuttle service is also available this year to help attendees travel to and from the expo.
Saturday features the Life Time Tropical 5K, a shorter 3.1-mile race that gives runners and families the chance to enjoy competition in a fun, high-energy setting ahead of Sunday’s long distance events. In addition, community events such as beach cleanups and local festivities give marathon weekend a deeper connection to Miami’s culture.
Weather Outlook for Race Day
Unlike many winter marathons held in cooler regions, Miami’s subtropical climate brings warm and humid conditions for runners and spectators alike. Forecast data indicates temperatures on race day will likely start in the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, rising toward the upper 70s as the day progresses, with partly cloudy skies throughout.
Meteorologists are also highlighting humidity levels that could elevate the heat index. Runners should plan accordingly with hydration strategies and appropriate pacing to handle subtropical running conditions.
Significant Road Closures and Traffic Impacts
City authorities have announced that road closures and traffic changes are in effect throughout the weekend, beginning Friday morning and intensifying on race day. Biscayne Boulevard, major downtown corridors, and key thoroughfares will see alterations, counterflows, and full closures to protect runners and support race logistics.
Traffic patterns on Biscayne Boulevard will shift to counterflow early Friday, and additional closures will take place Saturday night and on Sunday, with some streets opening gradually as runners clear specific sections of the course.
These closures are also expected to impact areas surrounding PortMiami, where cruise guests have been advised to adjust their travel timing due to anticipated congestion linked to marathon activity.
Community Impact Beyond the Finish Line
The Life Time Foundation is expanding the marathon’s impact beyond race results by investing in local initiatives throughout marathon weekend. Projects include beach cleanups, youth fitness programs, nutrition support, and environmental stewardship efforts that engage volunteers and community partners.
In addition, hundreds of students from Miami-Dade County schools are poised to participate in running programs that culminate with a final mile run on the official marathon course, allowing children to experience the thrill of crossing the finish line alongside seasoned runners.
What Runners Can Expect on Race Day
Participants can look forward to a host of amenities designed to enhance the marathon experience:
- Aid stations with water and sports drink offerings at regular intervals along the route.
- Medical support personnel stationed throughout to ensure runner safety.
- Entertainment zones and local music acts that energize both runners and spectators.
- Finisher medals with special designs that reflect Miami’s vibrant culture and artistic spirit.
These medal designs, including the ribbon created by local artist Courtney Einhorn, incorporate symbols like hearts, palm trees, and sunrise imagery to celebrate both the runners’ achievements and Miami’s iconic environment.
Spectator and Visitor Tips
For spectators planning to support friends or family during the Miami Marathon weekend:
- Plan transportation early, especially on race day morning, to avoid closures and delays.
- Dress for warm weather and bring sunscreen, hats, and hydration.
- Scope out prime viewing areas near Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Beach, or Bayfront Park.
- Enjoy complementary events such as the expo and Tropical 5K to make the most of the weekend experience.
The Miami Marathon 2026 promises to be a celebration of stamina, culture, and community spirit. With a sold-out field of nearly 18,500 runners, scenic views around every turn, and a lineup of events leading up to Sunday’s races, this year’s marathon stands as a highlight of the winter running season.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Miami Marathon 2026? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for race day updates!