10 Florida Half Marathons You’ll Want on Your Calendar

From sunny beaches to charming small towns, these 13.1-mile races deliver all the heat and heart Florida has to offer.

Whether you’re chasing a new PR or a midwinter escape, these ten half marathons stand out for their ocean views, community spirit, and unforgettable atmosphere.

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1. Key West Half Marathon

Photo: @keywesthalfmarathon

Start your year in flip-flop paradise with this tropical race along the edge of the island. Ocean breezes, waterfront roads, and island charm make it one of the most scenic races in the country.

This race traces an out-and-back route along the shoreline of Key West, so you’re treated to crystal-clear Caribbean waters and swaying palm trees for most of the 13.1 miles.

Add in live music, frozen drinks, and a quirky, laid-back Key West vibe—and this becomes a vacation on the run.

2. Gasparilla Distance Classic

Photo: @rungasparilla

Tampa’s biggest race weekend comes with a pirate twist. The Gasparilla Half is flat, fast, and full of Florida flair.

You’ll cruise down Bayshore Boulevard, one of the country’s longest continuous sidewalks, with Tampa Bay sparkling beside you. Locals line the route cheering with cowbells—and the energy here is electric.

It’s a race that feels like a city-wide festival, with miles of community love.

Related: 10 Stunning California Half Marathons That Are Totally Bucket-List Worthy

3. Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon

  • When: February
  • Where: Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Official website: a1amarathon.com
Photo: @PublixFortLauderdaleA1AMarathon

Run where the Atlantic meets the palm-lined streets in this ocean-hugging half marathon.

The A1A course is nearly all beachfront: blue skies, sea breeze, and salty air are your constant companions. It’s flat and fast, perfect for first-timers or PR-seekers who love a view.

You’ll pass through chic neighborhoods, cruise by luxury yachts, and finish at the beach with your toes in the sand.

If you want to feel like you’re on vacation and racing, this is the one, because It’s an ideal winter escape race: sunny, scenic, and superbly organized, capturing the essence of South Florida’s beach life.

4. Space Coast Half Marathon

Photo: @SpaceCoastMarathon

Set along Florida’s scenic Indian River, this flat, fast, and USATF-certified course offers a unique experience steeped in NASA history.

Starting in beautiful Cocoa Village at Cocoa Riverfront Park, the half marathon takes runners south along Rockledge Drive to the turnaround point, before heading back to finish near Harrison Street.

With waterfront views, partial shade, and a festive space vibe, it’s one of the most memorable races on the East Coast.

5. The Donna Half Marathon

Photo: @26.2withDonna

Run with purpose and passion at the Donna Half Marathon, a race dedicated solely to fight breast cancer.

Part of Jacksonville’s Donna Marathon Weekend, this inspiring half marathon is the only one in the U.S. entirely benefiting breast cancer patients and research.

The course itself is a fast, flat, and scenic tour of Jacksonville’s beachside communities, including stretches along the Atlantic shoreline and through charming neighborhoods painted pink with spectator support.

Many runners and walkers participate as survivors or in honor of loved ones, which lends an incredible sense of camaraderie on the course.

Dubbed “The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer,” this race is a celebration of hope, love, and the strength of the human spirit.

6. Walt Disney World Half Marathon

  • When: January
  • Where: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL
  • Official website: rundisney.com

Run 13.1 magical miles through the Disney parks at this fan-favorite half marathon. Part of Walt Disney World’s Marathon Weekend, the half marathon features an enchanting course that weaves through multiple theme parks on property, complete with an array of Disney character sightings and entertainment throughout the race.

Photo: @RunDisney

Many participants dress up in costume, and the uplifting, non-competitive spirit makes it perfect for beginners and Disney enthusiasts alike.

This half marathon’s playful, feel-good atmosphere turns a race into a celebration of joy and imagination.

7. Mount Dora Half Marathon

Photo: @mountdorahalf

Wrap up your year with a festive race-cation in Mount Dora, a quaint lakeside town that pulls out all the stops for the holidays.

The Mount Dora Half Marathon is known as “Florida’s festive best half marathon” and you’ll see why from the start: downtown streets are decked in twinkling lights, and carolers often cheer on participants. The course offers stunning waterfront views of Lake Dora plus some rolling hills that might surprise you in otherwise-flat Florida.

What makes this race special is its small-town warmth: neighbors set up unofficial aid stations with holiday cookies, volunteers don reindeer antlers and elf hats, and there’s a strong “family reunion” vibe among repeat runners each year.

With a mix of beauty, mild December weather, and holiday cheer, the Mount Dora Half Marathon delivers a race experience as cozy and uplifting as a Christmas movie, and a perfect runner’s gift to end the year.

8. Naples Half Marathon

Photo: Naples Daily News

For a mix of elegance and speed, the Naples Half Marathon is a gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

A classy, coastal favorite known for its flat, shady course and flawless organization. You’ll glide past Port Royal mansions, waterfront parks, and palm-lined streets.

January temps are ideal for speed, and the post-race brunch in Cambier Park is legendary. It’s polished, peaceful, and perfect for your winter PR.

9. Life Time Miami Half Marathon

Run through the heart of Miami in one of Florida’s most iconic half marathons. The Life Time Miami Half Marathon is a world-class event that attracts 18,000+ runners from all 50 states and dozens of countries.

Photo: @MiamiMarathon

It’s an urban run that starts before dawn. With its palm-lined boulevards, Latin music beats, and high-energy finish at Bayfront Park, Miami delivers a vibrant race-day atmosphere “celebrating the culture of Miami and South Beach”.

This race combines big-city excitement with a beachy flair, it’s Miami at its best.

10. Florida Holiday Distance Classic

Photo: Florida Holiday Distance Classic

This festive half marathon on the Gulf Coast kicks off with candy canes and finishes with medals and hot cocoa.

The out-and-back course along the smooth Pinellas Trail is flat, shaded, and fast, ideal for winter racing. Spectators line the course with Santa hats, jingle bells, and holiday cheer. This event wraps up your year with warmth, glitter, and holiday magic.

Read next: 10 Must-Run Half Marathons in New York State

Whether you’re chasing the sun in Miami, high-fiving in Tampa, or cruising past palm trees in Naples, every race on this list offers more than a medal. These races invite you to feel the rhythm of the state, its warmth, community and energy.

By Lena Sage

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