Marathon Details - Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > FL > Melbourne > Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

Publix Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Melbourne, FL USA

February 11, 2024

http://www.thefloridamarathon.com

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Results:	2024 \| 2023 \| 2022 \| 2021 \| 2020 \| 2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 \| 2009 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact Organizer

Name:	Mitch Varnes
Address:	P.O. Box 33100 Indialantic, Fla. 32903
Phone Number:	321-759-7200
Fax Number:	N/A
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 3.8

Organization 3.5

Spectators 3.2

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Number of comments: 49 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

M. M. from Melbourne, FL (2/12/2024) "Two loop course with steep causeway climbs" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Great views of the Indian River Lagoon, but mostly devoid of spectators. Must be able to run well solo and handle four climbs over steep causeways including one in the last mile. Violin and acoustic entertainers were not exactly uplifting.
M. O. from Florida (2/9/2021) "Great In Person Marathon! Weather Dicey" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 It was wonderful having an in person marathon which is rare due to the pandemic. The course was beautiful! The weather...brutal. Hot at the start (73 at 0600), then there was heavy rain and lightning (very rare for this time of year) but hey, I don't run marathons because they are easy. I appreciate all of the staff and volunteer effort that went into pulling this off! There is also a local airport that is very convenient (MLB).
jim miller from FL (2/11/2019) "My favorite run has become even better!!" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 5th running and I'll let others tell you of the course and the rain we had this year...I want to cheer for the Volunteers of this run...those at the start at 5am day of the race for last minute bib pick ups were quick, attentive, supportive and always looking for ways to keep the line moving; My Pacers - Sherri and LoriLee for the 5 hours group were a perfect tag team; then imagine being a volunteer and many of them kids - standing in the rain for over 5 hours and always being supportive - same for the music groups and a very special shout out here for Music Director - Bethany and HUGE shout out for her daughter who was so special with her guitar (last year a uke) and her smile and her singing; the ladies at the Bag pick up could not have been more welcoming and truly interested in wanting to know IF there was anything they all could do to make the race better and they were the ones who advised of Bethany as the Music Director and then to the enthusiastic welcome from the announcer and those holding the medals (and yes the driving rain was still going on and they were still there cheering us home ) and finally to Sidney and Morgan at the FL - IPA beer truck who were so impressed with my story and so generous with topping off my 16 oz pour!! I love this race and THE VOLUNTEERS here make allllllllllllllll the difference...and this from a guy for whom this was my 156 race so I have a good basis of comparison! WILL be back next year.
M. S. from Melbourne, Florida (2/10/2019) "Course is Nothing Special; Organization Is a Mess" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 4 I'm local so I've run this race about five times. The course is ok, though it's nothing particularly scenic and does include both of the local causeways (the closest thing we have to hills in this area). The weather is usually a mess, often wet and windy, and the race organization is usually a complete disaster. For example, in 2019, I had to push my way past dancing mascots just to cross the timing mat at the finishing line because the organizers decided to start a 'mascot race' while others were trying to finish their marathon and half marathon races. In previous years there has been issues with having food and drink available at the finish line.
b. b. from new york (2/13/2016) "avoid" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Confusing route, many runners cut the course short in 2nd loop; incompetent race officials unable to distinguish half marathoners, first loop and second loop marathoners; sleepy volunteers; crowded route and constant slalom between walkers; crowded aid stations.
C. P. from Northeast (2/11/2016) "good course" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the 1/2, the Marathon is a double loop. Came from the northeast for the race, and was not very familiar with the area. Nice small expo on the barrier island. Race starts and finishes in a park on the mainland. Weather was very unusual at 46F and steady 20 MPH winds. It was a cold bitter morning. Would normally be in 60's. Two bridges are basically the only two hills. Course does not run along the ocean - it's not an especially scenic race. Police and volunteers were very nice. Pacer for 1:55 could not have been more consistent - amazing given the high wind. Hotels are limited immediately near the start. Residence Inn Marriott (mainland) is 1.5 miles from ample race day parking, and offered a $99 race rate. It's a nice hotel but not a lot around it. Old town Melbourne a short drive and has restaurants. The Expo hotel is on the ocean, and there are several others on the ocean as well. Plenty of water and Gatorade along the course. This is primarily a 1/2 marathon due to the differential in the number of finishers, however if you are looking for a FL Marathon, I would not ignore this race. Marathon starts at 6am, and 1/2 starts at 7am (started a little later than that). This is a nice small race.
A. Y. from SW FL (2/10/2016) "Fun in the Sun....or whatever the weather!" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Fabulous details make this worth running. You're in a great town on the Atlantic, the music along the route is really good (and I've run some races where I've sped up just to get away from the musiciansnot so here), even the Nat'l Anthem singer was spot on her marks! Love the pianist and his grand piano on the bridgeand I've run Big Sur. Good open area for the start and finish, lots of traffic controls wherever needed and spirited volunteers. I love this course, even in wind. Since it's a loop, double loop for we marathoners, if the wind is against you, it will change and support you at some point. Neighborhoods are fun to run through as well.
Bettie Wailes from Florida (2/8/2016) "Greatly improved event" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 New management and absence of hand cycles have made this a great event. Nice course, plentiful support, nice finish area - everything was well done.
Seth Elsheimer from Winter Park, Florida (2/7/2015) "Fun time in Florida" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This event has vastly improved since I ran it a couple years ago. There was plenty of food and beer at the finish even for 5+ hour finishers. Food included pancakes, sausage, pizza, several kinds of fresh fruit, and craft beer. The pre- and post-race gatherings are now at a nice waterfront park. The double-loop course is authentic old costal Florida and includes 2 large bridges crossed 2X each. There are many diverse musical acts on the course some of which are quite good. At the top of the first bridge one can get a photo at a grand piano with a tuxedo-clad pianist. Besides the standard finishers medal and shirt runners get a matching logo hat. The only slightly negative thing is that there is a handcycle race going on simultaneously with the marathon on the same course. The wheelchair racers have police escorts who come up behind the runners and essentially force them off the road during the run. It feels disrespectful and a little scary but otherwise this is a fine event that I recommend and would gladly run again.
Larry Macon from Republic of South Texas (2/2/2015) "Good Course and Fans" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The fans are many and energized. The Course is flat except for two bridges that you climb twice each in this double loop course. The water stops are plentiful and even manned for the slowest runners. My only annoyance is that the hand cycle race begins while the slower runners are still on the course, but I appreciate the race allowing the slower runners time to finish. I will run this race again.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

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M. M. from Melbourne, FL (2/12/2024) "Two loop course with steep causeway climbs" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Great views of the Indian River Lagoon, but mostly devoid of spectators. Must be able to run well solo and handle four climbs over steep causeways including one in the last mile. Violin and acoustic entertainers were not exactly uplifting.
M. O. from Florida (2/9/2021) "Great In Person Marathon! Weather Dicey" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 It was wonderful having an in person marathon which is rare due to the pandemic. The course was beautiful! The weather...brutal. Hot at the start (73 at 0600), then there was heavy rain and lightning (very rare for this time of year) but hey, I don't run marathons because they are easy. I appreciate all of the staff and volunteer effort that went into pulling this off! There is also a local airport that is very convenient (MLB).
jim miller from FL (2/11/2019) "My favorite run has become even better!!" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 5th running and I'll let others tell you of the course and the rain we had this year...I want to cheer for the Volunteers of this run...those at the start at 5am day of the race for last minute bib pick ups were quick, attentive, supportive and always looking for ways to keep the line moving; My Pacers - Sherri and LoriLee for the 5 hours group were a perfect tag team; then imagine being a volunteer and many of them kids - standing in the rain for over 5 hours and always being supportive - same for the music groups and a very special shout out here for Music Director - Bethany and HUGE shout out for her daughter who was so special with her guitar (last year a uke) and her smile and her singing; the ladies at the Bag pick up could not have been more welcoming and truly interested in wanting to know IF there was anything they all could do to make the race better and they were the ones who advised of Bethany as the Music Director and then to the enthusiastic welcome from the announcer and those holding the medals (and yes the driving rain was still going on and they were still there cheering us home ) and finally to Sidney and Morgan at the FL - IPA beer truck who were so impressed with my story and so generous with topping off my 16 oz pour!! I love this race and THE VOLUNTEERS here make allllllllllllllll the difference...and this from a guy for whom this was my 156 race so I have a good basis of comparison! WILL be back next year.
M. S. from Melbourne, Florida (2/10/2019) "Course is Nothing Special; Organization Is a Mess" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 4 I'm local so I've run this race about five times. The course is ok, though it's nothing particularly scenic and does include both of the local causeways (the closest thing we have to hills in this area). The weather is usually a mess, often wet and windy, and the race organization is usually a complete disaster. For example, in 2019, I had to push my way past dancing mascots just to cross the timing mat at the finishing line because the organizers decided to start a 'mascot race' while others were trying to finish their marathon and half marathon races. In previous years there has been issues with having food and drink available at the finish line.
b. b. from new york (2/13/2016) "avoid" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Confusing route, many runners cut the course short in 2nd loop; incompetent race officials unable to distinguish half marathoners, first loop and second loop marathoners; sleepy volunteers; crowded route and constant slalom between walkers; crowded aid stations.
C. P. from Northeast (2/11/2016) "good course" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the 1/2, the Marathon is a double loop. Came from the northeast for the race, and was not very familiar with the area. Nice small expo on the barrier island. Race starts and finishes in a park on the mainland. Weather was very unusual at 46F and steady 20 MPH winds. It was a cold bitter morning. Would normally be in 60's. Two bridges are basically the only two hills. Course does not run along the ocean - it's not an especially scenic race. Police and volunteers were very nice. Pacer for 1:55 could not have been more consistent - amazing given the high wind. Hotels are limited immediately near the start. Residence Inn Marriott (mainland) is 1.5 miles from ample race day parking, and offered a $99 race rate. It's a nice hotel but not a lot around it. Old town Melbourne a short drive and has restaurants. The Expo hotel is on the ocean, and there are several others on the ocean as well. Plenty of water and Gatorade along the course. This is primarily a 1/2 marathon due to the differential in the number of finishers, however if you are looking for a FL Marathon, I would not ignore this race. Marathon starts at 6am, and 1/2 starts at 7am (started a little later than that). This is a nice small race.
A. Y. from SW FL (2/10/2016) "Fun in the Sun....or whatever the weather!" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Fabulous details make this worth running. You're in a great town on the Atlantic, the music along the route is really good (and I've run some races where I've sped up just to get away from the musiciansnot so here), even the Nat'l Anthem singer was spot on her marks! Love the pianist and his grand piano on the bridgeand I've run Big Sur. Good open area for the start and finish, lots of traffic controls wherever needed and spirited volunteers. I love this course, even in wind. Since it's a loop, double loop for we marathoners, if the wind is against you, it will change and support you at some point. Neighborhoods are fun to run through as well.
Bettie Wailes from Florida (2/8/2016) "Greatly improved event" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 New management and absence of hand cycles have made this a great event. Nice course, plentiful support, nice finish area - everything was well done.
Seth Elsheimer from Winter Park, Florida (2/7/2015) "Fun time in Florida" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This event has vastly improved since I ran it a couple years ago. There was plenty of food and beer at the finish even for 5+ hour finishers. Food included pancakes, sausage, pizza, several kinds of fresh fruit, and craft beer. The pre- and post-race gatherings are now at a nice waterfront park. The double-loop course is authentic old costal Florida and includes 2 large bridges crossed 2X each. There are many diverse musical acts on the course some of which are quite good. At the top of the first bridge one can get a photo at a grand piano with a tuxedo-clad pianist. Besides the standard finishers medal and shirt runners get a matching logo hat. The only slightly negative thing is that there is a handcycle race going on simultaneously with the marathon on the same course. The wheelchair racers have police escorts who come up behind the runners and essentially force them off the road during the run. It feels disrespectful and a little scary but otherwise this is a fine event that I recommend and would gladly run again.
Larry Macon from Republic of South Texas (2/2/2015) "Good Course and Fans" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The fans are many and energized. The Course is flat except for two bridges that you climb twice each in this double loop course. The water stops are plentiful and even manned for the slowest runners. My only annoyance is that the hand cycle race begins while the slower runners are still on the course, but I appreciate the race allowing the slower runners time to finish. I will run this race again.

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Marathon Details - Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon