What is the best half marathon in Florida?

The Gasparilla Half Marathon in Tampa is widely considered one of the best half marathons in Florida. Held in February along Bayshore Boulevard, it features a flat, scenic waterfront course, a massive field, and a festive atmosphere. The Life Time Miami Half Marathon and the Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon are also top-tier options for runners looking for a big-race experience.

What is the biggest half marathon in Florida?

The Life Time Miami Half Marathon and the Gasparilla Half Marathon in Tampa are among the biggest. Miami's marathon and half drew more than 17,000 runners in January 2026, according to Life Time, and the Gasparilla Distance Classic weekend topped 20,000 participants in 2026. runDisney's Walt Disney World Half Marathon is also large, with more than 21,000 finishers in 2016.

What is the flattest, fastest half marathon in Florida?

The Town of Celebration Half Marathon near Orlando is one of the flattest in Florida, with a USATF-certified course that loops through Celebration's residential streets. Gasparilla in Tampa and Wellen Park near Venice are also very flat, and the Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon bills its oceanfront course as fast and flat.

When is half marathon season in Florida?

Half marathon season in Florida runs from November through March, with a few races on either side. Fifteen of the 17 races in this guide fall in that window, and January and February hold the most, including Miami, Key West, DONNA, Fort Lauderdale A1A and Gasparilla. Summer half marathons are rare because of the heat and humidity.

Which Florida half marathon has the best scenery?

For ocean views, the Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon runs along State Road A1A with miles of Atlantic coastline, and the Key West Half Marathon passes Duval Street, the Southernmost Point and Smathers Beach. The Life Time Miami Half Marathon crosses Biscayne Bay to South Beach, and the Space Coast Half follows the Indian River.

What is the cheapest half marathon in Florida?

The Wellen Park Half Marathon near Venice is one of the most affordable half marathons in Florida, with registration starting at $75. Many smaller community races across the state also offer registration in the $50 to $75 range, especially with early-bird pricing. Larger events like the Miami Half Marathon and Gasparilla tend to cost more, typically $100 to $150 or higher.

What is the best half marathon in Florida for beginners?

The DONNA Half Marathon in Jacksonville Beach is one of the best beginner-friendly half marathons in Florida. The course is flat, the 7-hour time limit accommodates all paces, and Galloway Pace Groups are available for run-walk participants. The Clearwater Running Festival Half Marathon is another strong option for beginners, as there is no time limit and walkers are encouraged to participate.

When is the best time to run a half marathon in Florida?

January through early March is the best time to run a half marathon in Florida. Morning temperatures are typically in the 50s to low 60s, humidity is lower than the rest of the year, and the race calendar is packed with major events. November and December are also excellent months for racing, with comfortable fall weather returning to the state.

Best Half Marathons in Florida (2026–27 Guide)

What Are the Best Half Marathons in Florida?

Florida's best half marathons are Space Coast in Cocoa (November), OUC Orlando (December), Key West and Life Time Miami (January), and DONNA in Jacksonville Beach, Fort Lauderdale A1A and Gasparilla in Tampa (February). All seven run in Florida's cool-weather season. Miami and Gasparilla draw the biggest crowds, with more than 17,000 and 20,000 runners on race weekend.

Race	2026–27 date	City	Why it stands out
Space Coast Half Marathon	Sun., Nov. 22, 2026	Cocoa	Florida's oldest marathon, now in its 55th year; USATF-certified course along the Indian River
OUC Orlando Half Marathon	Sat., Dec. 5, 2026	Orlando	Track Shack's downtown race at Lake Eola; more than 5,000 runners across the weekend
Key West Half Marathon	Sun., Jan. 17, 2027	Key West	Duval Street, the Southernmost Point and Smathers Beach
Life Time Miami Half Marathon	Sun., Jan. 31, 2027	Miami	Crosses Biscayne Bay to South Beach; 17,000+ runners across the marathon and half in 2026
DONNA Half Marathon	Feb. 5–7, 2027 (race weekend)	Jacksonville Beach	Starts at the Seawalk Pavilion; benefits The DONNA Foundation's breast cancer work
Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon	Sun., Feb. 14, 2027	Fort Lauderdale	Fast, flat course with miles of ocean views; 6-hour time limit
Gasparilla Half Marathon	Sun., Feb. 21, 2027	Tampa	Bayshore Boulevard waterfront; 20,000+ participants across the 2026 race weekend

Those seven are the headliners. The full guide below covers 17 races by season, including hillier courses like Mount Dora and Tallahassee, walker-friendly Clearwater and newer value races like Wellen Park. For how the weather changes month to month, see the best time to run in Florida, and for goal times, the half marathon pace chart.

Sources: 2026–27 dates and course details from each race's official site: Space Coast Marathon & Half, Track Shack (OUC Orlando), Key West Half Marathon, Life Time Miami Marathon and Half, The DONNA Foundation, Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic. Field sizes: Life Time, Jan. 25, 2026 and Gasparilla Distance Classic (Wikipedia).

Florida is one of the best states in the country for half marathons. The math is simple: flat terrain, mild winter weather, and a race calendar that runs nearly year-round. While most of the country is sidelined by snow and ice from November through March, Florida runners are lining up for some of the biggest and most scenic 13.1-mile races in the Southeast.

Whether you are chasing a personal best on a pancake-flat course, running your first half marathon somewhere warm, or looking for a destination race worth traveling for, Florida has a half marathon for you. This guide covers the best half marathons across the state, organized by season, so you can plan your calendar accordingly.

Browse all Florida half marathons on our race calendar

Fall Season (October – December)

Fall marks the return of comfortable running weather to Florida. Morning temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s, humidity eases, and the race calendar comes alive. These are some of the best fall half marathons in the state.

Space Coast Half Marathon — Cocoa

November | Cocoa, FL | Race details and registration

The Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon is the oldest marathon in the state of Florida, now in its 55th year. The USATF-certified course starts in historic Cocoa Village and follows a beautiful waterfront route along the Indian River, finishing at Cocoa Riverfront Park within the shadow of Kennedy Space Center. The space theme runs through every detail, from the expo to the finisher medals. The course is flat and fast, and the November weather is typically ideal. This is a beloved race among Florida locals and a strong choice for runners looking for a PR in a smaller, well-organized field.

OUC Orlando Half Marathon — Orlando

December | Orlando, FL | Race details and registration

The OUC Orlando Half Marathon is a December tradition in Central Florida, drawing more than 5,000 runners and walkers across its race weekend. Organized by Track Shack, one of Florida's most respected running institutions, the USATF-certified course starts and finishes at scenic Lake Eola Park and winds through Orlando's downtown and historic neighborhoods. Live music lines the course, and the post-race lakeside party features local beer and food. It is one of the best-organized races in the state and a perfect way to close out the fall racing season.

Mount Dora Half Marathon — Mount Dora

December | Mount Dora, FL | Race details and registration

Mount Dora is one of Florida's most charming small towns, and this December half marathon takes full advantage of it. The course runs through the rolling hills — yes, Florida has a few — and tree-lined streets of the Mount Dora area, offering something a little different from the typical flat Florida race. The smaller field gives it a community feel, and the downtown area is perfect for a post-race stroll. If you want a half marathon with character, this is your race.

Palm Beaches Half Marathon — West Palm Beach

December | West Palm Beach, FL | Race details and registration

The U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon weekend takes place in mid-December and includes a half marathon, full marathon, relay, 5K, and 10K. The half marathon course runs through the scenic streets of West Palm Beach with the kind of South Florida atmosphere — palm trees, warm air, waterfront views — that makes it a popular destination race. It is a well-supported event with a growing reputation among Florida runners.

Sarasota Half Marathon — Sarasota

December | Sarasota, FL

Sarasota hosts several half marathons throughout the year, but the December event at Nathan Benderson Park is a standout. The course is flat and fast, and the Sarasota setting — Gulf Coast breezes, sunny skies, laid-back atmosphere — makes for a great race weekend. It is a particularly good option for runners in the Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida area looking for a late-season half.

Winter Season (January – March)

Winter is peak racing season in Florida. This is when the biggest fields, fastest courses, and most destination-worthy races are on the calendar. Morning temperatures in the 50s and low humidity make January through March the ideal window for racing 13.1 miles.

Life Time Miami Half Marathon — Miami

Late January | Miami, FL

2027 update: the Miami half is sold out. The waitlist closes September 30.

The Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon is one of the largest and most iconic road races in the Southeast. Held in late January, the half marathon course takes runners through some of Miami's most famous neighborhoods and across the MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach, finishing at Bayfront Park. The energy is electric — thousands of runners, packed spectator sections, and a world-class city as your backdrop. If you want a big-race experience with a tropical feel, this is it. For smaller races the rest of the season, see our Miami race calendar.

Key West Half Marathon — Key West

January | Key West, FL | Race details and registration

The Key West Half Marathon is one of the most unique destination races in the country. The out-and-back course starts and finishes near the waterfront, running up Duval Street, past the Southernmost Point, and along beautiful Smathers Beach. The course is flat, fast, and USATF-measured, with 95% waterfront views. The field is smaller — this is Key West, after all — but the vibe is unmatched. Combine it with a long weekend in the Keys and you have one of the best race-cations in Florida.

Town of Celebration Half Marathon — Celebration

Late January | Celebration, FL

If you are looking for a flat, fast, Boston-qualifying course near Orlando, the Town of Celebration Marathon and Half Marathon is your race. Presented by AdventHealth and held just minutes from Walt Disney World, the USATF-certified course is extremely flat and loops through the picturesque residential streets of Celebration. The post-race party features beer, mimosas, and food from local restaurants. January weather in Central Florida is typically cool and dry — perfect conditions for chasing a PR.

Clearwater Running Festival Half Marathon — Clearwater

Late January | Clearwater, FL

The Clearwater Marathon and Running Festival features a half marathon course that starts at Sand Key Park and takes runners through Clearwater Beach, over the Clearwater Memorial Bridge, through Old Clearwater, and into the Town of Belleair with mansions on one side and Intracoastal views on the other. The course is mostly flat with a few elevation changes on the mainland section. There is no time limit for the half marathon, making it walker-friendly, and the post-race beach party is a fitting reward. This is one of the best Gulf Coast half marathons in Florida.

Sarasota Suncoast Half Marathon — Sarasota

March | Sarasota, FL

The Sarasota Suncoast Half Marathon is a well-run spring race on Florida's Gulf Coast. Held in early March, it catches the tail end of Florida's prime racing weather before the heat and humidity arrive. The course showcases the Sarasota coastline and offers a flat, fast surface for runners of all levels. It is a solid option for anyone looking for a late-winter or early-spring half in Southwest Florida.

DONNA Half Marathon — Jacksonville Beach

Late January / Early February | Jacksonville Beach, FL | Race details and registration

The DONNA Marathon Weekend is more than a race — it is a movement. Organized by The DONNA Foundation, all proceeds benefit breast cancer research and care. The half marathon starts and finishes at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, and runners carry the names of breast cancer survivors and those lost on their backs. The course is flat and beginner-friendly with Galloway Pace Groups available, and the 7-hour time limit accommodates all paces. It is one of the most meaningful race experiences in the state, and the Northeast Florida running community turns out in full force.

Live in St. Augustine? DONNA is one of the closest halves to you. See every half marathon near St. Augustine, with dates and distances from town.

Tallahassee Half Marathon — Tallahassee

February | Tallahassee, FL | Race details and registration

The Tallahassee Marathon and Half Marathon offers something different from most Florida races: hills. Tallahassee's canopy roads and rolling terrain make this one of the more challenging half marathon courses in the state, but also one of the most scenic. Held in early February, the weather is typically cool and crisp — ideal for racing. If you want a change of pace from Florida's famously flat courses, Tallahassee delivers.

Gasparilla Half Marathon — Tampa

February | Tampa, FL

2027 update: race weekend is February 19-21, 2027, and prices rise October 1. See every Gasparilla 2027 price tier.

The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic is one of the longest-running and most popular race weekends in Florida, now approaching its 50th year. The half marathon takes place on Sunday of race weekend and draws thousands of runners to Bayshore Boulevard — one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the world — and through the streets of South Tampa. The atmosphere is festive, the course is flat and scenic along the waterfront, and the post-race celebration is a Tampa institution. If you run one half marathon in Florida, make it Gasparilla.

Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon — Fort Lauderdale

February | Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Half Marathon runs along one of Florida's most famous roads — State Road A1A — hugging the Atlantic coastline through Fort Lauderdale. The February date means cool ocean breezes and sunrise views over the water. The course is flat and fast, the field is sizable, and Fort Lauderdale offers plenty to do before and after the race. It is one of the best oceanfront half marathons in the state.

Wellen Park Half Marathon — Venice

Late February | Venice, FL | Race details and registration

The Wellen Park Half Marathon is a newer race that has quickly become a favorite in Southwest Florida. Held in the master-planned community of Wellen Park near Venice, the USATF-certified course is flat, fully paved, and well-supported with aid stations every two miles. The race starts at Downtown Wellen Park's Solis Hall, and the affordable registration — $75 for the half — makes it one of the best values on the Florida race calendar. Walkers, strollers, and well-behaved dogs are welcome, giving it an inclusive, community-first atmosphere.

Spring Season (April – May)

Spring half marathons in Florida are fewer, as temperatures and humidity start climbing. But a handful of races take advantage of early-morning starts and coastal breezes to deliver solid spring racing experiences.

305 Half Marathon — Miami

Spring | Miami, FL

The 305 Half Marathon and 5K is a spring addition to Miami's running calendar, offering a different route and experience from the January Life Time event. If you missed the winter race or want another crack at 13.1 in Miami, the 305 is a solid alternative with the same city energy and South Florida atmosphere.

Publix Florida Marathon Weekend — Melbourne

Spring | Melbourne, FL | Race details and registration

The Publix Florida Marathon Weekend in Melbourne offers a spring half marathon option on the Space Coast. It is a separate event from the fall Space Coast Half Marathon, giving runners two chances per year to race 13.1 miles in the Brevard County area. The course takes advantage of the same beautiful waterfront scenery that makes the Space Coast a popular running destination.

How to Choose the Right Florida Half Marathon

With this many options, narrowing it down comes to a few key questions:

What is your goal? If you want a PR or Boston qualifier, look for flat, certified courses like Celebration, Gasparilla, or the A1A Half. If you want a destination experience, Key West and Miami are hard to beat.
When can you race? January and February have the best weather and the most options. November and December are also excellent. Avoid late spring and summer unless you are heat-acclimated.
How big a field do you want? Gasparilla and the Miami Half draw thousands. Mount Dora and Key West offer smaller, more intimate fields. Both have their appeal.
Where are you based? If you live in Florida, there is almost certainly a quality half marathon within driving distance. If you are traveling, pair the race with a vacation — Miami, Key West, Tampa, and Clearwater all make excellent race-cation destinations.
What is your budget? Registration fees range from around $50 to over $150 depending on the race and when you register. Smaller races like Wellen Park tend to be more affordable, while major events like the Miami Half command a premium.

No matter which race you choose, the common thread is this: Florida half marathons offer flat courses, warm-weather racing, and a calendar that lets you race when the rest of the country is hibernating.

Want the closest race instead? Sort all the half marathons near you by distance from your city.

Want a tune-up 5K or 10K first? The Florida road races calendar lists every upcoming road race by date, city and distance.