Best Marathon Races in Florida: Your Complete Guide

Florida is one of the best states in the country for marathon running. Cool-season race calendars, pancake-flat courses, and oceanside scenery make the Sunshine State a destination for runners chasing PRs, Boston qualifiers, and bucket-list finishes alike. Whether you are lining up for your first 26.2 or hunting a BQ, this guide covers the best marathons in Florida — with course details, field sizes, and honest advice on which race fits your goals.

Looking for all upcoming marathon-distance events? Browse every one of the upcoming Florida marathons by date and city. Not ready for 26.2? Our guide to the best half marathons in Florida covers the half marathon options by season.

What are the best marathon races in Florida?

The best marathon races in Florida are the Walt Disney World Marathon for atmosphere, the Miami Marathon for city scenery, and the Space Coast, Celebration and A1A marathons for fast, flat Boston-qualifying courses. Most run between November and February, when Florida mornings are coolest, and the season ends with the Marathon of the Treasure Coast in March.

Florida marathons compared

Race	City	Next marathon	Best for
Walt Disney World Marathon	Lake Buena Vista	Jan 10, 2027	Bucket list, first-timers
Life Time Miami Marathon	Miami	Jan 31, 2027	Big-city atmosphere
Space Coast Marathon	Cocoa	Nov 22, 2026	BQ, flattest course
Town of Celebration Marathon	Celebration	Jan 31, 2027	BQ, small field
26.2 with DONNA	Jacksonville Beach	Feb 7, 2027	Charity, community
Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon	Fort Lauderdale	Feb 14, 2027	BQ, ocean views
Ameris Bank Jacksonville Marathon	Jacksonville	Dec 12, 2026	Flat and shaded
Powerade Panama City Beach Marathon	Panama City Beach	Dec 5, 2026	Cool weather, Gulf views
Tallahassee Marathon	Tallahassee	Feb 7, 2027	Hills, cool mornings
Health First Florida Marathon	Melbourne	Feb 7, 2027	Space Coast in February
U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon	West Palm Beach	Dec 13, 2026	Flat waterfront loops
Marathon of the Treasure Coast	Stuart	Mar 7, 2027	Last BQ chance of the season
Bound for Boston Marathon	Sarasota	Dec 6, 2026	BQ attempt, 75-runner cap

Dates are each race's next full marathon, checked against the official race sites and RunSignUp listings in October 2026. Sarasota, Daytona Beach, Mount Dora and Key West only hold half marathons and shorter races this season, so they are in our half marathon guide instead.

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The Best Marathons in Florida

1. Walt Disney World Marathon — Lake Buena Vista (January)

The Walt Disney World Marathon is the largest marathon in Florida and one of the biggest destination races in the world. Roughly 20,000 runners wind through all four Disney theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — with character stops and entertainment along the way. The course is not flat (overpasses and parking ramps add rolling hills), and the pre-dawn start (4:30 a.m. in 2027) means running in the dark for the first couple of hours. But the atmosphere is unmatched. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience over a fast time, this is the race.

• Typical field size: 18,000–20,000 runners
• Course: Loops through four theme parks on paved roads, moderate elevation changes from highway overpasses
• Best for: Bucket-list runners, families, first-timers who want crowd support
• Next race: Sunday, January 10, 2027. runDisney entries are sold out; our Walt Disney World Marathon registration guide covers the charity bibs that are left.

2. Miami Marathon — Miami (January)

The Life Time Miami Marathon (formerly the ING Miami Marathon) takes runners across the MacArthur Causeway, through South Beach, past Coconut Grove, and along Biscayne Bay. The scenery is world-class — open ocean views, art deco architecture, and the downtown Miami skyline. Late-January weather typically sits in the mid-60s to low 70s at the start, which is manageable but can warm up quickly. The course is mostly flat with a few bridge climbs. The 2027 race is January 31, finishing at Bayfront Park. For the rest of the city's calendar, from Zoo Miami 5Ks to the Key Biscayne Lighthouse Run, see our guide to races in Miami.

2027 update: general registration is sold out. See how the Miami Marathon waitlist works before it closes September 30.

• Typical field size: 5,000–7,000 marathon finishers (25,000+ including the half)
• Course: Point-to-point feel with causeway crossings, mostly flat, a few bridge inclines
• Best for: Runners who want a big-city marathon atmosphere in Florida

3. Space Coast Marathon — Cocoa (November)

The Space Coast Marathon in Cocoa is one of the flattest, fastest marathons in the southeastern United States. The out-and-back course runs along the Indian River with almost zero elevation change — total gain is under 50 feet. November temperatures often land in the 50s and 60s at race start, which is about as good as it gets for Florida distance running. This race has become a go-to for Boston qualifiers and PR hunters. The 2026 race on November 22 is sold out and its waitlist is closed, so it is a 2027 target for most runners.

• Typical field size: 2,000–3,000 (marathon and half combined)
• Course: Out-and-back along the Indian River, virtually flat, well-shaded stretches
• Best for: BQ attempts, PR chasers, runners who want a fast no-frills course

4. Celebration Marathon — Celebration (January)

Run through the picture-perfect town of Celebration (near Disney), this marathon is a favorite among Boston qualifiers. The course is almost entirely flat, looping through quiet residential streets and scenic trails with minimal traffic. Field sizes are small — typically under 1,500 — which means less congestion and more consistent pacing from the start. The next race is Sunday, January 31, 2027, three weeks after Disney, so it works as a calmer alternative in the same area. The race says nearly 20% of its 2022 marathoners qualified for Boston.

• Typical field size: 1,000–1,500 (marathon and half combined)
• Course: Flat loops through Celebration and surrounding areas, quiet streets, paved paths
• Best for: Boston qualifying, runners who prefer a smaller, low-key race

5. 26.2 with DONNA — Jacksonville Beach (February)

The Donna Marathon is one of the most community-driven marathons in the country. Founded by breast cancer survivor Donna Deegan (now mayor of Jacksonville), the race raises funds for breast cancer research. The course runs through the Jacksonville Beaches area — Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach — with ocean views and strong crowd support. The course has been a flat double loop through the beaches since the Intracoastal bridge came out of the route in 2019. The next race is Sunday, February 7, 2027, with a 7:30 a.m. start.

• Typical field size: 2,000–3,500 (all distances)
• Course: Flat double loop through the Jacksonville beaches communities, no bridges
• Best for: Charity runners, runners who love community atmosphere, coastal scenery fans

6. A1A Marathon — Fort Lauderdale (February)

The A1A Marathon runs almost entirely along State Road A1A — Fort Lauderdale's famous beachfront highway. The course is flat and fast, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side for nearly the entire race. February weather is typically in the 60s at the start, making it one of the better windows for a fast Florida marathon. The field is mid-sized, so you get good crowd support without big-race congestion. The next race is Sunday, February 14, 2027, with a 5:50 a.m. start and pace groups every 15 minutes from 3:00. For the time limit, start and finish spots and three more races within 75 miles, see our guide to Fort Lauderdale marathons.

• Typical field size: 2,500–4,000 (all distances)
• Course: Out-and-back along A1A, flat oceanfront road, minimal turns
• Best for: BQ attempts, scenic flat course, runners who like straightforward out-and-backs

7. Ameris Bank Jacksonville Marathon — Jacksonville (December)

Jacksonville's own marathon starts and finishes at The Bolles School on San Jose Boulevard, with a finish on the school track. The next race is Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. The race describes the course as pancake flat with plenty of shade, and mid-December mornings in North Florida are usually the coolest of the early-season marathons. Jacksonville also hosts the Gate River Run (15K) in March, one of the largest 15K races in America, so the running community here is well organized.

• Typical field size: 1,500–2,500 (marathon)
• Course: Flat and shaded, starting and finishing at The Bolles School
• Best for: Runners wanting a mid-sized city marathon with local character

8. Panama City Beach Marathon — Panama City Beach (December)

Run along the sugar-white sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle, the Panama City Beach Marathon offers Gulf of Mexico views for much of the course. December weather in the Panhandle is cooler than South Florida — often in the 40s and 50s at the start — making it one of the best-weather marathon options in the state. The course is flat and runs along Front Beach Road and Thomas Drive. The next race is Saturday, December 5, 2026, and online registration closes the day before.

• Typical field size: 1,000–2,000 (all distances)
• Course: Flat beachside roads with Gulf views, out-and-back sections
• Best for: Runners who want cooler weather and beach scenery

9. Tallahassee Marathon — Tallahassee (February)

The Tallahassee Marathon is one of the hillier options in Florida — which is saying something for a state known for flat courses. The course winds through the canopy roads and rolling terrain around Maclay Gardens State Park. If you want to train on hills or just prefer a course with variety, Tallahassee delivers. The next race is Sunday, February 7, 2027, finishing near Doak Campbell Stadium. February weather in North Florida is typically in the 40s and 50s at the start, which is ideal for distance running. Fees, the course and the closest backup races are on our marathons in Tallahassee page.

• Typical field size: 800–1,500 (all distances)
• Course: Rolling hills through shaded canopy roads and state park areas
• Best for: Runners who want hill training, scenic canopy roads, small-race feel

10. Health First Florida Marathon — Melbourne (February)

The Health First Florida Marathon is the Space Coast's February race, run on Sunday, February 7, 2027, with a 6:00 a.m. start and pacers. The course is four long straightaways with four causeway bridge crossings over the Eau Gallie and Melbourne causeways. Those bridges are the only climbs in an otherwise flat race, and you get them again on the way back.

• Course: Long straightaways along the Indian River with causeway bridge crossings
• Best for: Runners who missed Space Coast in November, BQ attempts with pacers

11. Palm Beaches Marathon — West Palm Beach (December)

The Palm Beaches Marathon runs through the waterfront areas of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Island. The course crosses the Intracoastal Waterway and runs along the historic mansions and estates of Palm Beach before returning to the mainland. December weather in South Florida usually means starts in the 60s. The field is mid-sized with a well-organized race that has grown steadily over the past decade. The next race is Sunday, December 13, 2026, with a 6:00 a.m. start and two loops on the Flagler Drive waterfront.

• Typical field size: 2,000–3,500 (all distances)
• Course: Flat waterfront route with Intracoastal bridge crossings, scenic Palm Beach Island
• Best for: South Florida runners, scenic waterfront course, December race timing

12. Marathon of the Treasure Coast — Stuart (March)

The Marathon of the Treasure Coast is the last Boston-qualifying chance of the Florida season, on Sunday, March 7, 2027, at 6:00 a.m. The course takes in water views through Stuart, Sewall's Point, Jensen Beach and Hutchinson Island. The bridge climbs and an early-March morning that can already be warm make it slower than the flat December and January races.

• Course: Waterfront roads and bridges across the Treasure Coast
• Best for: A late-season BQ attempt, runners who want a race after the winter rush

13. Bound for Boston Marathon — Sarasota (December)

The Bound for Boston Marathon on Sunday, December 6, 2026, is built for one thing: a qualifying time. Runners circle a flat 1-mile loop at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota 26-plus times and pass their bottles every mile. The field is capped at 75, and the 4-hour time limit means it only suits runners chasing the faster qualifying standards.

• Course: Flat 1-mile loop at Nathan Benderson Park
• Best for: Runners with a specific BQ time to hit who don't mind a lap course

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Best BQ Marathons in Florida

If your primary goal is qualifying for the Boston Marathon, Florida has three standout options with flat courses, cool-season timing, and manageable field sizes. Here are the best Boston qualifying marathons in the state (for fast courses outside Florida too, see the best marathons to qualify for Boston):

Celebration Marathon

The flattest and most low-key of the BQ-friendly options. Small fields mean no weaving through crowds at the start, and the quiet residential course lets you lock into your goal pace without distractions. Multiple loops mean your crew can see you several times. This is arguably the most popular BQ race in the state.

Space Coast Marathon

With under 50 feet of total elevation gain on the entire course, Space Coast is as flat as it gets. The November timing gives you cooler temperatures than most Florida marathons, and the Indian River scenery keeps the miles from feeling monotonous. Many runners report negative splits here because the course simply lets you run your pace.

A1A Marathon

The A1A Marathon's out-and-back course along Fort Lauderdale's beachfront is flat and fast. February weather is usually cooperative, and the ocean breeze can help keep temperatures comfortable even as the sun climbs. The straightforward course with minimal turns makes it easy to pace consistently.

BQ tip: For any Florida marathon, start conservatively. Even in winter, Florida humidity can be higher than you expect. Bank a few seconds per mile early and use them in the second half.

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Tips for Running a Marathon in Florida

Weather and Timing

Florida's marathon season runs from November through March. Races outside this window risk dangerously high heat and humidity. Even within the season, conditions vary significantly:

• November–January: Best conditions. Morning starts in the 40s–60s depending on location. North Florida and the Panhandle are coolest.
• February: Still good, but South Florida races can see starts in the upper 60s to low 70s.
• March: Risky. Temperatures can climb into the 80s by mid-morning, especially in Central and South Florida.

Hydration Strategy

Florida humidity makes you sweat more than you think, even on cool mornings. Start hydrating two days before race day — not just the night before. During the race, drink at every aid station for the first half, even if you feel fine. Many Florida marathoners hit the wall not because of fitness but because of dehydration that creeps up silently in humid air.

Course Selection

Most Florida marathon courses are flat, but "flat" does not always mean "fast." Bridge and causeway crossings (Miami, Melbourne, the Treasure Coast) add short steep climbs that can break your rhythm. Highway overpasses (Disney, Jacksonville) do the same. If you want the absolute flattest course, choose Space Coast, Celebration, or A1A. If you actually want hills, Tallahassee is the hilliest marathon in the state.

Sun Protection

Florida sun is strong year-round. Even in January, UV exposure during a four-hour marathon is significant. Wear sunscreen (apply before you leave home — not at the start line when your hands are sweaty), a hat or visor, and sunglasses. Many Florida runners also wear arm sleeves that provide UV protection and can be removed if temperatures rise.

Arrive Early and Acclimate

If you are traveling to Florida for a marathon, arrive at least two days early. The humidity adjustment is real — even experienced runners from dry or cold climates can struggle in their first Florida race. A few easy shakeout runs in the local humidity will help your body start to adapt.

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How to Choose the Right Florida Marathon

With 13 marathons to choose from, here is a quick decision framework:

• Want a BQ? Celebration, Space Coast, or A1A
• Want a big-race experience? Walt Disney World or Miami
• Want beach scenery? A1A, Panama City Beach, or 26.2 with DONNA
• Want cool weather? Panama City Beach (December), Tallahassee (February), or Space Coast (November)
• First marathon? Disney (crowd support), Donna (community), or Celebration (flat and small)
• Want a pure BQ attempt? Bound for Boston (a flat 1-mile loop, 75 runners)

Ready to find your next race? Explore all marathon races in Florida, see every Florida road race by month, or browse the full Florida race calendar.

How this list was made: Run Florida Run picked these races from every full marathon on our Florida calendar, weighing course, timing, field and Boston-qualifying record. Dates, start times and course details come from each race's official site or RunSignUp listing, checked October 5 to 18, 2026; see the Boston qualifying marathons page for course certification codes. Races set their own dates and can change them.