I
n cities like Boston, Chicago and even New York, the streets
are eerily quiet on the eve of a marathon. Thousands of locals
and visiting runners opt to lay low, eat a quick pasta dinner and get to
bed early. This is not the case the night before the Miami Marathon.
The Italian joint that I decided to pop into for my pre-race fuel was
packed, mostly with runners, and everyone seemed to be relaxed
and having a good time. I chatted with a group of well-dressed New
Yorkers sitting at the next table. Party dresses and running shoes
were the dress code of the place. Some runners were even dancing to
the live Cuban band. “Sure,” they said, “we’re here to run the half-
marathon, and everyone wants to do well, but also to have a good
time – before, during and after the race.”
That seems to be the prevailing attitude at the Miami Marathon,
going into its 15th anniversary in January. It’s a unique opportunity,
especially for those of us living in a northern climate, to escape the
doldrums of winter and run either a 5k, half or marathon and then
recover laying on the beach. For those that, say, missed a fall goal race
due to a setback in training, Miami can serve as a beacon of hope in
the new year. Both the half and the full 42 .2k courses are extremely
f lat, and thus quick. And for those looking for a fun mid-winter break,
there are plenty of other runners from around the world that descend
upon Miami to basically party and also tuck a race in as well.Miami will
make you
move
Celebrating its 15th anniversary,
the Miami Marathon is a big-city
race with a super-relaxed party
vibe. It’s the perfect escape from
a Canadian winter36 Canadian Running November & December 2016, Volume 9, Issue 7
Four Bent Corners, Jake Ryanplaces
exotic destination