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runners, families and friends can grab a

bite to eat at a food truck and lay in the

grass. In 2016, 80 countries, including

many Canadians, and all 50 states were

represented at the Miami Marathon. The

organizers even hand out little country

f lags, giving it a truly international feel.

The medal is also a special one. Last year,

local street artist Jenny Perez designed the

f inisher’s meda l , ref lec t ing t he c it y’s huge

art scene. Each year, the city hosts Art Basel

Miami, one of the premier art shows in

North America.

The Miami Marathon has got a little bit of

something for every type of runner: a built-

in party vibe, a fast course for a PB and the big-race feel that makes

you feel like you’re a part of something special.

Getting There

Nearly every major airline, including Air Canada and Westjet, f ly

direct to Miami from Toronto. There are also direct and indirect

f lights from just about every major Canadian city.

Where to Stay

Because the start and finish lines are so close together and right in the

middle of downtown, there’s a plethora of choice. Staying at the offi-

cial race hotel, the downtown Hilton, is always fun because it offers

a glimpse into the organization and energy that goes into the race.

They also may provide special race morning perks and discounts to

runners. Although, because it’s such a huge event, many other hotels

in the area do as well.–MD

The course is a great showcase of the

city. It starts and finishes downtown,

near American Airline Stadium where

the nba’s Miami Heat play. Within the

first few minutes, racers cross Biscayne

Bay past the Port of Miami over the

lengthy MacArthur Causeway. It’s a

unique way to start a marathon, partic-

ularly because it’s still before dawn,

so the hulking docked cruise ships

glitter in the darkness. Thankfully,

the causeway is pretty much flat as a

pancake and is also closed to ship traffic

for the duration of the race. From there,

you’ll spill out into South Beach.

Immediately, runners enter the art deco district, with its simple,

elegant low-rise structures flanking wide, palm-lined boulevards.

You’ll probably find yourself making a mental note that you should

come back to the area at some point over the weekend (and you

should). South Beach is everything you’d imagine it to be: glitzy, a bit

sleepy and laid back, and fun.

After cruising around a couple of different neighbourhoods in

South Beach, both the half and full marathoners will head back over

the causeway towards the city. This is a treat because you get to see

the sun kiss the bay and Miami ’s downtown skyline just as it rises

behind you. From there, the halfers run back into the finishing area

(which is conveniently very close to the start line). The marathoners

head south to take in even more of the southern part of the down-

town, as well as the Coconut Grove area.

The finishing area features grandstands for spectators, and a

big party-like atmosphere in the adjacent park. Here, over 23,000

DESTINATION

MIAMI,

FLORIDA

DATE January 28–29, 2017

DISTANCES 5K, half-marathon, marathon

FEES $40–170

RUNNERS 23,000+

WEBSITE themiamimarathon.com

Miami Marathon

runningmagazine.ca Canadian Running 37

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