We all know Key West knows how to party! But what I didn’t know was they know how to plan an amazing half! 🧡

Before signing up for the @key_west_half_marathon I didn’t even know it was one of the ten best half marathons across the nation! After running it, I see why!

What stood out for me…

🏝️ Packet pickup was organized and the volunteers really seemed happy to be there.

🏝️ They cap the race, which made for a small community race. They were close to sellout (around only 30 spots left last I checked). I believe the cap was 1800 but I could be wrong 😆

🏝️ Morning drop off was so easy… no traffic and minimal road closures.

🏝️ Local restaurants near the starting line opened early for runners to use the bathroom so you didn’t have to use a porta potty 🚽 🎉 (they were available if needed) On course, there were a couple but also parks open for BRs.

🏝️ My favorite part… most of the course was along the beautiful, turquoise water 🌊 and some parts there was water on both sides 😍

🏝️ It’s a fast, flat course where you could easily PR if you didn’t stop and take so many pics like I did 📷
There was even a sign that said You’re now above sea level (because you’re on a bridge).

🏝️ Crowd support was so fun! Lots of people out cheering for runners, and a lot of on course entertainment. My fav was an old man playing the calypso drums.

🏝️ The bling is bigger than most medals and it is a porthole that actually opens up too.

🏝️ The after party.. it’s KW do I really have to say more? There was a live band and they were giving out beer and shots of rum🍹

Some things worth mentioning..
There’s not a huge expo. I think there were maybe 3 tents set up. So, bring what you need instead of expecting to buy things there.
The swag bag was only a microwaveable bag of rice. The dry fit long sleeve shirt though was one of my favorite from all my races.
It is a cupless race so bring your own hydration vest, handheld hydration or collapsable cup. They sell collapsable cups for $4.50 but by the time I got there (late Saturday) they had sold out. I was happy I had my hydration vest. There were multiple tables set up to refill, and the volunteers had no problem filling up by vest. They filled it up with jugs of bottled water, not a hose 😆

I give this race a 5/5 for sure! If you get a chance to run it, you won’t regret it! I’m already so excited to run it again next year!