The 2025 Miami Marathon Course Guide
Is this a race or a party for people who like to run 26.2 miles while partying?
Note: This guide is based on the official GPX file provided by the race and interpretation of the official course map. The official course distance is 26.2 miles, which is the shortest possible route while staying within the course boundaries. The GPX file measures the course at 26.39 miles, so distances in the guide are approximate
Course Overview
The Miami Marathon has a proud tradition of welcoming runners with a vibrant, scenic route that highlights downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and historic neighborhoods like Coconut Grove. Though overall flat, the course includes a few causeways and bridges that provide gentle rolling terrain. An early start before sunrise (6:00 AM for the first corrals) means you’ll be running in the dark for the first hour or so.
Temperatures and humidity rise steadily after dawn. Race start temperatures typically reach the mid-to-upper 60s (°F) with around 80% humidity. Recent race days have seen temperatures exceed 80°F, accompanied by humidity levels of 95% or higher.
Expect energized supporters and entertainment sprinkled throughout the route—from the rhythmic beats of local DJs to lively cheer stations at key points.
Key Stats
Event Date: February 2, 2025
Event Type: Road Marathon
Course Length: 26.2 miles
Course Type: Loop
TrailScore: 43.69
Road Marathon Rating: Easy
Total Ascent: 229.66 feet
Total Descent: 223.10 feet
Longest Uphill: Mile 14.4 to Mile 15.0 (0.63 miles), averaging 0.49% grade
Longest Downhill: Mile 18.11 to Mile 18.63 (0.52 miles) averaging -0.60% grade
Grade Distribution:
Flat: 92.0%
Minor Decline: 4.2%
Minor Incline: 3.8%
Course Briefing
Miles 0-6 (Start & Over to Miami Beach)
Overview
You’ll start in the pre-dawn darkness at 6:00 AM (for the first corrals), feeling the city’s energy through the music at the start line. After a short stretch on Biscayne Boulevard, you’ll cross the MacArthur Causeway around the quarter-mile mark—this is the largest bridge on the course, rising about 9 meters above sea level. Once on Miami Beach, the road flattens out along scenic streets, allowing you to quickly find your rhythm.
Key Challenges
MacArthur Causeway (Mile ~0.25): A short but noticeable ascent and descent right out of the gate, in the dark.
Managing Early Pace: With the excitement at the start, pace yourself on that early incline.
Aid Stations
A (1.25 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
B (2.11 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
C (4.00 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
D (5.20 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
Points of Interest
Start (Mile 0): DJ Jose Gonzalez energizing the corrals.
Mile 0.5: St. Andrews Pipe & Drum Band of Miami.
Mile 1: DJ Arias.
Mile 1.5: DJ A.K. Vibes.
Mile 5: Bright Foundation / Hispa Fest.
Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science (near Mile 0.3): Visible to your left just after the start.
Cheer Zone at Mile 6: Baptist Health x New World Symphony Orchestra.
Miles 6-12 (Historic Ocean Drive & Venetian Causeway Return)
Overview
After you reach mile 6, you’ll continue through Miami Beach’s famous Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue. This stretch is mostly flat, with lively entertainment around South Beach and iconic art deco buildings along the way. Around mile 8, you’ll approach the Venetian Causeway to head back to the mainland. Expect gentle up-and-down sections on the causeway, but nothing too severe.
Key Challenges
Venetian Causeway (Miles ~8–11): Slight inclines and descents; maintain an even effort.
Rising Temperatures: By midmorning, heat and humidity can build quickly in the city environment.
Aid Stations
E (6.10 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
F (7.35 mi): Neversecond Energy Gels, Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
G (8.60 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
H (10.30 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
I (11.58 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
Points of Interest
Mile 6.2: RUN STRONG Zone by Ten Thousand (6:30 AM to 9:30 AM).
Mile 6.5: First Responders Cheer Zone near Miami Beach Sr. High (6:30 AM to 9:30 AM).
Mile 6.5: DJ Stazz.
Mile 11: HOKA Cheer Zone & “Xpresso” performance.
Art Deco & South Beach Landmarks (Miles ~5-10): Look out for Lummus Park and colorful Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive.
Miles 12-19 (Half Split & Coconut Grove Loop)
Overview
Just past mile 12.9, half marathoners will turn off while full marathoners continue toward Brickell and then south into Coconut Grove. A short bridge on South Miami Avenue appears around mile 13.2, followed by some rolling terrain near miles 15–16 on the Rickenbacker Causeway approach. Humidity typically peaks by midmorning, so consistent pacing and hydration are key in this segment. You’ll also encounter the course’s longest uphill, which is gentle but extended.
Key Challenges
Half Marathon Break-Away (Mile ~12.9): If you’re running with a pack, many of them may turn to finish their race. Stick to your plan and keep running your race.
South Miami Avenue Bridge (Mile ~13.2): Brief but noticeable after the half split.
Rising Humidity: By miles 15–16, the sun is fully up; keep hydrating.
Longest Uphill (~14.39-15.02 miles): A gentle climb requiring steady effort.
Aid Stations
J (12.67 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
K (13.17 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
L (14.39 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
M (15.75 mi): Neversecond Energy Gels, Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
N (16.90 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
O (17.85 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
P (18.56 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
Points of Interest
Mile 13: Free People Movement cheer zone (near the Marathon/Half split).
Mile 14.3: “Blu Daze” course entertainment.
Mile 15.5: “Voodoo Kings” performance.
Mile 16.25: DJ Rafael Gonzalez.
Miles 19-26.2 (Final Return to Downtown)
Overview
By mile 19, you’ll be moving from Coconut Grove back toward downtown Miami. Fatigue can set in here, especially given the humidity and any early surges. The “Los Abuelos Cheer Zone” at mile 20 offers a welcoming lift as you head back. One final short bridge on South Miami Avenue at mile 25.5 will test tired legs before the finish. This closing stretch is generally flat but mentally tough, so maintain form and fueling to power through.
Key Challenges
Mile 25.5 Bridge: A quick incline on tired legs—stay focused and steady.
Late-Race Fatigue: Keep up with nutrition and form as you push toward the finish.
Aid Stations
Q (19.50 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
R (20.85 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
S (21.90 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
T (22.80 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
U (23.80 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
V (24.90 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
W (25.93 mi): Water, Gatorade, Medical Personnel
Points of Interest
Mile 20: Los Abuelos Cheer Zone—local abuelos/abuelas cheering you into downtown.
Mile 20.5: DJ Javier Bode & Abuelo/Abuela Cheer Station.
Mile 23.75: DJ Diana Nightingale.
Mile 24.25: DJ Kris L.
Mile 25.25: DJ Manny Robinson.
Miles 26 & 26.1: South Florida Center for Percussive Arts providing a final boost.
Finish: DJ Chip pumping up the crowd as you cross the line.
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