Runners to Explore Old Town Key West During 16th Annual Key West Half Marathon Jan. 19

 
 

Half Poster Small 2014

The historic Old Town and waterfront districts will become a scenic race course for more than 2500 runners on Sunday, Jan. 19, during the annual Key West Half Marathon Presented by the Half Shell Raw Bar. Interested runners should sign up now to guarantee race entry!

The sporting challenge will begin at 7 a.m., with participants proceeding along a flat, fast 13.1-mile half-marathon course amid the island city’s Victorian architecture, historic landmarks and harborfront businesses. For those who prefer a shorter course, a 5K run is scheduled, as well.

Now in its 16th year, the race typically attracts runners from around the United States and several other countries to compete in Key West’s balmy January climate.

A registration booth will be set up from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, outside the Half Shell Raw Bar, 231 Margaret St. in Key West’s Historic Seaport. Race packets can be picked up at that time. No race day registration!

Also on Saturday’s schedule are a pre-race meal and an Expo featuring motivational speaker, author and commentator Keith Brantly, acclaimed as one of the most successful long-distance runners in American history. In addition to Keith, Gary Cohen will also be doing a short presentation on distance running and signing his books.

On race day, the run will begin and end outside the Half Shell Raw Bar. An awards ceremony and party will follow with live entertainment, raffles, food, and beverages.

Awards will be presented to first- through third-place male and female finishers in five-year age groups ranging from 9 and under to 75 and over, as well as the top overall competitors and those in the masters division. Specially designed medals await all finishers.

During race week, participating runners also can enjoy happy hour gatherings, dinners, discounted watersports and fitness experiences, parties and offerings from local restaurants and bars. (See keywesthalfmarathon.com for the full schedule).

Each entrant will receive a gender-specific moisture-resistant race Tech-shirt. Sign up on active.com now to guarantee entry, or the application is available at keywesthalfmarathon.com. There will be no race day registration!

Interested Volunteers, please e-mail [email protected]. Proceeds benefit Key West Sunrise Rotary Scholarship Fund, FKCC Swim Youth Program & A Positive Step. Sponsored in part by Monroe County Tourist Development Council.