calendar icon Nov 8, 2024

Marathon Details - Southern Most Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > FL > Key West > Southern Most Marathon

Southern Most Marathon

Southern Most Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

location icon Key West, FL USA

calendar icon October 9, 2021 - CANCELLED

calendar icon http://www.mallorysquare.com/events/southernmost-marathon

Marathon Results

By Year: 2019   2018   2016   2015   2014   2013   Top 3 Finishers

Contact Information

Name: Liz Love
Address:
Phone Number:  479-200-4689
Email: Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (5)

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.0 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.4 
 
 
Number of comments: 5


 

M. T. from The home town of Jason Bourne, Missouri (10/25/2019)
"Who runs a marathon in the Keys in October?" (about: 2019)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Southern Most Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 1


Who in their right mind travels to Key West Fl in October to run a marathon? Apparently I did, but that's on me. Just too hot and humid with zero shade once the sun came out. There were plenty of hydration stations with the most watered down electrolyte drinks ever. Course is very flat, as you can imagine, but one would think scenic being in the Keys, but not the case. You run through the town at the start and then make your way up Interstate 1. You leave Key West to be exposed to the brutal sun for about 7 miles out and then 7 miles back. Then once back onto the Key, the rest of the way you're running with traffic on sidewalks dodging tourists and cyclists. If you're about needing spectators, you won't find that here and for good reason, you're in Key West. There are some at the finish and that's about it. Lots of runners were struggling and were forced to walk much of the latter part. The shirt they handed out will never be worn in public and probably never worn period. Worst medal I've ever received, but I honestly don't care about getting a medal. I think it's the wrong time of the year to have this marathon. Have it in January, Disney does. My last point, why does every marathon give you 1 free Michelob Ultra beer at the finish? First, it's just not a good beer and for those of you who drink it, because it has low carbs and it's something to drink during training, I can respect that. But people, we just ran a marathon, there aren't many calories and carbs left to burn here, why not serve something local and worth drinking, we've earned it. Suggestion, I had a Fl Keys Brewing Co. Iguana Bait Beer at Amigo's Tacos on Duval, both the beer and the tacos were delicious.

 

I. J. from New York (11/4/2014)
"Hot, humid, but kind of awesome" (about: 2014)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Southern Most Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Its a small but enjoyable marathon. It ended up on my short list because Im only allowed to run in places that the family can vacation at the same time these days  from that perspective it was great, family had a great time, and early start time on the Saturday meant it didnt dominate the weekend. Key West is a fun place and we had a great weekend. But&the flipside...with perfect beach weather comes running heat, even with a 5.30am start time.

The first hour or so was in the pitch black (but floodlights where necessary, not a problem)&youre running along the coast and looking forward to the sun coming up so you can see the sea, and then when the sun comes up you want it to go back down again because its so hot! Course was pretty flat, mostly along pedestrian / cycle paths along highway 1. The last few miles were around more populated Key West as you head to the finish.

Organization was fine, not a big expo but bib pickup easy and fit for purpose. Water / Gatorade stations were good&some sponges, some gu (I think), no problems there. Not much in the way of local support, but no big deal, nice when it happens but I dont really expect it. Hula hoop girls at mile 4ish put a smile on my face.

Although its a flat course, the heat and humidity will take its toll. This was my 6th marathon (all the rest being around NY/NJ/Penn) and it put 20 mins on my personal worst time. I wasnt really expecting this as Id not trained in the heat before (my mistake). I think as long as you expect this and pace yourself accordingly and drink fluids then shouldnt be a problem&I tried to run it like any normal marathon and hit an earlier and more brutal wall than normal. The sense I get is that most people ran a pretty sucky time and anyone running it should expect to add 20-30 mins on their normal time, unless youre a florida runner and used to the heat perhaps.

There was one pacer with a 4hr flag (not sure if he was affiliated with the organizers or just a helpful dude being helpful). He started with a group following him but when he overtook me at mile 23 he was on his own. Hope that doesnt put him off and Im sure he helped a ton of people earlier on. I like pacers.

I didnt hang around for the festivities and awards but would have liked to have had a beer with the crew  seemed like a nice bunch.

Id like to return next year and try it again, definitely a few things Id do differently to prepare. I wouldnt recommend it to a first time marathoner from the north, but if youre used to running in the heat, or want to do something a little different then its a good run, no complaints.

 

C. V. from Chattanooga, Tn (10/22/2014)
"Beautiful, fun and VERY HOT" (about: 2014)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Southern Most Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


I am glad I ran this race and had a lot of fun making a vacation out of the trip. Key West is very much like the other Carribean islands and it had a very Bahamas-like feel to it. As to be expected then, it was very hot and humid.

Thankfully the race started at 5:30 a.m. which was a saving grace. The race started out at around 80° with high humidity and by the time I finished it was around 91°. There were water stations every mile to a mile and a half and that definitely helped me get through it all. Some stations had sponges too which was a great way to cool down, although it seemed like there were fewer stations towards the end, where we needed them most.

The course is very flat with the only hills at the bridges (which were still pretty insignificant). It was also very beautiful, I spent much of the run looking in the water for fish. I did fantasize about jumping in the water a few times and my post race swim really was amazing. Again, it was HOT.

The 'expo' was tiny, they should have just called it a regular old packet pick-up. I think there may have been three vendors and I didn't even bother to see if they had any shwag.

Nice shirt, one I'll actually wear.

Be warned, this ends up being an expensive race. You pretty much have to stay on Key West with such an early start time and the race ticket itself was pretty hefty. Worth it for me, yes.

 

M. R. from Florida (10/12/2014)
"A fun race in a fun place!!!!" (about: 2014)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Southern Most Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


It was very hot, I should of expected that since this is Florida. But there were a lot of water stations with water, Gatorade and sponges. The race coordinators and volunteers were awesome. I never would have thought this was only it's second year. It was very well organized and can't wait to do it again!! I'll plan next time to stay a few extra days so I can really enjoy Beautiful Key West instead of racing home after the race.

 

J. F. from Missouri (10/11/2014)
"Way too hot for a race" (about: 2014)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


We ran this race this morning and it was miserable. Once the sun came out, not many people could continue to run! Everyone was walking and many were sick. My time was almost 20 minutes slower than normal and I was dead.


 
 
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