The Life Time Miami Marathon is a vibrant and scenic journey through the heart of one of America's most iconic coastal cities. The course takes runners on a spectacular loop, beginning in downtown Miami before crossing the expansive MacArthur Causeway to the world-famous shores of Miami Beach. From there, you'll traverse the beautiful Venetian Causeway back to the mainland, navigate through the downtown and Brickell financial districts, and finally head south for an out-and-back through historic Coconut Grove before a triumphant finish at Bayfront Park.

For the first 12.8 miles, marathon and half marathon participants share the same course. When the routes split, marathon runners experience a noticeable thinning of the field, which often marks a significant psychological shift in the race. This transition can feel both liberating and challenging as you settle into the marathon's second half.

The course is remarkably flat, with a total elevation gain of just over 400 feet. The only notable elevation changes come from the gentle inclines of the causeway bridges, which you'll encounter early in the race when your legs are still fresh.

Late January typically offers favorable running conditions, with 5-year average temperatures ranging from a morning low of 62°F to an afternoon high of 75°F. However, runners should prepare for rising temperatures and high humidity as the morning progresses, particularly on the exposed causeway sections where shade is minimal.

The 6:00 AM start ensures the race begins in cool darkness, with the sun rising as you cross the MacArthur Causeway—creating spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Port of Miami skyline that make this marathon truly memorable.

• Event Date: January 25, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.27 mi
• Course Type: Loop
• TrailScore: 38.84
• Total Ascent: 422.01 ft
• Total Descent: 423.16 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 0.21, 0.52 mi at an average grade of 2.11%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 0.72, 0.31 mi at an average grade of -3.64%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 0.21, 0.52 mi at an average grade of 2.11%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 0.72, 0.31 mi at an average grade of -3.64%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 1 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 3 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 89.8%
  • Minor Incline: 4.3%
  • Minor Decline: 3.5%
  • Moderate Decline: 1.2%
  • Moderate Incline: 0.8%
  • Challenging Decline: 0.4%

The race begins at 6:00 AM, well before the 7:06 AM sunrise, launching you into the electric atmosphere of downtown Miami under the city lights. The initial stretch takes you north on Biscayne Boulevard before sweeping east onto the MacArthur Causeway.

This causeway crossing presents the most significant elevation challenge of the entire course—a gradual 3.3% grade climbing over a third of a mile. As you ascend toward the rising sun, you'll catch memorable views of the Port of Miami and its massive cruise ships to your right.

The descent from the bridge carries you onto Watson Island, then across a second, smaller span as you approach Miami Beach. This early section offers expansive water views, the glittering skyline receding behind you, and the building anticipation of arriving in South Beach.

Pacing is critical here. The combination of race-day excitement and the early climb can tempt you to push too hard. Stay disciplined and run your own race.

• Manage Early Congestion: The shared start for the marathon and half marathon creates a crowded field. Focus on maintaining a steady effort rather than a specific pace until the runners thin out.
• Conquer the Causeway: The course's main climb occurs within the first mile. A conservative effort up this moderate incline will conserve crucial energy for the later stages.
• Navigate the Pre-Dawn Start: The race begins in darkness. While the course is well-lit, remain aware of your footing and other runners around you.

• Climb #1: Mile 0.41 to Mile 0.72, 0.31 mi, avg grade 3.29%, total gain 53.94 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 0.83 to Mile 1.03, 0.2 mi, avg grade -5.21%, total drop 56.07 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 3.41 to Mile 3.62, 0.21 mi, avg grade -2.93%, total drop 31.86 ft

• MacArthur Causeway (Watson Island / PortMiami area) (Mile 1.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• MacArthur Causeway (between Palm & Star Islands) (Mile 2.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• MacArthur Causeway (Miami Beach) (Mile 3.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.

Upon arriving in Miami Beach, the course guides you along the southern tip before heading north on iconic Ocean Drive. This flat, fast, and scenic section runs past the Art Deco historic district and vibrant beachfront parks. The energy from spectators is typically high through this stretch, providing a welcome boost as you settle into your rhythm.

After Ocean Drive, the route turns inland and winds through Miami Beach neighborhoods before beginning the westward journey back to the mainland via the Venetian Causeway.

The Venetian Causeway offers one of the race's most memorable segments, featuring a series of short bridges that connect six man-made islands. You'll enjoy spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the downtown skyline throughout this nearly three-mile stretch. While the bridges present only minor inclines, be prepared for full sun exposure and potential crosswinds coming off the bay.

This section concludes as you return to mainland Miami, approaching the critical halfway point where the marathon and half-marathon courses split.

• Sun and Wind Exposure: Both Ocean Drive and the Venetian Causeway offer little shade. As the sun climbs higher, be prepared for direct exposure and potential headwinds by staying on top of your hydration.
• Maintain Focus: The route includes several turns through the residential streets of Miami Beach. Pay attention to course markings and stay mentally engaged to maintain your rhythm.

• None.

• None.

• South Pointe Dr & Ocean Dr (Mile 4.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Ocean Dr @ Lummus Park (Mile 5.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• 14th St & Washington Ave (Mile 6.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Dade Blvd @ Washington Ave (Mile 7)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade, Neversecond gels
  • Toilet: Yes
• Prairie Ave north of Dade Blvd (Mile 8.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• W 28th St & Meridian Ave (Mile 9.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Venetian Causeway – Belle Isle (Mile 10.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Venetian Causeway – Di Lido / Rivo Alto (Mile 11.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• NE 15th St at N Miami Ave (Mile 12.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• Baptist Health (~Mile 6) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator zone.
• Ten Thousand Run Strong Zone (~Mile 6.2) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator zone.
• Baptist Health x New Symphony Orchestra (~Mile 6.4) (Spectator Zone): Live music activation on the course.
• HOKA Fly Zone (~Mile 11) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator zone.
• XPRESSO/OMNI (~Mile 11) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator zone.
• Free People Movement (~Mile 11.7) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator zone.
• Lululemon (~Mile 12) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator zone.
• GO RUN (~Mile 12.2) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator zone.
• Miami Under 40 (~Mile 12.6) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator zone.

This section marks a pivotal moment in the race. Around mile 12.8, the course splits, with half marathoners veering off toward their finish line. You'll notice an immediate change in runner density as the crowded field thins out, transforming the atmosphere into a more focused marathon experience.

The route then takes you south through downtown Miami and over the South Miami Avenue Bridge into the Brickell financial district, where you'll run through a canyon of modern skyscrapers. After navigating through Brickell, the course continues south toward the Rickenbacker Causeway for a short, flat out-and-back segment.

This stretch offers views of Key Biscayne and the open water, but be prepared—this is another area with significant sun and wind exposure. This part of the course tests your ability to refocus after the half-marathon split and settle into a steady, patient marathon rhythm that will carry you through the remaining miles.

• Psychological Shift at the Split: The sudden decrease in the number of runners can be jarring. Be prepared to rely on your internal pacing and motivation as the race atmosphere changes.
• Brickell Wind Tunnels: The tall buildings in the Brickell area can create unpredictable wind gusts. Stay relaxed and focus on maintaining a consistent effort rather than a specific pace.
• Rickenbacker Causeway Exposure: This out-and-back is completely exposed. Hydrate well at the aid stations before and after this segment, and be mentally prepared for direct sun.

• None.

• Descent #3: Mile 13.17 to Mile 13.27, 0.1 mi, avg grade -3.01%, total drop 16.21 ft

• Downtown – N Miami Ave & W Flagler St (Mile 13.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Brickell area – SE 6th St (Mile 14.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Rickenbacker Causeway (Station M) (Mile 15.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade, Neversecond gels
  • Toilet: Yes
• Rickenbacker Causeway return (Mile 16.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.

The final leg of the marathon takes you into the lush, tree-lined streets of Coconut Grove. This long out-and-back section provides a welcome change of scenery, with charming neighborhoods and plentiful shade offering some respite from the sun. The terrain remains almost entirely flat, but this is where late-race fatigue becomes the primary challenge.

The route winds through several turns in the Grove before beginning the final northbound push toward the finish line. You'll retrace your path along South Miami Avenue, heading back toward downtown Miami.

Around mile 25.5, a final, small bridge crossing presents one last test for tired legs. From the top of this bridge, the downtown skyline comes into view—a powerful reminder that the finish is near.

The race concludes with a final turn onto Biscayne Boulevard and a triumphant finish at Bayfront Park, where your well-earned celebration awaits.

• Manage Late-Race Fatigue: This is the make-or-break section of the marathon. The flat course is forgiving, but mental fortitude is essential. Focus on one mile at a time and utilize the frequent aid stations.
• Navigate Coconut Grove Turns: The out-and-back contains numerous turns. Stay alert to the course markings to maintain the most efficient line as you conserve energy.
• The Final Bridge: The small incline on the South Miami Avenue Bridge around mile 25.5 will feel significant on tired legs. Shorten your stride, use your arms, and push over the top for the final stretch to the finish.

• None.

• None.

• S Miami Ave (north of Alice Wainwright Park) (Mile 17.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• S Bayshore Dr (near Kennedy Park) (Mile 18.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• McFarlane Rd & Main Hwy (Coconut Grove) (Mile 19.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Grand Ave & Mary St (CocoWalk area) (Mile 20.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• S Bayshore Dr & Aviation Dr (Regatta Park) (Mile 21.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Tigertail Ave & Shore Dr S (Mile 22.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Shore Dr W / Shore Dr N (Mile 23.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• Samana Dr & S Miami Ave (Mile 24.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes
• S Miami Ave Bridge northbound (Mile 25.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Gatorade
  • Toilet: Yes

• Baptist Health (~Mile 18.95) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator and medical support zone.
• Dimelo305 (~Mile 19) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator zone.
• Coconut Grove Block Party (~Mile 20) (Spectator Zone): Large, festive spectator gathering.
• Voodoo Kings (~Mile 20.5) (Spectator Zone): Live music on the course.
• Baptist Health (~Mile 24) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator and medical support zone.