KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The historic Old Town and waterfront districts are to become a scenic racecourse for more than 900 runners Sunday, Jan. 22, during the annual Key West Half Marathon.
The sporting challenge is to 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.
Now in its 14th 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 race registration booth is to be set up from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the 951 Caroline St. plaza in Key West’s Historic Seaport. Race packets can be picked up at that time. The registration booth also is to open on race day at 6 a.m.
Plans call for the run to begin and end in the seaport at Caroline and Margaret streets.
Events surrounding the race include a Saturday night pasta dinner and a Sunday block party, awards ceremony and post-race party at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., with free refreshments, entertainment and prize giveaways.
Awards are to be presented to the first- through third-place male and female finishers in categories ranging from ages 10-14 to age 75 and over, as well as the top overall competitors and those in the masters and military divisions. All finishers are to receive a specially designed finisher medal.
The event also includes a 5k run beginning at 7:30 a.m.
The half-marathon entry fee is $80 per person ($70 for returning competitors, members of the military and Key West Southernmost Runners members). The first 900 entrants are to receive a moisture-resistant race Tech-shirt. For discount information, call race coordinator Barbara Wright at 305-240-0727.
The 5k entry fee is $30 per person.
Runners can register now at www.active.com.
A portion of race proceeds benefits the Florida Keys Community College youth swim program and other local charities.
Event information: www.keywesthalfmarathon.com or 305-240-0727
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
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