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Life Time Miami Marathon: A Celebration of Running

The 24th Annual Life Time Miami Marathon and Half, presented by FP Movement, brought South Florida to life in a dazzling display of athleticism and community spirit. Taking place on January 25, 2026, the event saw more than 17,000 participants from 49 states and 82 countries converge for an exhilarating weekend of running.

A Global Gathering

Miami became the epicenter of running as athletes from around the world gathered to compete in this renowned marathon. Decorated marathoner Dominic Ondoro made headlines by clinching the men's elite title with a remarkable time of 2:17:47, marking a significant achievement during his brief stay in the city. Despite suffering a minor ankle injury at mile 21, Ondoro maintained his lead and finished over two minutes ahead of Texas's Bradley Makuvire, who completed the race in 2:20:12, and Brazil's Ederson Vilela Pereira, who crossed the finish line with a time of 2:21:18.

In the women's elite division, Florida’s own Christina Welsh stood out with a triumphant finish time of 2:42:14. She was followed closely by Ellie Stevens, the 2025 European Master's marathon champion, and Hanna Hauschild from Miami Beach.

Half Marathon Highlights

The Half Marathon also showcased fierce competition, with Colombia's Mauricio Gonzalez winning the men's division in 1:06:17. Miami resident Paxton Smith secured a commendable second place, just edging out Will Norris, a two-time Olympic trial qualifier, who finished a mere second behind.

On the women's side, Britain's Tracy Barlow celebrated her first Miami Half win with a time of 1:17:37 after previously placing third in the last two years. She was joined on the podium by Lucy Dobbs and McKenna Revord, a volunteer coach at the University of Miami.

Iconic Views and Community Spirit

Participants enjoyed a scenic route, beginning at the Kaseya Center and traversing through iconic Miami landmarks such as South Beach, Ocean Drive, and Coconut Grove. The certified course, also qualifying runners for the Boston Marathon, allowed both seasoned and novice runners to relish the stunning views along their journey.

The race weekend featured the Life Time Tropical 5K, where former Venezuelan Olympian Luis Orta claimed his fifth victory, adding another layer of excitement to the event.

Among the enthusiastic participants were 36 runners from the Life Time Foundation, who raised funds to support youth movement, nutrition, and environmental initiatives. This commitment underscored the marathon's dual mission: not just personal achievement, but also making a significant impact in the community.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 Life Time Miami Marathon & Half selling out in mid-August 2025—marking the fifth consecutive year of record sales—organizers are already excitedly anticipating the upcoming 25th anniversary in 2027, promising an unforgettable experience for both local residents and visitors from around the world.

Furthermore, Life Time has established a robust presence in South Florida, with five athletic country club destinations across the region. These include the latest addition in West Boca, complementing existing locations in Coral Gables, Miami at the Falls, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens.

As one of nearly 30 premier athletic events organized by Life Time—alongside prominent events like the Chicago Half Marathon and the Leadville Race Series—participation in the Miami Marathon continues to grow, highlighting the brand's commitment to promoting health and fitness.

Life Time empowers individuals of all ages to lead healthy, fulfilling lives through its extensive network of country clubs and athletic events. This creates a vibrant community committed to wellness, fitness, and enjoying life to its fullest