I need to stop being a a fatass (at least for me) and challenge myself. I’ve done a bunch of 70.3 and 140.6 distance races so that doesn’t excite me right now. Never done a standalone marathon.
Looking at January and February marathons here in Florida. Disney is long sold out so that’s not an option.
I think I’ve narrowed it down to Miami, Clearwater, Ft. Lauderdale, or Tallahassee. Miami is obviously the biggest and would have the most pomp and circumstance. Miami and Clearwater seem mostly flat with some elevation coming from bridges. Ft. Lauderdale is flat as a board. Tallahassee is hilly by Florida standards. Bonus points that my son will be at FSU and the race goes through part of the campus and finishes next to it. Weather will most certainly be better/warmer in Miami, Clearwater, or Ft. Lauderdale than Tallahassee that time of year.
Who has done any of those four races?
I can only speak about the Tallahassee Marathon…I highly recommend. The course goes through downtown the first 8 miles and has some rolling hills, after that it’s flat. The marathon and half marathon go off at the same time and split off after 7-8 miles. This year half had 800 participants and the marathon had 200. Perfect running weather in February. The finish is right next to the football stadium at College Town with the bar/restaurant open for the spectators and runners. The date for 2024 is February 11th.
I also can vouch for the Tallahassee Marathon as I’ve run it twice. Very well organized and great route. Most of any type of hills are earlier in the race. The weather is usually ideal. It runs along with a half marathon so there are plenty of runners out on course, but not so many you start tripping over each other. Post race in College Town has a nice mix of bars and restraunts to hang out at.
I also can vouch for the Tallahassee Marathon as I’ve run it twice. Very well organized and great route. Most of any type of hills are earlier in the race. The weather is usually ideal. It runs along with a half marathon so there are plenty of runners out on course, but not so many you start tripping over each other. Post race in College Town has a nice mix of bars and restraunts to hang out at.
tallytom vouches for Tallahassee - tell me it ain’t so! 
I need to stop being a a fatass (at least for me) and challenge myself. I’ve done a bunch of 70.3 and 140.6 distance races so that doesn’t excite me right now. Never done a standalone marathon.
Looking at January and February marathons here in Florida. Disney is long sold out so that’s not an option.
I think I’ve narrowed it down to Miami, Clearwater, Ft. Lauderdale, or Tallahassee. Miami is obviously the biggest and would have the most pomp and circumstance. Miami and Clearwater seem mostly flat with some elevation coming from bridges. Ft. Lauderdale is flat as a board. Tallahassee is hilly by Florida standards. Bonus points that my son will be at FSU and the race goes through part of the campus and finishes next to it. Weather will most certainly be better/warmer in Miami, Clearwater, or Ft. Lauderdale than Tallahassee that time of year.
Who has done any of those four races?
Getcha some! Love the energy!
Of these races I’ve only done Clearwater, raced my first 50k there this year. I enjoyed the course and the overall experience, would race it again. It starts in a county park on the water and has some scenic views of the bay/gulf. I drove down the morning of the race but you could probably find a nice place and walk to the race venue. You’re right that temps vary greatly in mid/South Florida - could be 30 or 90 degrees that time of year in these locations.
One you didn’t mention, which I raced in Jan 2022, is the Celebration Marathon. Much smaller number of runners, and since you mention interest in Disney that’s just around the corner. The course runs through downtown Celebration and the marathon was 2 laps. Ultra flat and they have a nice contingent of pacers to help runners qualify for Boston, as it’s a certified course (and I think Clearwater is too). Race temp that year was 31 - and I ran it in shorts and a t-shirt happily to keep core temps and HR down. Would race it again as well.
Last, I’ll mention the St Petersburg Distance Classic. Haven’t raced it yet but want to go down - but the date the last couple years has conflicted with a recurring trip. I enjoy visiting St Pete and racing there (St Anthony’s tri is on my annual race schedule) - looking forward to going for it if the dates work out.
Good luck, let us know what you choose!
I think I’m going to do Tally. Closest drive of the four I mentioned plus my son will be at FSU so I’ll get to see my kid.
I may also do the PCB Marathon in early December as a “warmup.â€
I just moved to the Miami area and I’m looking at the Miami marathon because, well, it’s here.
Might check out the Celebration race though.
I thought you might be interested in a half or full marathon in Tampa since it isn’t far from Clearwater. I think they offer a 5k & 10k as well. February 24-25, 2024. https://www.rungasparilla.com/
If you want a December marathon, the Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic takes place just outside of Tallahassee at Wakulla Springs in early December. It should have marathon/50k/50mile options.