Key West Half Marathon & Runfest attracts over 4600 runners with new challenges and beloved classics

January 21, 2025

Participants from across the nation and the world come to Key West for fitness and fun

KEY WEST, Fla. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – On Jan. 18 and 19, the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest marked the 27th running of its annual weekend-long celebration of running and the local community. Among its keystone 13.1-mile half marathon and 3.1-mile 5K races, the festival also featured an 8K, 10K, beer mile and a rum-tasting tour. Those looking to take on extra miles and elevate their experience could enter the Big Pecker or Lil’ Pecker Challenge, combining multiple distances on multiple days. In all, there were more than 4600 participants over the course of the weekend hailing from all 50 states and 40 countries.

“Fitness is certainly a part of our event, but our focus has always been on bringing the fun and the local flavor of Key West to our participants,” said Barbara Wright, race director for the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest. “Seeing thousands of visitors and locals come together each year reminds me of the positive impacts that running can have on individuals and our wider community!”

Austin Duckworth, the men’s half marathon champion and overall first-place finisher, completed the 13.1 miles in 1:15:02, followed by the men’s half marathon second-place finisher, Brady Hall. Peter Caster took the third-place spot for the men’s half marathon. The women’s half marathon division was led by Elizabeth Laseter, who finished with a time of 1:20:07. Second and third-place finishers for the women’s half marathon were Meghan Gohres and Hannah Cullen.

The champion of both the men’s 5K and 10K was Tyler Lundquist, with times of 16:53 and 37:56. Shea Bohan led the women’s division of the 5K with a time of 18:34. The women’s 10K winner was Angela Carron who finished in 41:07.

The 5K and 10K took place on Saturday, and both started at Higgs Beach and took participants along scenic waterfront paths, while the 8K course wove participants through historical Old Town Key West. The various courses throughout race weekend provided a unique experience that led to the event being rated a Top 10 Half Marathon by USA Today.

Following the 8K and half marathon on Sunday, the festival hosted the Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll and Key West Beach N’ Beer Mile. The Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll took participants across eight popular Old Town Key West locations. At each location, participants stopped and enjoyed a Papa’s Pilar Rum Drink before venturing onto the next location. The Beach N’ Beer Mile took participants on a four-loop course run at the southernmost beach in the United States.

The weekend wrapped up with its signature after-party that featured live entertainment, free refreshments, a raffle, and much more!

The Key West Half Marathon & Runfest will be returning for its 28th annual event on Jan. 17 and 18, 2026. For more information about the Key West Half Marathon, please visit www.keywesthalfmarathon.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

About Key West Half Marathon & Runfest

The Key West Half Marathon is renowned for its beautiful course, which winds through historic landmarks, lively streets and Key West’s waterfront. With its vibrant atmosphere, enthusiastic spectators and well-organized event, the race attracts participants of all levels from all 50 States and 37 countries on average. Participants can expect a fun race experience, complete with top-notch amenities, unique race shirts and finisher medals, entertainment on the course, professional timing and a festive post-race celebration including food, beverages and concerts.

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