Key West Half Marathon & 5K, 8K, 10K, Rum Stroll & Beer Mile
When is Key West Half Marathon & 5K, 8K, 10K, Rum Stroll & Beer Mile?
Key West Half Marathon & 5K, 8K, 10K, Rum Stroll & Beer Mile takes place on Saturday, January 16, 2027 in Key West, FL.
What distances does Key West Half Marathon & 5K, 8K, 10K, Rum Stroll & Beer Mile offer?
Key West Half Marathon & 5K, 8K, 10K, Rum Stroll & Beer Mile offers 14 events: Key West Beach N' Beer Mile, Key West 5K, Run Anywhere 5K, Key West 10K, Key West 8K, Run Anywhere 8K, Run Anywhere 10K, Key West Half Marathon, Run Anywhere 1/2 Marathon, Big Pecker Run Anywhere, Lil Pecker Run Anywhere, Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll, Lil' Pecker Challenge (5K, 8K AND 10K) THREE MEDALS AND A LIL' PECKER HAT!, BIG PECKER CHALLENGE- (Half Marathon, 10K and 5K) FOUR MEDALS! Special Medal for the Big Pecker!.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key West Beach N' Beer Mile | 1.0 mi | $49.00 | Register |
| Key West 5K | 3.10686 mi | $49.95 | Register |
| Run Anywhere 5K | 3.10686 mi | $49.95 | Register |
| Key West 10K | 6.2 mi | $59.95 | Register |
| Key West 8K | 8.0 km | $54.95 | Register |
| Run Anywhere 8K | 8.0 km | $54.95 | Register |
| Run Anywhere 10K | 10.0 km | $59.95 | Register |
| Key West Half Marathon | 13.1 mi | $114.95 | Register |
| Run Anywhere 1/2 Marathon | 13.1094 mi | $114.95 | Register |
| Big Pecker Run Anywhere | 22.4 mi | $215.95 | Register |
| Lil Pecker Run Anywhere | 23.0 km | $165.95 | Register |
| Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll | — | $65.00 | Register |
| Lil' Pecker Challenge (5K, 8K AND 10K) THREE MEDALS AND A LIL' PECKER HAT! | — | $165.95 | Register |
| BIG PECKER CHALLENGE- (Half Marathon, 10K and 5K) FOUR MEDALS! Special Medal for the Big Pecker! | — | $215.95 | Register |
How much does Key West Half Marathon & 5K, 8K, 10K, Rum Stroll & Beer Mile cost?
Registration for Key West Half Marathon & 5K, 8K, 10K, Rum Stroll & Beer Mile starts at $109.95. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Key West Half Marathon & 5K, 8K, 10K, Rum Stroll & Beer Mile held?
Key West Half Marathon & 5K, 8K, 10K, Rum Stroll & Beer Mile is held in Key West, FL at 231 Margaret Street.
About Key West Half Marathon & 5K, 8K, 10K, Rum Stroll & Beer Mile
KEY WEST HALF MARATHON VOTED ONE OF THE 10 BEST HALF-MARATHONS ACROSS THE NATION FOR 2023 IN USA TODAY!!! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Welcome to our 29th Year!
The 29th Annual Key West Half Marathon and Runfest is on January 16th & 17th, 2027! LET'S PARTY!! All Participants receive a race shirt, finisher medal, race bag, food and drinks, rum tasting, Race party and great entertainment!
All races are available as virtual options!
FAQ 2025
What is a “Modified In-Person Event”?
What can I expect when I get to Key West?
Are there still rooms available in Key West?
What if I can’t arrive at my corral / arrival time?
What if I select the wrong course option in RaceJoy?
Does RaceJoy have an app for my watch?
Do I have to run with my phone to use RaceJoy?
Can I run the ‘run anywhere’ course on a treadmill?
Can I use my run tracking app / sports watch to track my time?
Can I use my run my run tracking app and RaceJoy at the same time?
What if my results are not showing up or are not correct?
Why is RaceJoy is asking for my bib number?
Why did I get emails from RunSignUp.com and RaceJoy but I registered for the race on Active.com?
Will there be course markings in Key West?
Will there be water on the course in Key West?
What if I have additional questions?
FAQ:
What is a “Modified In-Person Event”?
A: A Modified In-Person Event is when the event has restrictions or concerns that prevents them from hosting a traditional event. Instead of a group start, a Modified In-Person event will have smaller, staggered starts over a long period of time. This allows you as the participant to feel safe by running when you feel most comfortable and avoiding crowds. It also give the event organizers a chance to do their best to make your run experience special while remaining safe for you and others. (back to top)
What can I expect when I get to Key West?
A: Since the event will span over a few days, the event location will be a bit more concentrated. There will be a marked start line and finish line, an information tent and some merchandise at the normal location by the Half Shell (https://www.halfshellrawbar.com). There will be some markings along the course as well as some hydration options. Event staff will be smaller than normal, but we will be available at the normal location during the following hours:
- Friday, January 16th: 6:00AM until 12:00PM
- Saturday, January 17th: 6:00AM until 12:00PM
- Sunday, January 18th: 6:00AM until 12:00PM
We also have a bunch of other activities set up on the Island while you are in town. Check them out here!
Are there still rooms available in Key West?
A: As of the time we are creating this list, yes! You can try The Perry Hotel Key West and through Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.
When can I run?
A: You can complete your run; either in person or ‘anywhere’ over the course of the event weekend, January 15th until the 19th.
For those running on course in Key West, you should receive a designated arrival time (corral time). We ask that you arrive and begin your run within 30 minutes of your designated time. This will allow for adequate social distancing from other runners and ensure a smooth, safe start and a clear course.
For those running the “run anywhere” option, you can run any time during the submission window (January 16 - 19th).
No matter what option you chose, please remember that you are technically running ‘on your own’. There are no road closures and no course officials. You need to follow all local guidelines and make sure you are running safely at all times. (back to top)
What if I can’t arrive at my corral / arrival time?
A: The corral / arrival times are established to make sure that we do not have any large crowds at the start line, on the course, or at the finish line. This is absolutely necessary for your safety and the safety of others. If you feel you have a compelling reason to be changed to another corral / arrival time, please let us know and we will try to accommodate your request. (back to top)
What is RaceJoy?
A: RaceJoy is an application that you use on your iOS or Android phone. It will give you status updates as you complete your run and, if you enter your bib number, it can automatically push your finish time to the results online. The app also allows your friends and family to monitor your progress as you run. They can even send you ‘cheers’ to encourage you along the way! For more information about how RaceJoy improves your race experience, please visit https://www.racejoy.net/participants. (back to top)
How do I set up RaceJoy?
A: First, you will need to download the app to your phone. Go to this site to download the app for your device: https://www.racejoy.net/download. Once installed, you will search for the ’Key West Half Marathon" using the search function in the app. There are several in-app prompts to guide you as you set up RaceJoy. There is no account to set up, no passwords and no cost to you. The app will only ask you a few basic questions that will help your family and friends ‘find you’ in the app and allow for your results to be automatically submitted. You will be presented with a few course options. Please try to select the course you intend to run! If you select the wrong course, it can be changed (see below) but you will essentially have to go through many of the steps again (although you may not have to enter as much data the second time around). Here is a list of the course options with a brief description of each:
- Official KW 1/2 Marathon - If you are going to run in Key West, this is the course for you. The official Key West Half Marathon route in digital form!
- Official KWHM 5K Course - If you signed up to run the 5K in Key West, this is the official 5K course. There are two alternate courses you can chose if you are on the island and just can’t make it over to the main area (see below).
- 5K Run Anywhere - Can’t make it to Key West to run your 5K? Run your race wherever you are using this option.
- 13.1 Run Anywhere - Can’t make it to Key West to run your Half Marathon? Run your race wherever you are using this option.
- Smathers Beach 5K - This is an alternate 5K course that runs along Smathers Beach (the southeast side of the island).
- Official Hemingway 5K - Did you know there is a Hemingway Days 5K run in July? Well, there is and this is the course that we use! If you prefer stating and finishing over by the Southernmost Point of the Continental US, this is a great alternate course.
- Tour of Key West (Virtual Tour) - This is not a competitive option. This if pure fun. It is a ‘virtual tour’ of Key West that starts and finishes near Mallory Square and brings you past many fun and interesting places in Key West.
There is a step-by-step PDF guide that can be viewed here. (Click on the PDF file)
Course maps can be viewed here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/CourseMaps/FL/KeyWest/KeyWestHalfMarathon5K
What if I select the wrong course option in RaceJoy?
A: No problem. You will just need to return to the “home screen” for the event and near the top you will see some blue text that has your name. If you click on that, you can essentially go through and select a different course. This is not a problem, nor is it hard, but it can be a bit redundant and slightly annoying. (back to top)
How do I start RaceJoy?
A: Once the app is all set up (see above), all you need to do is hit the green “Start My Race” button in the app. The rest is automatic. (back to top)
Does RaceJoy have an app for my watch?
A: No, but it can and should be configured to give you notifications on your watch. Go to your settings for notifications and make sure RaceJoy is listed and configured. (back to top)
Do I have to run with my phone to use RaceJoy?
A: Yes. RaceJoy uses the GPS connection in your phone to monitor your progress. (back to top)
Can I run the ‘run anywhere’ course on a treadmill?
A: Yes, however, the RaceJoy app will not be able to track your progress. You would need to manually submit your time by going to this site:
https://runsignup.com/Race/RegistrationLookup/?raceId=83181&renderMode=results_mode
Can I use my run tracking app / sports watch to track my time?
A: Yes! You certainly can and in fact, it is recommended. Remember, you are technically running on your own, so there will be no on course indicators for your time. The RaceJoy app will provide some additional features, but your normal run tracking app or device can certainly be used. (back to top)
Can I use my run my run tracking app and RaceJoy at the same time?
A: Yes! In fact, this is recommended. RaceJoy will provide some good information but your regular app probably will give you more details and will also keep your information on your profile afterwards. RaceJoy does not permanently store your data. Having an alternate record of your time is great. It may be a bit awkward hitting “start” in two apps (or on two devices), but it is recommended. (back to top)
How do I post my results?
A: If you use RaceJoy and enter in your bib number, your results will be submitted automatically once you finish your run. If for whatever reason you have any issues, you can always enter your results manually by going to this site:
https://runsignup.com/Race/RegistrationLookup/?raceId=83181&renderMode=results_mode
Where can I see my results?
A: Results will be hosted here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/83181#resultSetId–226416;perpage:100
There are several results sets listed, so be sure to select the right option for the course you ran. (back to top)
What if my results are not showing up or are not correct?
A: Hey, things happen, right? No problem. Key West is all about being relaxed and enjoying the experience. If you have any issues with your results or anything else, drop us an email and we will sort it out for you. (back to top)
Why is RaceJoy is asking for my bib number?
A: RaceJoy can automatically push your finish time up to the results site if you enter in your bib number. It is not required but it sure makes your life easier. You can set up RaceJoy without it by selecting “Bib Pending” during the setup. You can always enter it later. (back to top)
What is my bib number?
A: We are not printing and distributing any physical bibs this year. Instead, you should receive (or have received) and email from RunSignUp / RaceJoy that included your bib number assignment. If you did not, you should be able to log in to your RunSignUp account and manage your registration. Here is a link to how to do that:
https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062920-view-edit-a-registration
If you want, you are welcome to print out your bib, but it is not required.
Why did I get emails from RunSignUp.com and RaceJoy but I registered for the race on Active.com?
A: Our registration platform is on Active.com and that is most likely how you registered for the event. RaceJoy and the results listing will be hosted on RunSignUp. All registration data from Active.com will be brought over to the RunSignUp platform for results and RaceJoy. Don’t worry, your data is not being shared with any outside companies. We are the only company that will have access to your information and you will not see any redundant charges. (back to top)
I can not make it to Key West to run the Modified In-Person event, can I run where I live instead?
A: Absolutely! If you do need to make this change, make sure you notify us before you try to submit your results. If you are using RaceJoy, you would just need to select the “Run Anywhere” option in the app when you are setting it up. If you are not using RaceJoy, you can upload your Run Anywhere time here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/RegistrationLookup/?raceId=83181&renderMode=results_mode
Make sure you select the appropriate results set from the drop down menu. (back to top)
Will there be course markings in Key West?
A: Yes. We will have several marks along the half marathon course in Key West. Please make sure you know the course before you start though. Since the event takes place over several days, there is a chance that some of the marking may not be visible when you are running. Remember, you are technically running on your own and it is always smart to know where you are going before you head off on your run. You can see the course layout here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/CourseMaps/FL/KeyWest/KeyWestHalfMarathon5K
Will there be water on the course in Key West?
A: We plan to place water at strategic locations along the half marathon course. However, we strongly encourage you to bring your own hydration. Your health and safety are very important to us. Remember, the event will span the course of several days and the supplies may or may not be available when you are running. We will do our best to ensure the supplies are safely replenished throughout the event weekend. (back to top)
What if I have additional questions?
A: You can email us any other questions you may have. (back to top)
Step-By-Step Guide to RaceJoy (PDF):
FAQs
Questions?
Claim Deferred Registration Click Here
If you have questions about the event, please email us at: info@keywesthalfmarathon.com
Claim 2026 to 2027 deferrals:
If you deferred your 2026 race to 2027 YOU MUST CLAIM YOUR DEFERRAL! Please make sure claim your deferral starting 1/20/26 till May 1, 2026.
Claim 2027 to 2028 deferrals:
If you deferred your 2027 race to 2028 YOU MUST CLAIM YOUR DEFERRAL! Please make sure claim your deferral starting 1/21/26 till May 1, 2027.
Click Here for instructions on how to Claim your deferral
Defer to 2027:
You can defer your registration directly from your RunSignUp account. Sign in here: https://runsignup.com/profile and log into your account. Look for the deferral tab at the top and follow the directions. It will only take a couple of minutes to complete the process.
Deferral fee schedule:
Big Pecker: $20 till 5/01/26 - $100 till 11/01/26
Lil' Pecker: $20 till 5/01/26 - $75 till 11/01/26
Half Marathon: $20 till 5/01/26 - $75 till 11/01/26
5K/8K/10K: $20 till 11/01/26
Rum Stroll/Beer Mile: $20 till 11/01/26
Transfer to Virtual:
You can transfer your registration to the virtual event directly from your RunSignUp account. Sign in here: https://runsignup.com/profile and log into your account. Look for the TRANSFER EVENT tab at the top right and follow the directions. It will only take a couple of minutes to complete the process. Thank you.
Schedule Of Events
2027 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Wednesday, January 13, 2027 (Day 1)
- 11 am – 1:30 pm – Volunteer Check-In and Party
Location: Sailfish Bar, Half Shell Raw Bar – 231 Margaret Street
Thursday, January 14, 2027 (Day 2)
- 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Runner’s Meet & Greet - Sailfish Bar, Drink Specials Location: Half Shell Raw Bar
Friday, January 15, 2027 (Day 3)
- ALL DAY: ICE PIK Vodka Drink Specials – Frozen Butterfinger Mudslide $15 & Passionfruit ICE PIK Vodka Cocktail $9
Location: Half Shell Raw Bar - 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Runner’s Expo/Packet Pick-up
Location: Outside the Half Shell Raw Bar - 231 Margaret Street - 7:15 pm - 10:00 pm Special Late Bib Pick-Up at Fit2Run, 211 Duval Street (BIB’S ONLY. Shirts must be picked up at Runner Expo on Saturday between 1 pm and 6 pm)
Saturday, January 16, 2027 (Day 4)
- Breakfast Special: Saluté! On the Beach! 1000 Atlantic Blvd. Will open early with a Three Breakfast Specials and Full Bar!
- ALL DAY: ICE PIK Vodka Drink Specials – Frozen Butterfinger Mudslide $15 & Passionfruit ICE PIK Vodka Cocktail $9
Location: Half Shell Raw Bar - ALL DAY: Pasta Special - $26.99 - Includes Linguine & White or Red Clam Sauce, Garlic Bread and Side Salad. Location: Half Shell Raw Bar
- BAG CHECK: 6:00 am – 6:45 am, in front of 1000 Atlantic Ave. – Saluté! On the Beach.
- 7:00 am: 5K Start and Finish
Location: Higg’s Beach on 1000 Atlantic Blvd. - 8:00 am: 10K Start and Finish
Location: Higg’s Beach on 1000 Atlantic Blvd. - 8:00 am - 11:00 am: 5K/10K Concert & Awards Party: Featuring Homebred Band - With Reggae Legend & Grammy Winner, Dave Richards
Location: Outside Salute on the Beach, 1000 Atlantic Avenue - 9:30 am: All 5K and 10K overall winners will be announced and age group winners will be available for pick up outside Saluté! On the Beach after the 10K at 9:30 am near the start/finish line.
- 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Runner’s Expo/Packet Pick-up
Location: Outside the Half Shell Raw Bar - 231 Margaret Street - 3:30 pm - Presentation by Dr. Kellee Reed. Introduction to Mike Raymond - Man Kicks Bucket at Bucket List Trip
- 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Special Late Bib Pick-Up at Fit2Run, 211 Duval Street (BIB’S ONLY – Shirts must be picked up at Shirt Exchange on Sunday after the race at near Gear Check in the parking lot located in the finish line area)
Sunday, January 17, 2027 (Day 5 - Race Day)
- ALL DAY: $8 Bloody Mary and Mimosa Drink Specials Location: Half Shell Raw Bar
Location: Half Shell Raw Bar - ALL DAY: ICE PIK Vodka Drink Specials – Frozen Butterfinger Mudslide $15 & Passionfruit ICE PIK Vodka Cocktail $9
Location: Half Shell Raw Bar - BAG CHECK: 6:00 am – 6:45 am on Race Day, in the parking lot by the finish line area in front of Waterfront Brewery.
- 7:00 am: Half Marathon
- 7:30 am: 8K Start
Location: corner of Caroline Street & Trumbo Road/West Marine (less than two blocks from the Packet Pick-Up location.)
RACE FINISH: Behind Waterfront Brewery. - 8:30 am - 12:30 pm: Concert & Awards Party: Featuring The Cayo Ritmo Big Band - Location: Outside Half Shell Raw Bar
- 9:30 am: 8K Awards at tables near bag check
- 10:30 am: Half Marathon Awards at tables near bag check
- 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Key West Papa's Pilar Rum Stroll Sponsored By Papa's Pilar Rum Featuring delicious Papa's Pilar Rum Libation Special at each location! To avoid long lines, feel free to visit the locations in any order.
1. Hemingway Rum Company, Papa’s Pilar Distillery - 201 Simonton Street
2. Schooner Wharf Bar - 202 William Street
3. The Marker - 200 William Street
4. Conch Republic Seafood Company - 631 Greene Street
5. Ocean Key Sunset Pier - 0 Duval Street
6. La Concha Tropicado Mojito Bar - 430 Duval Street
7. First Flight Restaurant - 301 Whitehead Street
8. RamsHead - 804 Whitehead Street
9. Southernmost Beach Cafe - 1319 Duval Street - 3:00 pm Key West Beach N' Beer Mile! Outside of the Southern Most Beach Cafe: 1405 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040 4 Loops, 4 Beers, Custom Shirt. Race is NOT TIMED! Prizes awarded for: 1. Best Team Spirit 2. Best Dressed 3. Least Dressed
- 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Cool Down & Recover Pool Party at the Blue Flamingo Resort. Free Entry! Live Music and Drink Specials. 3820 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040.
- 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Key West Farewell Party
Location: Salty Oyster with Live Entertainment at the Perry Hotel located 7001 Shrimp Road, Key West, FL 33040. Happy Hour pricing is 50% off well drinks and draft beers. And continue on to Matt's Stock Island Happy Hour also at the Perry Hotel!!!
Monday, January 18, 2027 (Day 6)
-
- 4:00 - 6:00 pm: Marathon Farewell Party and Happy Hour at the Blu Bistro at the Skipjack Resort in Marathon. 20% off all Menu items and Drinks All Day! Just mention you participate d in the Key west Half Marathon Location: SKIPJACK RESORT & MARINA - 19 Sombrero Blvd, Marathon, FL 33050
Start / Finish Line Area Map
Here is an aerial map of the Start / Finish Line Area. You can click on "Half Marathon Start" or "5K Start" to call up the course maps for each distance. You can click on the Information Icon to call up a Google Map for the location.
Things To Do In Key West
New! Free* Hemingway Trivia Hunt!
Trivia buffs: How much do you know about Ernest Hemingway? Wander around town, testing your knowledge with our new Trivia Hunt, which takes you to some of Ernest’s haunts, notable places where he spent time, and sites that honor him.
Email your request for the printable game by 10:00 each morning — Thursday-Monday, (1/14-18). The game will be emailed to you, and answers must be returned by 5:00 that night. (keywesthalfmarathon@gmail.com)
Win entries to next year’s Hemingway 5K & Paddleboard Race, entries to the Key West Half Marathon, and more!
(*Please note: admission to 2 places is required — $24/adult, total.)
Enter the Raffle to Win a Bottle of Rum!
Stop by 105 Simonton St. and drop your bib's Bag Check ticket into the jar. Drawings (2 bottles, total) on Sunday, January 17th, after the race.
Key West First Legal Rum Distillery is Key West's first legal rum distillery since Prohibition. Chef Paul Menta's award-winning Key West rums are aged in Salt Cured Barrels using locally and naturally-sourced authentic food flavors–Key Lime, Coconut, Madagascar Vanilla crème brûlée–and Florida demerara sugar (never molasses) to produce a rum with flavor depths and aromatic heights worthy of the distinction: Chef Distilled®.
Join their Mojito-making class! Call or stop by for details.
(305) 294-1441/keywestlegalrum.com.
Enter the Raffle to Win U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Merchandise!
Stop by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Museum Ship at Truman Waterfront to take a tour of the most decorated Coast Guard ship in history! And enjoy Happy Hour on Friday & Saturday nights -- a spectacular view of Key West's prized sunsets!
Write your Bib Number on a piece of paper and drop into the jar. Drawing for Ingham Hats, Polo Shirts, Free Admission and more on Sunday, January 17th, after the race.
Party Like A Local
“Party Like a Local” with the Conch Republic Party Passport!
Use Special Half Marathon Code: SALE10 to get $10 off of the purchase price!
Proceeds help the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club provide college scholarships & more to the local community. Good for hundreds of dollars worth of special ‘Locals Discounts,’ including complimentary meals, drinks, discounted attractions, water activities and more.
The passport is a high quality, thread-sewn booklet with a linen cover that has the look and feel of an actual passport, and it’s good at over 35 bars, restaurants and attractions. It’s a valuable keepsake of your Conch Republic visit, that you’ll treasure for many years to come!
…and it pays for itself over and over again!
Purchase Your Conch Republic Party Passport
Sunset Sail Key West
Schooner When and If
(Gen. George S. Patton's vessel, built in 1939)
40% OFF Day Sail or Sunset Sail
Friday-Sunday, January 15-17, 2021.
(Must present Bib or mention Race for discount.)
Located at the Historic Seaport at the foot of William St.
Reservations: (305) 697-1024
SailWhenandIf.com
Living On Key West Time!
To listen to Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band tunes or to find out more information about their band visit: http://www.milemarker24.com
Travel and Hotel
Content coming soon!