Miami Marathon
Monday, January 25, 2027
Elevation Gain
24m
Elevation Range
6m
Avg Temperature
68°F / 20°C
Course Profile
flat
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
Dead flat single-loop course at sea level with only 24m total elevation gain, all from bridge crossings. Starts downtown, crosses MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach, returns via Venetian Causeway, loops through Brickell and Coconut Grove before finishing at Bayfront Park.
Key Segments
Downtown to Miami Beach via MacArthur Causeway
Terrain: Flat urban streets with one gradual 9m bridge climb at km 0.4 (MacArthur Causeway). Second smaller bridge at km 4.
Challenge: MacArthur Causeway is the tallest climb on the course — a 3.3% grade over 500m. Easy to overcook the start on the downhill into Miami Beach.
Tactic: Settle into goal pace on Biscayne Blvd. Steady effort over the causeway — do not chase downhill speed into Miami Beach.
Miami Beach & Venetian Causeway Return
Terrain: Flat oceanfront roads through South Beach and Art Deco district. Venetian Causeway has six small bridge undulations across man-made islands.
Challenge: Sun exposure along Ocean Drive with no shade. Venetian Causeway bridges are gentle but repetitive.
Tactic: Hold steady effort. Enjoy the Biscayne Bay views on the Venetian Causeway. This is where you bank consistency for the second half.
Brickell & Rickenbacker Causeway
Terrain: Flat urban streets through the Brickell financial district, then a short flat out-and-back toward Rickenbacker Causeway.
Challenge: Mental grind through concrete canyon of Brickell skyscrapers. South Miami Avenue bridge at km 21.3.
Tactic: Focus on form, not pace. The flat terrain means any slowdown is fatigue, not the course. Take fluids at every station.
Coconut Grove to Bayfront Park Finish
Terrain: Flat, tree-lined streets through Coconut Grove neighborhood with an out-and-back, then final stretch north to Bayfront Park.
Challenge: Long out-and-back can feel isolating. Heat builds as the morning progresses. Second South Miami Ave bridge crossing at km 41.
Tactic: Coconut Grove shade is your friend. Break into 5km mental blocks. The final 2km back on Biscayne Blvd is pancake flat — empty the tank.
Race-Specific Training
- •Train in heat and humidity: January in Miami averages 20-24°C (68-75°F) with 70%+ humidity at sunrise. Simulate with midday runs or extra layers.
- •Practice bridge efforts: Include 400-500m gradual inclines in long runs to simulate the causeway crossings without breaking rhythm.
- •Prioritize sun protection strategy: Test sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses on long runs — 3+ hours of direct sun exposure on this course.
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Sea level (0-9m). No altitude considerations.
Weather
January average: 20-24°C (68-75°F) at race start (6:00 AM), rising to 26-28°C (79-82°F) by finish. Humidity typically 70-80%. Occasional cold fronts can drop temps to 13-15°C (55-59°F).
Sun & Wind
Sunrise around 7:05 AM — first hour is pre-dawn. Full sun exposure on causeways and Miami Beach with minimal shade. Easterly breeze off the ocean on outbound causeway crossings.
What to Wear
Singlet and shorts for most runners. Arm warmers only if cold front. Hat and sunglasses essential after sunrise.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-7 | 5-10 sec/km slower than goal pace | Settle in. Do not accelerate down MacArthur Causeway. |
| km 7-21 | Goal pace | Flat and scenic — lock in rhythm through Miami Beach and Venetian Causeway. |
| km 21-28 | Goal pace | Brickell is monotonous but flat. Stay mentally engaged. |
| km 28-42.195 | Goal pace to slight negative split if feeling strong | Coconut Grove shade helps. Use final 2km flat on Biscayne Blvd for a strong finish. |
Race Day Tip
The porta-potty lines at the start near Kaseya Center are long — use hotel facilities before walking over. Also, the Venetian Causeway aid stations tend to be less crowded than the Miami Beach ones.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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