"Part of Miami's fabric": Life Time Miami Marathon continues to grow
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Athletes start the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half in 2023. Photo: Eva Marie Uzcategui/AFP via Getty Images)
When Frankie Ruiz set out to organize what would later become the Life Time Miami Marathon, he never anticipated it would one day attract more than 18,000 runners — including thousands from outside the U.S.
Why it matters: Miami's marathon isn't often listed alongside the world's most iconic races — like those in New York or Chicago — but Ruiz sees growing evidence that it's catching up.
- This year's race, the 23rd edition, sold out in record time, the Miami Herald reported — despite having its highest-ever cap on participants at 18,500.
- Global brands have begun partnering with local run clubs to host community events and activations in the lead-up to Sunday's race.
Case in point: Nike hosted its "After Dark Tour" on Monday, Hoka invited runners to test the new Bondi 9 sneaker on Tuesday, and lululemon is hosting a shakeout run ahead of the race.
- Ciele also held an unsanctioned race with the HERD run community on Thursday — "the ultimate validation that you have a legit event," Ruiz said.
Meanwhile, the race itself has become a spectator event.
- "We used to beg people to come out and watch the race," he said. "It's not elbow-to-elbow for all 26 miles, but when I drive the course at 6am and there's already people out with signs, that to me makes it real."
Fun fact: Ruiz has run the course but has never participated in the official race. He's too busy worrying about logistics, including where street cones go and keeping things in order.
- But this year's race has 60 "streakers," or runners who have participated every year since the race's inception in 2003.
If you go: The Tropical 5K is Saturday morning, followed by the half and full marathon on Sunday. Spectator bleachers open at 6:30am Sunday.
- More info is available here.
Finish line: In hindsight, the race's growth seems less surprising, boasting a course with ocean views, the Miami skyline and entertainment throughout.
- So whether it feels like one of the world's major races or not, Ruiz said the marathon is now "actually part of the fabric of Miami."