Miami Half Marathon

Miami, Florida

Sunday, January 27, 2019

On Sunday, January 27, 2019 I race walked the Miami Half Marathon in Miami, Florida.  Even though it was predicted to have showers at a 70% level for the entire event, the rain stopped 15 minutes before the start and it did not rain at all.  I could see much showers around the area.  The wind blew relatively strong out of the southeast making the 4 miles across the Mac Arthur Parkway to Miami Beach a little more difficult.  There is a high level bridge just before mile 1 and the rest of the course is relatively flat on city streets that were either completely closed to traffic or had dedicated lanes that were completely closed to traffic.  Numerous police officers were station with their squad cars blocking the intersections. Water/Gatorade stations were located approximately every mile; however, there were not enough volunteers or tables to keep up with the needs of the 14178 finishers in the half marathon and 2818 finishers in the full marathon.  Cups of liquid disappeared faster than the volunteers could fill them so the participant either had to wait or skip many of the stations.  I have done this event all 17 years that it has been held --- 7 marathons and 10 half marathon.  My wife, Gerda, has done the first 16 years and was planning to do the 17^th edition; however, on Thursday, January 24 she seriously injured her leg muscle and was forced to not participate which disappointed her greatly.  I really do not like the location that the exposition is held, Mana Wynwood in the Arts District which is filled with graffiti, barred windows and doors, as well as numerous out of business stores.  I do not feel safe parking and walking through the area.  The Miami Beach Convention Center or the Marlins Stadium were better locations used in the past.

The Exposition

Much of the Graffiti in the area displays much artistic talent

Before the Race

After the Race