The exciting ING Miami Marathon is back on Sunday, January 29 this year. The event has grown into a large full day with almost 25,000 participants! There is a large impact on the South Florida economy as well, generating over $45 million from hotel bookings, restaurant spending, transportation, shopping and entertainment.
The ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon are among our most popular signature events," says William D. Talbert III, CDME, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Over the past ten years, we have experienced the tremendous growth of this event with its thousands of participants from around the world enjoying our community and pumping money into our local economy. We're very proud and pleased to welcome the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon each year and look forward to the next ten years of its continued growth and success."
The runners pass through thousands of fans along the route, there are fun zones and cheering zones and 30 entertainment spots with mascots, dancers, bands and special guest celebrities. The race starts at American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami and ends at Bayfront Park downtown. It winds its way over the MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach, goes up South Beach and comes back over the Venetian Causeway, back to the Miami side.
Every finisher gets the Spinning Palm Finisher Medal complete with artistic ribbon and the famous "Spinning Palm."
From the downtown area, the runners go south into Coconut Grove, turn around in Center Grove and even visit portions of the Rickenbacker Causeway, before heading back downtown. It's a beautiful course full of Miami landmarks and beauty. So much of the bay is part of the experience.
There is a Post Race Festival, which includes live music, food and age group awards going 5 deep for 13 age groups in the full marathon and 14 age groups in the half marathon.
This year, the ING Miami Marathon and Half-Marathon have joined with American Airlines to launch the Race of the Americas Challenge. The top make and female runner in the marathon for each of the designated regions of the Americas will receive a special prize.
"We are looking to highlight our Latin American participation," said Race Director David Scott. "As we go into our 10th year, we want to give the event more of an International feel."
All the details of the ING Miami Marathon may be seen at their website: www.INGMiamiMarathon.com or call 305.287.8668.
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