The Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon is one of three marathons held in South Florida.
February 21st, 7:00am Birch State Park, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

With the perfect setting of ocean breezes, palm trees and one of the most famous roads in America, the Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon is one of three marathons held in South Florida over a three-month period and Broward County's first certified marathon. Athletes from throughout South Florida, more than 40 states and 12 foreign countries compete annually in what has become the new signature event for the coastal area.

The marathon and half marathon was started by former sports executive Steve Tebon of Boca Raton, Fla., and Exclusive Sports Marketing, producers of the event, in 2006. The 26.2-mile course is one of the fastest and scenic in the state. Because it is certified, it is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The starting line is in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The tree-lined street with trendy shops and restaurants, palatial homes and yachts on canals is a fast straightaway to A1A with two bridges. When runners reach A1A, they head north along the oceanfront road through Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Pompano Beach. The course is lined with live entertainment including local groups, high school bands, cheerleaders and school mascots along with water stops. A health and fitness expo with vendors, clinics, demonstrations and speakers is also held during marathon weekend. The city's garages and area can accommodate 15,000 runners. The marathon, still in its infant stages, had less than 5,000 participants in the marathon and half marathon its first two years.

Race officials are working on an improved busing system for the point-to-point course to be able to transport more runners from the finish line at South Beach Park back to the museum. There are also post-race parties at the starting and finish lines which has become a boon for downtown bars and restaurants along Himmarshee. With no prize money, the Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon is considered more of a "peoples race" with hometown favorites and masters runners race favorites each year.

Course Description: Half Marathon

1.  Starting on Sw2nd St in front of the Museum of Discovery and Science and heads east to Andrews Ave
2.  Heads West on Andrews Ave for one Block and Turns East on Las Olas Blvd
3.  Heads East on Las Olas over the Las Olas Bridge over Sea Breeze Blvd ending on A1A where the Course turns North
4.  Mile 4 near Sunrise Blvd.
5.  Mile 6 near Oakland Park Blvd.
6.  Just North of Oakland Park Blvd the course turns right onto Galt Ocean Mile and heads to 35th St
7.  At 35th St course turns West for one Block before heading South on A1A (Turnaround)
8.  The Course heads south past Oakland Park Blvd., to Sunrise Blvd..
9.  At Sunrise mile 8.75 the course turns into Birch State Park for a two mile look at this well shaded run along the intracoastal
10.  Mile mile 11 brings you out of the park and back to A1A
11.  Following the beach the half marathon finishes up at South Beach Parking lot passing under the overhead skyway towards the second half of the parking lot where the Ocean will be your finish line at Mile 13.1!