Ft. Lauderdale A1A Marathon Reviews

  Not for full marathoners

By Cp about 2024

Review

Have run this marathon three times and it's never well organized. The multiple loops and different turns for half marathoners creates so much confusion even the course volunteers don't know which way to direct runners. This has happened every time I've run this race. 2024 was by far the worst where the entire course was longer for both half and full marathons! They measured the course wrong! The organization admitted the mistake but there is no fix. Every runner had extra distance/time added to their results. This is absolutely not a race to run if you have any desire to use the results for Boston Qualifying.

  Too hot and humid

By Keisha J about 2022

Review

This race is catered to the 13.1 half marathoners and it's a lot a fun but for a full it's just to hot and miserable! It's not even that flat, I had like a 400 elevation gane! It was a miserable run, oh and it's always windy. Left so disappointed

Race Tips

Sign up for the half and just go have a blast!

  

By kl about 2017

Review

A beautiful flat scenic course. 2017 was quite hot and humid for my first marathon in Florida! Overall well organized and lots of support along the way. I did find that the first aid tents were not spread evenly, and the food at the end was not all in one spot, they encouraged you to walk around after you came through the finish to go to the different vendors for your recovery food; I had trouble navigating it as i was in a dehydrated state.

Race Tips

Bring toilet paper...they ran out. Bring a change of clothes, and a bit of food.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Get there early for parking. I parked by the start line, which means you have to get a shuttle back to your car from the finish. You can choose to park at the finish it just means you'll have to get there even earlier to get back to the start.

  

By EN about 2017

Review

Very organized, beautiful views all along the water, flat, fast course and best post party ever at the beach

Race Tips

Flat fast course, Boston qualifier

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Great tourist area and very organized when it comes to parking, drop off shuttles, etc.

  

By EMR about 2013

Review

A nice, super flat race. It is essentially an out and back race. It starts @ 6:00am I'm guessing to avoid the heat but it creates a memorable first hour as the sun rises over the ocean. The port-a-potties at the race start ran out of toilet paper an hour before the race. No excuse for that. There are plenty of water stops which most years will be critical. They do consistantly have a great medal.

Race Tips

The course is as flat as advertised w/ only one hill, an overpass. Its usually warm (altho 2013 was nice and cool) so hydrate. After the Halfers split off (mile 9) it can get a little lonely and miles 7-23 we don't get ocean views only the backs of beachfront hotels, ugh.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed close to the airport to save money but was still only 15 minutes from the race. I parked at the finish and took the shuttle to the start which worked great. I did arrive for the shuttle by 4:30. The expo was moved to the convention center. More room for the expo but bad traffic getting in and must pay for parking.