The Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon is back for another exciting year on December 14-15, 2024, bringing runners and spectators alike to the stunning waterfront streets of West Palm Beach. Whether you’re looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon or to just enjoy a scenic run through this beautiful Florida city, here are 10 key facts to help you get ready for this local event.
1. Multiple Race Options
Race weekend kicks off on Saturday, December 14 with two races: the Garden of Life SunRun 5K Challenge and a fast, flat 10K. These events are the perfect warm-up before the main event on Sunday, which includes the Marathon, Half Marathon, and the option to join as a team in the Marathon Relay.
2. The Course: Miles and Miles of Beauty
The full course is a 100% flat route that takes runners along palm-lined Flagler Drive and through the historic neighborhoods of West Palm Beach. The course offers stunning views of the waterfront, Manatee Lagoon, and the area’s famous architecture, making it as scenic as it is fast. If you’re chasing a Boston qualifying time, this is a prime opportunity.
3. Boston Qualifier: Fast & Flat
As a USA Track & Field certified course and a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, the Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon is ranked the 2nd fastest marathon course in Florida. The fast, flat nature of the route makes it an excellent choice for those aiming to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
4. Top Finishers from 2023
In 2023, the fastest male runner was Simon Boudreau from Quebec, with a time of 2:39:39. The fastest female runner was Alana Rodriguez from Ann Arbor, finishing in 3:10:08. This year, who will set the new records?
5. Benefiting Special Olympics Florida
This year’s event will benefit Special Olympics Florida, whose mission is to provide sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
6. Race Perks
Participants will receive a race tech shirt, a finisher medal, and a Garden of Life Goody Bag. Runners will also get free race photos and an electronic finisher certificate. Plus, there’s an after party with food and beverages to celebrate the finish.
7. Pace Teams to Help Runners Reach Their Goals
Whether runners are aiming for a personal best or chasing a qualifying time, pace teams will be on-site to keep runners on track throughout the race. These teams are led by experienced pacers who have completed over 19 marathons on average.
8. Course Support for Every Mile
Expect top-notch support along the marathon and half marathon courses, with aid stations approximately every mile. Stations will offer water, Nuun, fruit, bars, and energy gels. There will also be medical support from Baptist Health and bike support from LC Tri Shop.
9. You Can Still Sign Up!
It’s not too late to be part of this exciting race weekend! Whether you’re aiming for the full marathon, the half marathon, the 10K, or the SunRun 5K Challenge, there’s still time to register. You could even still rally some friends for the Marathon Relay race. Visit Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon Sign Up to secure your spot today before it’s too late!
10. Locals Should Expect Road Closures
To ensure a smooth race day, there will be road closures on:
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- Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. through Monday, December 16, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.:
- Flagler Drive between Banyan Boulevard and Lakeview Avenue
- Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. through Monday, December 16, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.:
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- Saturday, December 14, 2024 starting at 6:00 a.m. with rolling openings starting at 9:15 a.m.:
- S. Flagler Drive / Washington Road between Okeechobee Boulevard and Southern Boulevard
- S. Olive Avenue between Okeechobee Boulevard and Argyle Road
- Diana Place and Actaeon Place between S. Flagler Drive and S. Olive Avenue
- Avila Road and Westminster Road between Washington Road and S. Olive Avenue
- Saturday, December 14, 2024 starting at 6:00 a.m. with rolling openings starting at 9:15 a.m.:
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- Sunday, December 15, 2024 starting at 5:00 a.m. with rolling openings starting at 12:00 p.m.:
- North / South Flagler Drive from 59th Street to Southern Boulevard
- S. Olive Avenue between Jefferson Road and Argyle Road
- Diana Place and Actaeon Place between S. Flagler Drive and S. Olive Avenue
- Avila Road and Westminster Road between Washington Road and S. Olive Avenue
- Sunday, December 15, 2024 starting at 5:00 a.m. with rolling openings starting at 12:00 p.m.:
If you’re not racing, be sure to come out and cheer on the runners. Roads will reopen once the race concludes.
Get Ready for the Marathon Weekend!
Whether you’re running the full marathon, a relay, the 10K, or the 5K, the Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon offers a world-class race experience in one of Florida’s most scenic locations. With ideal weather, a flat and fast course, and ample race-day support, it’s an annual event that makes for an unforgettable weekend of running!
