Miami takes on its 23rd annual Lifetime Marathon and Half Marathon (includes video story)

Miami was up before sunrise Sunday morning as more than 18,000 runners from around the world took on the challenge of the 2025 Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. The race, sold out months in advance, kicked off just after 6 a.m. It drew elite athletes, first-time runners and international participants eager to experience Miami’s sunny course.

Race co-founder Frankie Ruiz emphasized the extensive preparation involved in making the event a success. 

“We spent a whole year on this edition of the marathon and are already getting ready for the next one,” Ruiz said. 

He expressed that organizing the race requires a massive team effort, with 500 police officers, marketing teams, sponsors and event staff all working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

The course started downtown at the Kaseya Center, sending runners across the MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach, where they raced along Ocean Drive with the sunrise as their backdrop. Half-marathoners turned back toward Bayfront Park, while marathoners continued south through Brickell and Coconut Grove before looping back downtown to cross the finish line. 

For some runners, crossing that finish line was about more than just completing a race—it was a personal victory. Brendan Quin completed the marathon in his racing wheelchair, using special gloves to push the wheels and propel himself through the 13.1 miles. 

Quin’s journey was one of determination and resilience. He was inspired to join the race after a call from an old teammate. 

“My old teammate gave me a call and said, ‘Hey, there’s the Miami Marathon, let’s do it,’ and I said, ‘Okay,’” Quin recalled. His positive attitude and perseverance made him one of the most inspiring participants of the day, proving that the marathon is not just for the elite runners but for anyone who is passionate enough.

In the elite division, Paul Eyanae of Kenya took first place in the men’s race, finishing in 2 hours and 10 minutes. Beth Marzigliano of the U.S. won the women’s race in 2 hours and 29 minutes.  

Eyanae’s victory adds to a growing list of Kenyan runners who have dominatefdin international marathons, while Marzigliano’s victory reflects the growing strength of American women in long-distance running.

Beyond the competition, the event brought together thousands of supporters who came to witness the perseverance of the athletes. Families, friends and volunteers lined the streets, offering encouragement and water to runners pushing toward the finish. 

The marathon also showcased Miami’s ability to host large-scale events.

“This is what makes Miami such a special place,” Ruiz added. “It’s a city that embraces diversity, and this event really reflects that.”

After the race, runners embraced loved ones, posed for medal photos, and reflected on the journey they had just completed. Many shared stories of personal triumphs, while others were simply grateful to have crossed the finish line. For some, it was a long-awaited goal; for others, it was their first marathon. 

Giana Agostinho is a trilingual student at Florida International University, majoring in Digital Communications and Media with a focus on broadcasting. She aspires to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, specifically within the sports industry, hoping to amplify athletes' stories and create engaging content for fans.

Andrea Rivera is a junior majoring in Digital Communication and Media with a Digital Journalism focus. After her studies, she wishes to pursue a career in the entertainment field.