6 Upcoming Florida Marathons You Can Start Training for Right Now

Florida offers runners year-round sunshine and some of the most beautiful race courses in the country. Whether you’re chasing a personal record or just want to experience a new destination, the Sunshine State has a marathon waiting for you. From coastal trails to beachside routes, these upcoming races give you plenty of time to train and prepare.

Mark your calendar and lace up your shoes—these six marathons are calling your name.

1. Marathon of the Treasure Coast — Stuart (Mar 1, 2026)

Kicking off the racing season in style, this early March event welcomes runners to Florida’s beautiful Treasure Coast. The course winds along scenic coastal roads where ocean breezes keep you cool and motivated. Many athletes choose this race as their first marathon of the year because the weather is typically mild and perfect for running.

Both marathon and half-marathon distances are available, making it ideal if you have friends or family who want to join at a shorter distance. The flat terrain and well-organized aid stations help runners focus on their pace without worrying about challenging hills.

Stuart’s charming downtown area provides plenty of post-race dining and relaxation options. You can celebrate your finish with fresh seafood and coastal views. Starting your training now gives you ample time to build endurance and arrive at the starting line confident and ready.

2. Medal Madness Marathon — Fort Pierce (Mar 21, 2026)

Ever wondered what it feels like to run a race festival where everyone around you is chasing different goals? Medal Madness Marathon delivers exactly that experience with multiple race distances all happening simultaneously. Runners tackling the full 26.2 miles share the course with half-marathoners, 10K participants, and even 5K racers, creating an electric atmosphere of shared determination.

Fort Pierce provides a friendly, welcoming backdrop for this mid-March event. The variety of distances means your entire crew can participate, regardless of fitness level.

The course layout keeps things interesting with scenic neighborhoods and waterfront stretches. Aid stations are frequent and well-stocked, ensuring you stay hydrated and fueled throughout your journey.

3. Seiz Up Marathon — Gulf Breeze (Mar 28, 2026)

Running with purpose takes on a deeper meaning when your race supports an important cause. Seiz Up Marathon combines athletic challenge with charitable impact, benefiting epilepsy awareness and research. Located in the stunning Florida Panhandle, Gulf Breeze offers runners a unique blend of natural beauty and community spirit that makes every mile meaningful.

The course showcases the region’s coastal charm with views of Pensacola Bay and tree-lined roads. Both marathon and half-marathon options let you choose your challenge level while supporting the same worthy cause.

Local volunteers go above and beyond to make participants feel appreciated and supported. You’ll find enthusiastic cheering sections, creative signs, and plenty of high-fives along the way. Gulf Breeze’s small-town atmosphere creates an intimate racing experience that big-city marathons sometimes lack.

Begin your training regimen now, and you’ll arrive race-ready with enough fitness to truly enjoy the scenery and soak in the community’s warmth and encouragement.

4. Withlacoochee Trail Marathon — Hernando (Apr 19, 2026)

Imagine running 26.2 miles without a single significant hill to slow you down. Withlacoochee Trail Marathon makes that dream a reality on one of Florida’s most beloved rail-trails. Located just north of Tampa in Hernando County, this April race attracts runners serious about setting personal records and achieving their fastest times.

The entirely paved trail cuts through shaded forests and peaceful natural areas. Wildlife sightings are common, and the tranquil surroundings help runners find their rhythm and maintain focus. Because the course is completely flat and smooth, you can concentrate purely on pacing and endurance rather than navigating obstacles.

Spring weather in central Florida typically brings pleasant morning temperatures perfect for distance running. The out-and-back course design means you’ll see fellow runners heading in both directions, creating camaraderie and motivation throughout your race.

With nearly four months to train, you can gradually build your weekly mileage and incorporate speed work. This race rewards preparation with fast finish times and the satisfaction of conquering a full marathon.

5. Cocoa International Marathon — Cocoa (Jul 12, 2026)

Not every runner backs down from a challenge, and Cocoa International Marathon definitely brings the heat—literally. Scheduled for mid-July on Florida’s Space Coast, this race tests your mental toughness as much as your physical endurance. Summer marathons require different preparation strategies, including heat acclimation training and modified hydration plans.

The course runs through historic Cocoa and nearby areas with occasional views of the Indian River. Marathon, half-marathon, and even ultra-distance options give adventurous runners multiple ways to push their limits. Early morning start times help you complete significant mileage before temperatures peak.

Why choose a summer marathon? Some runners prefer training through spring and early summer rather than winter months. Others want a unique challenge that fewer people attempt.

The smaller field size creates an intimate racing atmosphere where every finisher earns serious bragging rights. Extra aid stations with ice and cold water become your best friends out there. Starting your training now means you’ll have seven months to build both fitness and heat tolerance.

Just remember to incorporate hot-weather runs and practice your cooling strategies before race day arrives.

6. Panama City Beach Marathon — Panama City Beach (Dec 5, 2026)

Picture yourself finishing a marathon with sugar-white sand beaches and emerald Gulf waters as your backdrop. Panama City Beach Marathon offers exactly that experience as December arrives and racing season reaches its peak. This year-end event gives you the perfect opportunity to cap off twelve months of training and racing with something truly special.

The course follows scenic Highway 98 with stunning Gulf views that distract you from tired legs. Cool December temperatures make for comfortable running conditions compared to Florida’s humid summer months. Many runners use this race as their final goal race of the year or as a Boston Marathon qualifier attempt.

Panama City Beach’s tourism infrastructure means excellent hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options for the race weekend. You can turn your marathon into a mini-vacation with family and friends cheering you on. The festive holiday season atmosphere adds extra celebration to your finish line moment.

With nearly a full year to prepare, you can follow a comprehensive training plan that includes base building, speed work, and long runs.