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Clearwater Marathon

Clearwater, FL
Sunday, January 31, 2027


  3.5 Stars from 6 Reviews

Course Description
The marathon course is a double loop of the half marathon that starts at Sand Key Park and heads through Clearwater Beach, over the Clearwater Memorial Bridge through Old Clearwater. The course continues through the Town of Belleair with mansions on one side and views of the intracoastal on the other. Finally, the run crosses the Belleair Causeway before heading north on Gulf Blvd to finish back in Sand Key Park.

January Other Marathons in January Other Marathons in Florida Marathons near Clearwater, FL



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, January 31, 2027
2026: Sunday, January 25, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 64°F (17°C)
Average High: 78°F (25°C)
Average Low: 50° F (10°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.67
Course Score: 98.56

Race Size

2026: 534 Finishers
2025: 466 Finishers
2024: 399 Finishers
2023: 293 Finishers
2022: 226 Finishers
2021: 133 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 2.3%
2025: 3.2%
2024: 3.8%
2023: 15.1%
2022: 4%
2021: 1.5%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 12 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 69°F  (21°C)
Low: 54°F  (12°C)

Race Start Conditions

56°F  (13°C)
Humidity: 85%

Clear
ESE 7 mph

PR Score

96.94

Course Score

99.04






Clearwater Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Clearwater Marathon was the 146th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 154th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 2.3% of Clearwater Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 3.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Clearwater Marathon ranked 364th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 253rd so far in 2026. In Florida, it ranked 12th in 2025 and 8th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Clearwater Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Clearwater Marathon has a Course Score of 98.56, ranking it as the 295th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 17th fastest marathon course in Florida.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Clearwater Marathon a PR Score of 97.67. The PR Score ranks the Clearwater Marathon as the 316th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 12th best marathon for a PR in Florida.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Clearwater Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Florida for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Clearwater Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed295th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 17th fastest marathon course in Florida
Top 64% Nationally#17 of 17 in Florida
PR Potential316th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 12th best marathon for a PR in Florida
Top 68% Nationally#12 of 17 in Florida
Boston Qualifier Rate364th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 12th highest BQ percentage in Florida
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 77% Nationally#12 of 18 in Florida
Race Size146th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 9th largest marathon in Florida
Based on 2025 results
Top 25% Nationally#9 of 18 in Florida

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 74 feet (22m)
Min Elevation: 2 feet (0m)

Elevation Gain: 621 feet (189m)
Elevation Loss: 621 feet (189m)


Clearwater

Course updated 12/09/2024




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Compare the Clearwater Marathon to other Marathons

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Compare the details of the Clearwater Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


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Race Reviews


3.5
Based on 6 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Well organized, but hot/humid and challenging course

Full Review:

Overall, a well organized, well produced race.

The race organizers have good taste: from the medal to the race shirt, to the scaffolding and signs, to the website, and information, maps, and tents.

However, one logistics issue was the bus that takes racers back to Pier 60 (Clearwater Beach hotels) after the race; it was hard to locate and stopped running before most of the marathoners finished. I had to get a rideshare back to the hotel, which ended up taking 30 minutes longer due to race-day traffic.

The course was nice and had variety, including ocean views, two "hilly" but scenic bridges, a ritzy neighborhood, golf course, city view, and a greenway/coastal bike path.

The toughest parts were (1) the bridges, especially the one to the south, which coincides with miles 10 and 23, along with (2) the last 5K stretch on the curb, which is quite narrow and cambered, so you can't pass anyone unless you move over to the sidewalk or onto the road.

Lastly, January weather in Florida is unpredictable.
Can be 50s or 70s, always humid, often windy as you're on the coast, and the sun is always hot, so if you're trying to BQ here, be extra prepared or look elsewhere.

Race Tips:

Pacing - as with any double-loop marathon, ignore the pace of the half marathoners on the first loop! Let them pass you as you run your "slower" race pace and save up for the challenging 2nd loop, which is often warmer, hotter, more humid, windier, lonelier, and has less crowd support.

The hilly segments were concentrated to the bridges, and when combined with the heat can cause you to cramp or hit the wall.

If it's feeling difficult, consider walking the hilly parts of the last bridge at mile 23 to save your legs for the flat 5K.

Use sunscreen

Travel/Logistics Tips:

As with any race, get there 1.5-2 hours early to get parking right by the venue. It's paid but fairly inexpensive.
Reviewed by HM About 2026

Poorly set up, bad post party,

Full Review:

Three of us went, and my niece took 1st Place Overall Woman. None of us will return next year because of how poorly this event was set up.

1. At the start of the race, there was a turn right after the start of the race, and people were tripping on each other.

2. Bridge that runners went up, down, back up, and then down, and the bridge was large, but that is life.

3. No awards at the end of the race, and they had it advertised. I just found out that they gave a clear cheap coaster that said the same thing on all coasters to the winners, I guess.

4. No Awards as promised for the 1st thru 3rd Place winners of the race.

5. The only snacks that were at the end of the race were unripe bananas or crackers.

6. This was a big event and not cheap, yet the race was set up terribly, and no nothing at the end of the race. Within 10 minutes, the event was cleared out, and runners were very disappointed.

Millennium Racing Events put this on, and I suggest not doing their events.

We will not return next year, and many other runners said the same thing
Reviewed by mg About 2023

Tough, But Beautiful

Full Review:

Unlike in the past (see older reviews) they will hold this race in the rain, from what I believe is due to a new director. I was fearing the worst when bad weather was in the forecast this year ('19), but we were able to race anyway.

The course is relatively tough with 7 large bridge crossings, but it is a beautiful place to run a race.

Due to the rain, my time suffered, but that is mainly due to me not training in the rain more! Overall, I would run this race again, but not for PR.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book a condo south of Clearwater if you're trying to cut cost. Most importantly, before and after the race, get a slice of key lime pie at Sunset Grill in Clearwater!
Reviewed by DJ About 2019

Full Review:

Horrible history of last minute race cancellations. The city of Clearwater may quickly pull the permits if there's any chance of bad weather.

Race Tips:

Wait until race weekend to register. The entry fee may be higher, but it's better than losing your entire entry fee due to cancellation.
Reviewed by DN About 2017

Full Review:

Have run it 3 times. Good race. Good scenery the first half. In 2016 they cancelled the full while we were standing in the corall due to water on the course and made everyone run the half.

Mostly Flat BUT with 6 bridges, two of which are steep and course can be very windy. Not the place to PR or BQ but a fun race.

Race Tips:

Start up front. there are walkers and 5 mile runners all over the course. The 3 bridges on the 2nd half are

short but tough and there is a downhill curly Q roundabout at mile 26 which they need to get rid of. Course actually measures 26.5....
Reviewed by ljs3 About 2016

Full Review:

Enjoyed the perfect race day weather. Sunny and very comfortable with views of the water. The bridges during the first 4 miles can take a bit of the kick out of your legs early on, so pace yourself for the back half. The back half has three pedestrian bridges to cross at Mile 18, 21 and 23, so save your energy. The water stops were about ever two miles along the course, so if you need water more frequently than that, bring your own.

Race Tips:

Pace conservatively for the first half. The bridges are on the first half and pedestrian bridges are on the late back half. Try to settle in with a comfortable pace on the very flat course from Mile 4 - Mile 15. Weather in Florida this time of year is mild with very low humidity.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There are plenty of hotels to accommodate the runners. Parking is very easy, but arrive early.
Reviewed by ejb About 2014