The course starts in Cocoa Village at Cocoa Riverfront Park. The full marathon course then runs along Indian River Drive until the turnaround and heads back towards Cocoa Village. The marathon course will then continue south along the river for the 2nd half of the course.Runners will head south on Rockledge Drive to the turnaround and finish back at Lee Wenner/Cocoa Riverfront Park.
The Space Coast Marathon was the 97th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 86th largest in 2023.
Last year 4.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 3.4% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Space Coast Marathon the 358th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 389th highest percentage in 2023.
Its Course Score of 99.49 ranks it as the 103rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 9th fastest course in Florida.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Space Coast Marathon a PR Score of 98.14. This PR Score ranks it as the 258th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 10th fastest in Florida.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Space Coast Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 41 feet (12m) Min Elevation: 3 feet (0m)
Enjoyed running along the water and number of water stations. The sound half had a number of locals serving beverages along the way (primarily the south half). Relatively flat course and low pressure atmosphere! Solid after party!
Race Tips
Relatively flat. The breeze off the water can make a cool day chiller or a warm day slightly more bearable.
There are a number of partner hotels with free shuttles to and from the race, as well as other "park-and-ride" locations. Downtown Cocoa can be difficult with traffic and parking, but there are options a little walk from the park.
Phil R from CT's review of 2017 Space Coast Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
What a great marathon. Beautiful course, well stocked aid stations, well organized, great and enthusiastic volunteers. We got lucky with the weather in 2017. Mid-50's at the start with low humidity. The course runs right along the water through beach communities, so the scenery is nice the entire race.
Race Tips
Since the HM starts 30 minutes earlier and runs the second half of the marathon course, it was weird having to pass so many HM'ers the last 10K of my race. I had to shout "on your left" quite a bit so folks would give me room to pass. The course itself is flat and fast. Some folks mentioned hills, but it was pancake flat to this New Englander.
Negatives: Very quiet (few spectators). Full Marathon starts AFTER Half, which is dumb. The later start subjects you to hotter conditions. In 2016, the Sun baked the 2nd half of the marathon, causing many to cramp. Marathon should start much earlier to avoid the FL heat. (Half Marathon was ideal).
Race Tips
It may be late November, but be prepared for FL high temps & humidity
