Half Marathon races near Merritt Island

The Cocoa Beach Half Marathon is a Florida coastal race featuring a half marathon at 7 a.m. and a 10K at 8 a.m. Based in Cocoa Beach, the event takes place in November. The half marathon is for runners only to ensure State Road A1A can reopen promptly. The 10K is open to walkers, and the half marathon has a 3-hour time limit. The course offers views of the coast's working and natural elements: fishing boats, large cruise ships, porpoises, and diving birds may be seen offshore. Following a beach section, runners will return to A1A and finish on I Dream of Jeannie Lane. The race incorporates the local TV reference with custom Jeannie bottle medals, course music, hats for pre-registered participants, discount coupons from Ron Jon Surf Shop, and post-race amenities including beer, food, massages, and medical support.

The Space Coast Marathon & Half Marathon begins in historic Cocoa Village on Florida’s east coast, directing runners along a USATF-certified waterfront course. The event offers a marathon, a half marathon, and virtual options for both. The full marathon is open to runners and walkers aged 16 and older. It takes place in the vicinity of Kennedy Space Center, integrating a space theme throughout the event. The course concludes beside the river in Cocoa Riverfront Park, allowing spectators to view the finish. This marathon, now over fifty years old, holds the distinction of being Florida's oldest marathon. Its organizers connect the race to the region's space exploration history, referencing launches from Cape Canaveral, and the event also generates support for the local community.

The Health First Florida Marathon Weekend begins and ends near Riverside Front Street Park in downtown Melbourne, on Florida’s Space Coast. The February race weekend offers runners four options: a marathon, half marathon, Sunshine State Lager 10K, and 5K. The longer races are designed for runners, with a seven-hour time limit for both the marathon and half marathon. The 5K is suitable for walkers and open to participants aged 13 and older. Pacers are available for the marathon and half marathon. Locally, the marathon is considered a strong Boston Marathon qualifying race. The marathon route departs from downtown Melbourne, following US1 and the Indian River, featuring four bridge crossings and four extended five-mile straightaways. Half-marathon participants cross two bridges. Both main races provide a riverfront course with notable elevation changes for Florida. Music is incorporated, with up to 12 acts planned for the half and full marathon routes, and approximately six acts for the 10K and 5K. All finishers receive medals crafted from recycled metals. Participants in all distances get an event hat or visor. The post-race area offers Carib Brewery beer and complimentary finisher photos.