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.