Annual Key West Half Marathon & Runfest welcomes over 5,100 participants for 28th annual event

January 22, 2026

Key West welcomed athletes from across the country with its infamous race challenges

KEY WEST, Fla. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Key West Half Marathon & Runfest returned to Key West on Jan. 16-18, welcoming more than 5,100 runners to the island. The annual event brought athletes and spectators together for a weekend of racing and celebration along the Florida Keys shoreline. The race weekend offered a wide range of distances, including a half marathon (13.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), 8K (4.9 miles), 5K (3.1 miles), the Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll, the Key West Beach N’ Beer Mile, and for runners interested in combining multiple distances on multiple days, there was the Big Pecker Challenge and the Lil’ Pecker Challenge.

Luke Morgan claimed the men’s half marathon title, completing the 13.1 mile course in 1:11:45. He was followed by Joosim Song in second place with a time of 1:16:33 and Austin Knapp in third place with a time of 1:16:47. The women’s half marathon was won by Jennifer Cantor, who finished in 1:27:14, followed by Rachel Wegman in 1:29:42 and Lauren Longfield in 1:30:56.

The men’s 10K division was led by William Thompson, who finished in 34:31, while Morgan Bremer won the women’s 10K with a time of 44:05. The men’s 8K title was claimed by Kinnon Ringler with a time of 25:45, and the women’s 8K was won by Stacey Harrison with a time of 35:29. The 5K division was topped by Jake Stineman on the men’s side and Kimberly Giang on the women’s side.

“This weekend truly captured the spirit of Key West, from the waterfront courses to the custom medals that reflect the island’s character,” said Barbara Wright, Race Director of the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest. “We are proud to offer an event that combines competitive racing with a fun, high-energy atmosphere, and it was incredible to see runners of all levels celebrating their accomplishments together.”

The half marathon, 10K, 8K and 5K courses took participants along the scenic Key West waterfront with ocean views throughout much of the route, while the 8K also guided runners through the historic streets of Old Town Key West. Participants in the Big Pecker Challenge completed the 5K, 10K and half marathon, earning medals for each race along with a Big Pecker Challenge medal. Those who took part in the Lil’ Pecker Challenge ran the 5K, 8K and 10K and received a medal for each race, as well as a one of a kind Lil’ Pecker hat. The Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll led participants through nine popular Old Town Key West locations, with a Papa’s Pilar rum drink at each stop. The Beach N’ Beer Mile featured a four loop course along Key West beach, where participants received a custom shirt and four beers throughout the mile.

This year’s event featured distance-specific medals celebrating the Florida Keys. 5K finishers earned a dolphin-shaped medal, 8K participants received a seahorse, and 10K and half marathon finishers were awarded sea turtle and stingray medals, both designed with a built-in bottle opener. Athletes who completed the Big Pecker Challenge received a special wild rooster medal inspired by Key West tradition. Participants also received newly designed 2026 race shirts showcasing an ocean inspired design with marine life and a Florida Keys map. The artwork was created by Key West native artist Abigail White, whose work also inspired the 2026 medal designs.

For more information about the Key West Half Marathon, please visit www.keywesthalfmarathon.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT KEY WEST HALF MARATHON & RUNFEST

The Key West Half Marathon is renowned for its beautiful course, which winds through historic landmarks, lively streets and Key West’s waterfront. With its vibrant atmosphere, enthusiastic spectators and well-organized event, the race attracts participants of all levels from all 50 States and 37 countries on average. Participants can expect a fun race experience, complete with top-notch amenities, unique race shirts and finisher medals, entertainment on the course, professional timing and a festive post-race celebration including food, beverages and concerts.

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