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.
The Clearwater Marathon was the 181st largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 191st largest in 2022.
This year 3.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 15.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Clearwater Marathon the 99th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 316th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.56 ranks it as the 270th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 18th 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 Clearwater Marathon a PR Score of 97.67. This PR Score ranks it as the 291st fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 12th fastest in Florida.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Clearwater Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 74 feet (22m) Min Elevation: 2 feet (0m)
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
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.
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!
DN's review of 2017 Clearwater Marathon.
2 /
5 Stars
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.
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....
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.
3.4 Stars from 5 Reviews
