Sunday, December 10, 2023 • Madeira Beach, FL • Course Map
Runners get a chance to run along the fast, flat shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico at Madeira Beach’s annual Florida Gulf Beaches Holiday Halfathon, a half-marathon race that takes runners on a point-to-point route from Madeira Beach all the way up to Taylor Park, for a course that mixes stretches along the beach with a run along Florida’s Pinellas Trail.
Much of the course is run also through Seminole’s shaded public parks, especially the stretches along the Pinellas Trail, which offer a welcome respite from the bright Florida sunshine this time of year.
From the starting line on Municipal Drive in Madeira Beach, runners follow a course that takes them northward along the shoreline, through Redington Beach, North Redington Beach and Redington Shores, until they reach the intersection with Park Boulevard, where they turn right and begin heading eastward along Park and then Oakhurst toward Seminole City Park.
After running around the park, runners then head northward again and enter the Pinellas Trail, running a long straightaway for the second half of the race all the way up toward Taylor Reservoir Park. The final stretch of the race takes runners around the edges of the reservoir, nearly all the way around to the finish line.
The stretch along the Pinellas Trail, considered one of the longest “rails to trails” linear parks in the country, offers a scenic counterpart to the oceanfront stretches of the race, with trees and grassy areas that are closed to auto traffic year-round.
No matter whether you wish to walk, run or wheelchair, you’re welcome to participate in the race. And if you can’t make it to Madeira Beach for the race, you can participate in it via the “Virtual Run,” in which you can receive an official finisher’s medal and race bib when you sign up.
Race Weather & Climate
Nestled along the string of barrier islands on the Gulf near Tampa Bay, about 10 miles west of downtown St. Petersburg, Madeira Beach typically sees December temperatures that average between 56°F and 71°F, while rainfall totals average about 2.6 inches for the month.
- Dec. 10 average low temp: 57°F
- Dec. 10 average high temp: 72°F
Course Map
See the race route map for the Florida Holiday Halfathon here.
Starting Time
- 6:35 AM – half marathon walkers start
- 7:00 AM – half marathon wheelchairs start
- 7:05 AM – half marathon runners start
- 7:30 AM – 10K start
Fees
- $70 and up for the half marathon
- $45 and up for the 10K
- $30 – $40 for the virtual race
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of Madeira Beach’s Florida Holiday Halfathon or 10K race, register online at RunSignUp.com here.
Official Race Website
www.floridaholidayhalfathon.com
Facebook Conversations
Ever run in the Florida Holiday Halfathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments box below.
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