MIAMI – The sun-drenched streets of Miami transformed into a global stage for runners this past weekend as the 24th Annual Life Time Miami Marathon and Half, presented by FP Movement, drew an impressive field of over 17,000 athletes. This year’s event saw unprecedented international participation, with runners hailing from 82 countries, underscoring Miami’s growing stature as a premier destination for endurance sports.
Dominic Ondoro, a seasoned marathoner, demonstrated remarkable resilience and speed, clinching the men’s elite marathon title with a time of 2:17:47, despite a mid-race ankle twist. His victory marked a significant achievement in his Miami debut. Bradley Makuvire of Texas secured second place at 2:20:12, followed by Ederson Vilela Pereira of Brazil in third at 2:17:47.
On the women’s side, local favorite Christina Welsh powered through the 26.2-mile course to claim the elite marathon crown with a time of 2:42:14. Ellie Stevens, the reigning European Masters marathon champion, took second at 2:45:43, with Hanna Hauschild rounding out the top three at 2:52:27.
The Half Marathon also showcased fierce competition. Mauricio Gonzalez of Colombia triumphed in the men’s elite division with a swift 1:06:17. Miami resident Paxton Smith delivered a strong performance for a second consecutive runner-up finish at 1:08:27, narrowly outpacing two-time Olympic Trials qualifier Will Norris of Virginia.
In the women’s Half Marathon, Britain’s Tracy Barlow celebrated her first Miami win, crossing the finish line in 1:17:37 after two previous podium finishes. She was joined by Lucy Dobbs of Indianapolis, a seasoned competitor with top 50 finishes at both the New York and Boston Marathons, who took second at 1:19:32. McKenna Revord, a volunteer coach at the University of Miami, secured third place at 1:25:10.
The sold-out event utilized a USTAF-certified, Boston-qualifying course that snaked through some of Miami’s most picturesque and iconic locales. Starting at the Kaseya Center, the route ventured across the breathtaking vistas of Biscayne Bay to South Beach, then meandered along the vibrant Ocean Drive, through the charming neighborhood of Coconut Grove, and into the city’s dynamic financial district before concluding back downtown.
Adding to the weekend’s festivities was the Life Time Tropical 5K held on Saturday, which saw former Venezuelan Olympian Luis Orta secure his fifth victory in the event.
Beyond the athletic achievements, the marathon served as a significant fundraising platform. A contingent of 36 runners representing the Life Time Foundation actively raised funds to support initiatives focused on youth movement, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. This element highlights the event’s dual purpose: fostering personal milestones while contributing to broader community well-being.
“The Miami Marathon consistently delivers unforgettable, best-in-class moments for athletes across all participation levels,” commented Samantha Bailey, Senior Marketing Manager at Life Time. “From the elite competitors to the hundreds of elementary and middle school students from Miami-Dade County who completed the final mile, the event is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites through movement.”
The overwhelming popularity of the 2026 Life Time Miami Marathon & Half was evident in its sell-out status by mid-August 2025, marking the earliest sell-out in the event’s history and the fifth consecutive year it has reached capacity. Preparations are already underway for the milestone 25th anniversary in 2027, promising an even more spectacular experience for the global running community.
Life Time’s commitment to South Florida extends beyond the marathon. The company operates five premier athletic country clubs in the region, including its newest facility in West Boca, complementing existing locations in Coral Gables, Miami at the Falls, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens. These clubs serve as hubs for health and wellness, offering a comprehensive range of fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle programs.
The Miami Marathon & Half is part of Life Time’s extensive portfolio of nearly 30 premier athletic events, which includes other notable races like the Chicago Half Marathon, UNBOUND Gravel, and the Leadville Race Series. Information on all Life Time athletic events and registration details can be found on their website.
**About Life Time**
Life Time, publicly traded as LTH on the NYSE, is dedicated to empowering individuals to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The company operates over 185 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. Its comprehensive ecosystem includes the Life Time app, featuring its L•AI•C™ AI-powered health companion, and over 30 signature athletic events. Catering to a wide demographic from young children to seniors, Life Time provides integrated experiences in healthy living, aging, and entertainment, alongside specialized lifestyle programs and trusted nutritional supplements. Recognized for its outstanding company culture, Life Time employs a dedicated team of 43,000 members.
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