“Disclaimer: I received free entry to Tropical 5k and am promoting Miami Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”

Recently the marathon course has changed a little from past years, instead of breaking away at the half mark and going through the Coconut Grove area and then turning towards the Rickenbacker causeway for the last 3-4 miles of the race we are going there for miles 16-17. Personally this is an excellent change since I usually hit the causeway when its blazing hot in the afternoon and going through the grove towards the end is a better option as there is more shade provided by the large trees. Check out the map below to see what I am talking about 🙂

Also another new thing for the year is the VIP experience, where not only the runners can sign up but also your family, friends and spectators of race weekend.  Check out the perks:

Expo: January 25 – 26

• Expo Early Access
• Valet Parking
• Fast Track VIP packet pick-up
• Premium Swag
• Private Expo Lounge
• Pre-Race Massage
• Light snacks and beverages

Evening of Friday, January 25: VIP Miami Cocktail Reception

Race Day: January 27

• Reserved Parking
• Private gear check at start and finish
• Private restrooms and start and finish
• Early Start VIP Corral
• Breakfast and Lunch
• VIP Bar
• Finish Line View
• Post-Race Massage and Recovery
• Private Changing Areas

If this sounds like something you are interested in you can sign up here! $150 for all these perks sounds like a deal to me.

I am pretty interested in the early access to the expo as it can get very busy and crowded quickly for packet pickup, some years more than others. Also a private lounge to relax in sounds like a nice way to start race weekend. As for race day the private restrooms sound like a MUST, I don’t know about you but it can get annoying peeing in super dark port a potties before the race. I am not sure I would use the VIP bar option but I could see how family and friends would like this option so they could sip some mimosas or have a beer while waiting for you to finish the race. I have never had a post race massage but can see how that would be relaxing after 26.2 miles or even a hard 13.1.

Are you participating in Miami Marathon weekend this year? Or have you in the past? Have you ever went VIP for a race? How was it and would you recommend it to others?