Key West Half Marathon

Several hundred runners are expected to race through historic Key West Sunday, Jan. 31, during the annual Key West Half Marathon. Set to begin at 7 a.m., the sporting challenge takes place on a flat, fast 13.1-mile half-marathon course through the island city’s Old Town and scenic waterfront.

Now in its 12th year, the race typically attracts participants from throughout the United States and other countries to compete in Key West’s balmy January climate.

A pre-registration booth is to be set up from 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Dante’s restaurant, 951 Caroline St. Race packets can be picked up at that time. In addition, runners can enjoy a pasta dinner at Dante’s for $8 per person.

At 6 p.m. at Dante’s, endurance athlete, coach and writer Jenny Hadfield is to present “Last Minute Tips for the Race of Your Life.” Hadfield, who has competed in adventure races all over the world including the Antarctica Marathon, co-owns the multisport training company Chicago Endurance Sports.

She is a columnist for “Women’s Running” and “Health” magazines and pens a weekly blog at RunnersWorld.com. The author of “Running for Mortals” among other books, she plans to bring a 100-member team from Chicago Endurance Sports with her to run in the Key West race.

The registration booth also will be open on race day starting at 6 a.m.

An awards ceremony with entertainment follows Sunday’s half marathon. Awards are to be given to the first- through third-place male and female finishers in categories ranging from age 14 and under to age 75 and over. In addition, organizers are to present first-place overall awards to the top male and female competitors, first and second Masters Awards and awards in the race’s military division.

The entry fee is $45 per person ($50 per person on race day). The first 600 entrants will receive a race shirt designed by local artist Art Winstanley.

The race is to benefit the Key West High School running program and Key West Gator Club scholarship effort.

For more information, call event coordinator Barbara Wright at (305) 240-0727