Hemingway 5k Sunset Run and Paddleboard Race to Make Waves in Key West

Get ready, athletes! This summer, the Hemingway 5k Sunset Run and Paddleboard Race is back to light up Key West with some high-energy action. Whether you're pounding the pavement or gliding on water, these two thrilling challenges are a nod to Ernest Hemingway’s adventurous spirit. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 20, as part of the lively Hemingway Days celebration running from July 16-21.

Celebrating its 35th year, the Hemingway 5k is Key West’s oldest continuous race, attracting up to 800 participants. Organizer Barbara Wright shares, “The Hemingway 5k is a staple in Key West’s athletic calendar.” The pre-race registration and packet pickup will take place from 3-7 p.m. at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St.

The Paddleboard Race starts at 5:30 p.m. at Higgs Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd., featuring a 3-mile ocean course. The 5k run/walk kicks off at 7:30 p.m. from the iconic Southernmost Point at Whitehead and South streets, taking runners through the picturesque streets of Old Town, passing landmarks like the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

Post-race, join the celebration at the Southernmost Beach Café for an awards party with food, drinks, raffles, and tunes from steel drum maestro Van Bertie. Prizes await the top three male and female finishers in various age categories for the 5k, and the top paddleboard racers in two board categories.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Hemingway Days also features the Hemingway Rum Stroll and the Beach N’ Beer Mile on Sunday, July 21, which is Hemingway’s 125th birthday.

Runners, walkers, and paddleboard enthusiasts can register online at keywesthalfmarathon.com/hemingway-event-details/. Can't make it to Key West? No worries, virtual participation options are available. Entry fees are $61 per race until June 30, rising to $65 after. Sign up for both events and snag a 10% discount on the second race. Military and local discounts are also available.

For more details, check out: Hemingway Event Details