KEY WEST, Fla. — Racers can compete on foot or on paddleboards during two Key West challenges that commemorate Ernest Hemingway’s outdoor lifestyle and passion for sporting pursuits. Set for Saturday, July 20, the nationally acclaimed Hemingway 5K Sunset Run and Paddleboard Race is a traditional part of Key West’s annual Hemingway Day celebration. The July 16-21 festival salutes the life and work of the author who lived and wrote on the island in the 1930s.
“The Hemingway 5K, now in its 35th anniversary year, is the oldest ongoing race in Key West and we typically have more than 800 competitors,” said event organizer Barbara Wright.
Race registration and packet pickup are scheduled for Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. outside of Key West’s Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St.
The Paddleboard Race is to kick–off at 5:30 p.m. at the island city’s Higgs Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd. on the Atlantic Ocean. The 3-mile ocean course begins and ends at the beach.
The 5K run/walk will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Southernmost Point in the continental United States, located beside the Atlantic at Whitehead and South streets. Participants will travel a fast, flat 3.1-mile course through Key West’s historic Old Town, past landmarks including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. A post-race awards party is scheduled on the beach beside the Southernmost Beach Café with food, libations and raffles. Entertainment is to be provided by steel drum player Van Bertie.
Awards in the 5K await the top three male and female overall finishers, top three male and female masters and top male and female finishers in age categories ranging from nine and under to 75 and over. For paddleboard racers, awards will be presented to the first- through third-place male and female finishers in two board categories.
Events surrounding the 5K and paddle challenge include the Hemingway Rum Stroll and fun-filled Beach N’ Beer Mile, both set for Sunday, July 21 — the 125th anniversary of Ernest Hemingway’s birth. Runners, walkers and paddleboard enthusiasts can learn more and register for the races online at keywesthalfmarathon.com/hemingway-event-details/.
The event is sponsored By Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Southernmost Beach Resort and Beach Café, Papa’s Pilar Rum, Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, Sunshine Scooters, 24 North Hotel, 27th Key West Half Marathon & RunFest and the many in kind sponsors!
ABOUT HEMINGWAY 5K SUNSET RUN AND PADDLEBOARD RACE
The Hemingway 5K Sunset Run and Paddleboard Race was started in 1989, making it the oldest on-going race in Key West. The race is a part of the celebration of Hemingway Day celebrated in Key West to honor the legacy of the American literary mongul who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s. The race offers participants the unique opportunity to run, walk, or paddleboard as a part of the event, in spirit of Hemingway’s passion for outdoor activities.
