New Reward Awaits Key West Half Marathon & Runfest Participants Who Double Up on Race Weekend Events
Alongside the Big Pecker Challenge and the Lil’ Pecker Challenge, Happy Pecker participants will earn a hat
KEY WEST, Fla. — After the successful launches of the Big Pecker Challenge and the Lil’ Pecker Challenge in recent years, the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest is incentivizing more participants to take part in multiple events throughout the weekend festivities. Those who participate in any two distances will be deemed a “Happy Pecker” and awarded a hat featuring the wild roosters that roam Key West, which have been coined by the locals as “peckers”. These peckers can be found running throughout the town on any given day, and are often seen wandering around the courses at the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest. Registration for 2027’s half marathon, 10K, 8K, 5K, Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll and Beach N’ Beer Mile is now open.
“Many of our participants travel to be with us during race weekend, both for the racing experience and the amazing destination that we call home. Why not take part in more events to make the most of your trip?” said Barbara Wright, race director of the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest. “Adding on some additional distances to elevate your experience and earn some extra swag makes the miles traveled and completed extra special. We’ll be celebrating our ‘peckers’ of all levels at each finish line.”
There are also options for participants in three or four distances that will earn them even more swag. Participants in the Big Pecker Challenge complete the 5K, 10K and half marathon, earning medals for each race along with a Big Pecker Challenge medal. Those who take part in the Lil’ Pecker Challenge run the 5K, 8K and 10K and receive a medal for each race, as well as a one-of-a-kind Lil’ Pecker hat.
Last year’s event welcomed over 5,000 people to Key West on Jan. 16-18, bringing athletes and spectators together for a weekend of racing and celebration along the Florida Keys shoreline. As running and walking see a surge in popularity, numbers are expected to grow for the 2027 event. The race was named one of the top 10 half marathons in the nation by USA Today in 2023 and 2025. Runner’s World named it one of the Most Scenic Half Marathons in the United States and Canada in 2024 and Half Marathon Guide selected it as one of the 13 Best Half Marathons with a Coastal View.
The half marathon, 10K, 8K and 5K courses take participants along the scenic Key West waterfront with ocean views throughout much of the route, while the 8K also guides runners through the historic streets of Old Town Key West. The Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll leads participants through nine popular Old Town Key West locations, with a Papa’s Pilar rum drink at each stop. The Beach N’ Beer Mile features a four-loop course along Key West beach, where participants receive a custom shirt and four beers throughout the mile. Medals and shirts feature local artists’ designs, and are expected to be revealed for the 2027 event soon.
For more information about the Key West Half Marathon, please visit www.keywesthalfmarathon.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT KEY WEST HALF MARATHON & RUNFEST
The Key West Half Marathon is renowned for its beautiful course, which winds through historic landmarks, lively streets and Key West’s waterfront. With its vibrant atmosphere, enthusiastic spectators and well-organized event, the race attracts participants of all levels from all 50 States and 37 countries on average. Participants can expect a fun race experience, complete with top-notch amenities, unique race shirts and finisher medals, entertainment on the course, professional timing and a festive post-race celebration including food, beverages and concerts.