Fort Lauderdale prepares for the annual Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon Half Marathon and Celsius 5K with road closures and community festivities

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Runners and spectators alike are gearing up for the Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon, Half Marathon & Celsius 5K, scheduled to take place over the weekend of February 14-15. The annual event, a highlight of South Florida’s running calendar, will feature the full marathon, a half marathon, and a 5K race, drawing participants from across the state and beyond.

The Publix Fort Lauderdale Celsius 5K kicks off the weekend on Saturday, February 14, with a morning start. Runners and visitors should expect temporary traffic changes as the following advisory goes into effect from 7 to 9 a.m.: all eastbound lanes of E. Las Olas Boulevard will be closed from 401 E. Las Olas Boulevard to the Las Olas Bridge. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and anticipate delays during this two-hour window.

The main events, the half marathon and full marathon, will take place on Sunday, February 15, with race activities beginning as early as 5 a.m. and continuing until approximately 1 p.m. During this period, intermittent road closures will occur along the race routes, and residents, commuters, and visitors are encouraged to adjust their travel plans accordingly.

The half marathon starts at Esplanade Park and winds east on SW 2nd Street, south on S. Andrews Avenue, east on E. Las Olas Boulevard, and south along A1A, turning around at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Lot. Participants will then head north on A1A, west on Sunrise Boulevard, loop through Birch State Park, and continue east on Sunrise Boulevard before finishing north on A1A to Oakland Park Boulevard, eventually returning south into the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Lot.

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The full marathon follows much of the same route, starting at Esplanade Park and moving east on SW 2nd Street, south on S. Andrews Avenue, east on E. Las Olas Boulevard, and south on A1A to the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Lot turnaround. Runners will then head north on A1A, west on Sunrise Boulevard, loop through Birch State Park, east on Sunrise Boulevard, north on A1A to Palm Avenue, east on Palm Avenue, north on El Mar Drive to Washington Avenue, back east on El Mar Drive, west on Palm Avenue, and south on A1A to finish at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Lot.

Event organizers are warning residents and travelers to expect traffic congestion along the race routes, particularly in downtown Fort Lauderdale and along A1A near the beach. Planning extra travel time is recommended for anyone commuting or visiting the area during the marathon weekend.

The Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon weekend is not only a test of endurance for runners, but also a celebration of community, fitness, and Florida’s scenic coastal routes. Participants range from elite competitors to casual runners and walkers, with spectators lining the streets to cheer on runners as they navigate through downtown, beachfront areas, and Birch State Park.

In addition to the main races, the Celsius 5K on Saturday provides a shorter, family-friendly option, making the weekend accessible for runners of all ages and abilities. The event emphasizes safety, with clear traffic control, volunteer support, and coordination with Fort Lauderdale police to ensure that both participants and residents are protected throughout the races.

Organizers encourage participants to check the official race website at www.a1amarathon.com for up-to-date information on course maps, start times, and any last-minute changes to traffic advisories. Spectators are also advised to review the site to determine the best viewing locations while minimizing disruption to traffic flow.

With both the marathon and half marathon showcasing Fort Lauderdale’s iconic shoreline, bustling streets, and local parks, the event has become a staple of the city’s annual sporting calendar. Local businesses along the race routes often see increased activity as spectators, friends, and family members support the runners. Restaurants, shops, and hotels are expected to welcome the influx of visitors who come for the weekend-long celebration of health, fitness, and community.

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Event organizers also remind runners to arrive early on race day, stay hydrated, and observe all safety and course instructions. Volunteers, law enforcement, and race staff will be stationed throughout the course to provide assistance, maintain safety, and ensure that the event runs smoothly.

The Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon, Half Marathon, and Celsius 5K promise a weekend filled with athletic achievement, community spirit, and beautiful views of Florida’s coastline. Whether participating in the full marathon, cheering on friends in the half marathon, or enjoying a morning run in the 5K, attendees can expect a memorable weekend while being mindful of temporary traffic disruptions and safety advisories.

By bringing together runners, families, volunteers, and local authorities, the marathon weekend highlights Fort Lauderdale’s commitment to promoting health, fitness, and community engagement. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to plan ahead for travel, enjoy the festivities, and support the runners as they take on this challenging and scenic event.