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Space Coast Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Cocoa, FL, USA
- Race Date: 11/22/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Space Coast Marathon Description
The Space Coast Marathon is Florida’s oldest marathon, tracing the scenic Indian River from Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village each late November. The mostly flat, Boston-qualifying course leans fully into its NASA heritage, complete with a countdown start and shuttle-launch video that kicks off the race. Space-themed landmarks and entertainment line the route, giving this Florida classic a distinctly out-of-this-world identity.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Space Coast Marathon Additional Details:
Aid stations here fully commit to the theme, space-themed rest stops appear at every mile, staffed by volunteers in NASA-style uniforms, with a cola station and even a bacon-and-mimosas stop turning up along the way. Neighbors along the course add their own touches too, some set up freeze pops and mimosas of their own. The finisher medal has grown into a genuine collector’s item, honoring a different shuttle mission’s inaugural flight each year and ranking among the largest medals in the sport. Discounted Kennedy Space Center tickets round out the perks for anyone who wants to extend the space theme past the finish line.
Course Information
Profile: Very Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 7 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 2,500-3,000
Marathon: 800-900
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 100 ft (30 m)
Elevation Loss: 100 ft (30 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 62°F
- High: 77°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Cocoa, FL, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Outdoors & Trails
Maritime Hammock Preserve
Hike the Maritime Hammock Preserve’s shaded trails through coastal scrub habitat near Cocoa Beach — a flat, low-impact walk for tapering or recovering legs after race day.
Food & Drink
Hidden Level Brewery
Sip a small-batch IPA or seasonal brew at Hidden Level Brewery, a locally owned taproom in historic Cocoa Village — a relaxed way to celebrate the finish line.
Shopping
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Browse the world’s largest surf shop at Ron Jon Surf Shop, a Cocoa Beach icon since 1963 — an easy, air-conditioned, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Landmark
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Walk beneath the towering Saturn V rocket and explore the Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — an easy, mostly-indoor, low-impact stop.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Cocoa Beach Pier
Stroll the historic Cocoa Beach Pier over the Atlantic, with restaurants, live music, and sunrise views — an easy, low-impact way to spend a rest day.
Arts & Culture
Historic Cocoa Village
Browse the revitalized art studios and shops of historic Cocoa Village, just west of Cocoa Beach — an easy, flat, walkable stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Brevard Zoo
Spend an easy day at the Brevard Zoo, home to giraffes, cheetahs, and a splash park — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Space Coast Marathon
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Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Other Races In Florida
Boston Qualifier: Yes
World Major Qualifier: No