2026 FTC Mary Andrews Marathon

The 2026 FTC Mary Andrews Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, in Hawthorne, Florida. Taking place at the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trailhead (21815 SE 71st Ave), the event features a flat and fast USATF-certified course along the Gainesville/Hawthorne State Trail. Participants can expect cool, winter running conditions, with average January temperatures in the region ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. The event offers a full marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles), and a 4-person relay option, all utilizing a loop format designed for speed and qualifying times.

What is the date and location of the event?

• →Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
• →Location: Gainesville-Hawthorne Trailhead, Hawthorne, FL 32640
• →Venue Address: 21815 SE 71st Ave, Hawthorne, FL 32640

What distances are available for this event?

• →Full Marathon (26.2 miles): 8-loop course, starts at 8:00 AM EST
• →Half Marathon (13.1 miles): 2-loop course, starts at 8:00 AM EST
• →Full Marathon Relay (26.2 miles): Teams of 4 runners, each completing one leg

How much does registration cost?

Full Marathon:

• →$90 until September 11
• →$100 (September 12 – October 11)
• →$110 (November 12 – December 28)
• →$120 (December 29 – January 17)
• →FTC Members: $20 discount

Marathon Relay:

• →$200 until September 11
• →$220 (September 12 – December 28)
• →$240 (December 29 – January 17)
• →FTC Members: $20 discount

Half Marathon:

• →$60 until September 14
• →$70 (September 15 – November 14)
• →$80 (November 15 – December 28)
• →$90 (December 29 – January 17)
• →FTC Members: $10 discount

What are the registration deadlines and participant caps?

• →Registration Closes: January 17, 2026, at 7:30 AM EST for all events
• →Race Cap: 200 total runners across both events
• →Spots Left (as of listing): 25 spots left for Full Marathon; 25 spots left for Half Marathon
• →Relay Registration: No race-day registration allowed

What is included in the registration?

• →Finisher Swag: Custom FTC Finisher Medal for all finishers
• →Apparel: Custom Jacket (guaranteed if registered by December 17)
• →Refreshments: Post-race breakfast and refreshments
• →Timing: Fully automatic timing with runner tracking
• →Awards: Overall, masters, and age group awards (top 3 in 10-year divisions)

What are the course details and cutoff times?

Full Marathon:

• →Course: 4 loops (3.27 miles per loop) on the Gainesville/Hawthorne State Trail
• →Certification: USATF Certified (FL21006JK), Boston Qualifier
• →Cutoff: 6-hour cutoff for official timing

Half Marathon:

• →Course: 2 loops on USATF Certified Course (FL21007JK)
• →Features: Only 3 turns, described as a very fast course
• →Pacing Groups: Available for 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, and 2:20 finishes

How does the relay race work?

• →Team Size: Teams of 4 runners
• →Format: Each runner completes one length (leg) of the course
• →Equipment: Shared bib belt exchanged between teammates
• →Setup: The first registrant creates the team and pays the total fee; others join afterward
• →Registration: No race-day registration for relay teams

What are the hydration and fueling provisions?

• →Aid Stations: Located approximately every 1.5 miles
• →Supplies: Water and electrolytes available
• →Gels: Limited supply available; runners are recommended to carry their own
• →Traffic Safety: Participants are instructed to always use aid stations on the right side to avoid collisions

Are there discounts available for club membership?

• →FTC Memberships Available:

• $65 (Family)

• $40 (Individual)

• $25 (Student)

• $25 (Senior 65+)

• →Benefits: 9 free races per year + discounts on 3 others

Who is the event honoring?

• →Name: Mary Andrews
• →Background: Gainesville native, Liberty University graduate, and Florida Track Club member
• →Athletic Achievements: Multiple-time Boston Marathon qualifier; completed ultra-marathons, marathons, and triathlons
• →Connection: Ran the first FTC Marathon in March 2021
• →Legacy: Event held annually in her memory; proceeds support the Scholarship Fund at Country Side Christian School

What are the start times and schedule?

• →Start Time: 8:00 AM EST for both Full and Half Marathons
• →Start Location: Gainesville-Hawthorne Trailhead
• →Event Duration:

• Full Marathon: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST

• Half Marathon: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST

• →Countdown: 00 Months, 17 Days, 05 Hours, 49 Minutes, 11 Seconds (as of listing)

Are volunteers needed?

• →Availability: Yes, volunteers are needed
• →Registration: Sign up via the “Volunteer” tab
• →Operation: The event is volunteer-led and operated at cost

What awards are given?

• →Categories: Overall, Masters, and Age Group
• →Divisions: Top 3 in 10-year age divisions
• →Finishers: Custom FTC Finisher Medal for all finishers
• →Apparel: Custom Jacket guaranteed for those registered by December 17