Life Time Foundation Invests in Miami During Marathon Weekend

As the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon Weekend kicks off, the Life Time Foundation is set to make a significant impact on the community. From January 24 to 25, 2026, approximately 18,500 runners from across the globe will fill the streets of Miami, engaging in a series of events that not only celebrate athletic achievement but also promote health and sustainability.

The foundation’s efforts during this marathon weekend align with its commitment to youth movement, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Through various initiatives, the Life Time Foundation aims to enhance the local community by investing in clean beaches, active youth, and nutritious food options.

Community Initiatives During the Marathon Weekend

On Saturday, January 24, the weekend festivities will commence with the Life Time Tropical 5K. Following the race, the foundation will partner with Clean Miami Beach to organize a community cleanup at Nikki Beach. This initiative will involve around 100 volunteers and aims to protect the coastal ecosystem from harmful waste, particularly single-use plastics. The cleanup effort is supported by the Life Time Foundation, the Bronco Wild Fund, and local Ford dealerships.

The Bronco Wild Fund is dedicated to enhancing access to public lands, and proceeds from every Ford Bronco SUV sold contribute to initiatives that promote environmental conservation. The collaboration reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding Miami’s natural beauty.

On Sunday, January 25, the atmosphere will shift as over 850 students from Miami-Dade County elementary and middle schools participate in the Life Time Kids Run Miami. These students, who have engaged in a 16-week training program, will have the opportunity to cross the official Miami Marathon finish line, receiving medals for their achievement. This initiative, supported by the Life Time Foundation, is offered free of charge, allowing kids to build confidence and foster a lifelong love for physical activity.

Families and community members are encouraged to join the festivities, supporting the young athletes at the Life Time Foundation’s cheer station, which is designed to create an unforgettable experience.

Foundation Athletes and Long-Term Commitment

In a personal challenge, 36 Foundation Athletes will compete in the marathon, each raising a minimum of $1,000 for the Life Time Foundation, thereby transforming their race into a fundraising effort for health and wellness initiatives. Among these athletes is Edlin Serrano, a physical education teacher in Miami-Dade Public Schools, who will participate in the unique Magic City Miles Challenge. Serrano plans to collect donations for every runner she passes, inspiring her students and community with each step.

The Life Time Foundation’s commitment extends beyond the marathon weekend. It has announced a $75,000 grant to the Education Fund’s Food Forests for Schools program. This initiative will provide outdoor spaces for students, enhancing their academic performance, health, and environmental awareness. In total, the Life Time Foundation has invested $200,000 over three years into this program, contributing to sustainability and student well-being across Miami-Dade County.

As Sarah Emola, Director of the Life Time Foundation, noted, “At its best, sport has the power to bring people together and move communities forward. That’s what this weekend represents—neighbors helping neighbors, kids discovering their strength, and a city coming together around health, hope, and possibility.”

For more information on the Life Time Foundation or to support its mission, visit www.ltfoundation.org. The Miami Marathon, owned and produced by Life Time, is part of a series of premier athletic events organized by the company, including the Chicago Half Marathon and the Leadville Race Series.

Through its comprehensive approach to community engagement, the Life Time Foundation exemplifies how sporting events can serve as catalysts for positive change, leaving a lasting impact on local communities.