Special Compass at the 2026 Miami Marathon
January 25, 2026 @ 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
Location: Miami, Florida
Event: Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Presented by FP Movement
Participant Cap: 18,500 runners
About the Miami Marathon
The Miami Marathon & Half is one of the country’s most iconic races, attracting runners from around the globe. With a picturesque course that winds through palm-lined streets, alongside turquoise waters, and past Miami’s famous landmarks—like the Art Deco buildings of South Beach and the Port of Miami—it’s an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Special Compass at the Marathon
This year marks Special Compass’s 10th year participating in the Miami Marathon, making it a proud tradition for us. Every year, we showcase the power of inclusion by pairing differently-abled athletes with volunteer pushers to race as duo teams. This year, 15 duo teams will take on the challenge, demonstrating teamwork, determination, and the joy of crossing the finish line together.
A special highlight this year is Michael Sayih, racing alongside his best friend, Max Fink, who has completed the 6-star marathon majors. Their story, along with many others, reminds us of the impact of inclusion and the friendships we build along the way. Additionally, James Walker, one of our buddies, is celebrating a milestone of landing a new job with the Florida Panthers—just one of many inspiring achievements within our community.
Our Goal
Our participation is about more than just racing. We aim to:
- Build friendships.
- Promote inclusion by crossing the finish line together.
- Inspire others to embrace teamwork and pursue purpose and fulfillment.
- Raise $25,000 to support our housing project, creating opportunities for independence and inclusion in sports, education, employment, and housing.
Our theme for this year: “Unleashing Human Potential Together.”
Logistics for Participants and Supporters
- Start Line: Located in front of the Miami Heat Arena.
- Meeting Point: Special Compass tent at the Bayfront Fountain.
- Arrival Time: Volunteers and supporters should arrive at 5:00 AM.
- Special Compass Shirts: Supporters are encouraged to wear Special Compass shirts, which will be included in goody bags distributed on race morning.
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of this incredible event:
- Cheer Us On: Line the course and show your support as our teams race by!
- Volunteer: Help with logistics, provide encouragement, or assist at the finish line.
- Push Athletes: Sign up as a Power Buddy or join relay-style. Registration is available on the Special Compass homepage.
- Donate: Help us reach our $25,000 fundraising goal to support our housing project. Donations can be made online at the Special Compass website or through individual fundraising pages on TriFundit.
- Spread the Word: Share our story and mission on social media to inspire others to get involved!
Storytelling and Media
We’ll be capturing the magic of race day with a photographer and videographer, so stay tuned for updates, photos, and videos on our social media channels. We’ll also be livestreaming key moments and sharing stories of inspiration throughout the day.
Athlete Highlights:
This year, we’re thrilled to celebrate James Walker, one of our Power Buddies, who recently landed his dream job with the Florida Panthers. His story reflects the power of inclusion and the opportunities that arise when we work together.
Transportation and Accessibility
- All participants will meet at the Bayfront Fountain at Bayfront Park, where our tent, trailer, and race chairs will serve as the staging area.
- A Zoom meeting will take place one week before the race to review logistics, accessibility notes, and to introduce paired duos.
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for live updates on race day as we share the stories, smiles, and successes of our athletes and volunteers. Together, we’ll show the world the power of inclusion and the joy of going beyond the finish line.
Contact Us
For more information or to get involved, contact us at jim@specialcompass.org.
Let’s make this year’s Miami Marathon our most impactful yet!