On Sunday, January 25, 2026, Special Compass will proudly celebrate its 10th year participating in the iconic Life Time 2026 Miami Marathon & Half Presented by FP Movement. This incredible event brings together 18,500 runners from around the world to race through the vibrant streets of Miami, offering picturesque views of palm-lined avenues, turquoise waters, and famous landmarks like South Beach’s Art Deco buildings and the Port of Miami.
But for us at Special Compass, this marathon is about more than just the race—it’s about inclusion, empowerment, and community.
A Decade of Inclusion at the Miami Marathon
This year marks a significant milestone as Special Compass celebrates a decade of inclusion and teamwork at the Miami Marathon. For 10 years, we’ve paired differently-abled athletes with volunteer pushers to compete as duo teams, demonstrating that the race is more impactful when we cross the finish line together.
This year, 15 duo teams will take on the challenge, showcasing resilience, teamwork, and determination. Among the highlights is Michael Sayih, racing alongside his best friend Max Fink, who has completed the prestigious 6-star marathon majors. Their partnership exemplifies the theme of this year’s race: “Unleashing Human Potential Together.”
We’re also celebrating the inspiring journey of James Walker, one of our Power Buddies, who recently achieved a personal milestone by landing a job with the Florida Panthers. Stories like these remind us that inclusion goes far beyond the racecourse—it’s about building opportunities for independence and success in every aspect of life.
Our Goal: Racing for a Greater Purpose
While our duo teams inspire others on the course, our mission goes beyond the finish line. This year, we aim to:
- Build friendships that bridge differences.
- Promote inclusion by showing what’s possible when we work together.
- Inspire others to embrace teamwork, purpose, and fulfillment.
- Raise $25,000 to support our housing project, which creates opportunities for independence and inclusion in sports, education, employment, and housing.
By participating in the Miami Marathon, we’re not just running—we’re raising awareness and creating a ripple effect of empowerment and inclusion in the community.
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to join us in making this event unforgettable:
- Cheer Us On: Line the course and show your support as our duo teams race by!
- Volunteer: Help with logistics, encourage our athletes, or assist at the finish line.
- Push Athletes: Sign up as a Power Buddy to support athletes with disabilities. 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 on our website or through individual fundraising pages on TriFundit.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission on social media and inspire others to get involved!
Event Details 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 by 5:00 AM.
- Special Compass Shirts: Wear your Special Compass gear! Shirts will be included in goody bags distributed on race morning.
The History of the Miami Marathon
The Miami Marathon, now one of the most iconic races in the United States, began in 2002 with a vision to create a world-class running event that would showcase the vibrant culture and stunning scenery of Miami. What started as a small idea quickly grew into a global phenomenon, attracting runners from all over the world.
The race was co-founded by Frankie Ruiz, a Florida International University graduate, who was inspired by the story of Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a Paralympic gold medalist and advocate for athletes with disabilities . From its inception, the Miami Marathon has been about more than just running—it’s been about celebrating resilience, diversity, and the human spirit.
Over the years, the marathon has become renowned for its breathtaking course, which winds through Miami’s most iconic landmarks, including the Art Deco buildings of South Beach, the Port of Miami, and the vibrant streets of downtown. The race’s tropical views, flat terrain, and festive atmosphere make it a favorite for runners of all abilities, from first-timers to elite athletes .
Today, the Miami Marathon is a Boston-qualifying event and a celebration of Miami’s multicultural community, with participants from over 80 countries coming together to experience the city’s energy and beauty. For Special Compass, the marathon is a perfect platform to showcase inclusion and teamwork, aligning with the race’s spirit of perseverance and unity.
As we celebrate our 10th year participating in this incredible event, we’re proud to be part of its rich history and to continue inspiring others to push beyond the finish line.
Capturing the Day: Stories and Media
We’re thrilled to share updates and inspiration throughout race day! A photographer and videographer will be on-site to capture the smiles, triumphs, and teamwork of our athletes and volunteers. We’ll also be livestreaming key moments and sharing stories of inclusion and resilience on our social media channels.
One of the stories we’re proud to highlight is the journey of James Walker, whose success off the course reflects the power of inclusion. With his new job at the Florida Panthers, James is an inspiration to everyone in our Special Compass community.
Transportation and Accessibility
All participants will meet at the Bayfront Fountain at Bayfront Park, where our tent, trailer, and race chairs will serve as our staging area. A Zoom meeting will be held one week before the marathon to review logistics, accessibility notes, and introduce paired duos.
Join Us in Unleashing Human Potential
The 2026 Miami Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of inclusion, resilience, and the connections that bring us together. At Special Compass, we’re proud to continue demonstrating the power of teamwork and proving that when we work together, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
Let’s make this year’s Miami Marathon our most impactful yet. Together, we’ll cross the finish line and go beyond it, creating opportunities and inspiring others along the way.
Contact Us
For more information or to get involved, contact us at jim@specialcompass.org.
We can’t wait to see you at the starting line!