Health First New Title Sponsor of Florida Marathon Weekend, Set for Feb. 7-8, 2026
By Space Coast Daily // August 16, 2025
Runner’s World Magazine: One of America’s Top 10 Bucket List Waterfront Race Courses
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Smooth Running, producer of the Florida Marathon Weekend, announced that Health First is the title sponsor of its annual running weekend, set for February 7-8, 2026.
One of Central Florida’s premier participant sporting events and declared by the city as Melbourne’s Signature Sporting Event, the Health First Florida Marathon Weekend attracts thousands of runners and was first held in 2009.
It features four race distances: a 5k, 10k, half-marathon, and Boston Marathon qualifying marathon.
“We are very excited to have Health First come on board as the title partner of our race weekend,” said Smooth Running principal Mitch Varnes.
“They have long been our area’s leader in healthcare and were one of the very first organizations to support us when we created these races almost 18 years ago. We are looking forward to a great and mutually rewarding partnership.”
The Health First Florida Marathon Weekend is entering its 18th year and will next be held on February 8, 2026.
Its various courses traverse along Melbourne, Indialantic, their shared river causeways, and showcase the area’s natural beauty. Runner’s World Magazine has named the race as “One of America’s Top 10 Bucket List Waterfront Race Courses.”
“At Health First, we exist to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve, which is why we’re proud to sponsor the Florida Marathon Weekend, said Terry Forde, Health First President and CEO.
“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting events that inspire movement, connection, and a healthier tomorrow.”
Health First was born in Florida’s Space Coast in 1995, when their community hospitals came together to form one united network.
As a local, not-for-profit healthcare system, they provide nationally recognized clinical care across four hospitals and a dedicated medical group, along with comprehensive insurance plans and a wide range of outpatient services.
Over the years, Health First has grown and evolved to meet the needs of its expanding community, but their core mission remains the same: to improve the health and wellness of the communities it serves.
CLICK HERE to learn about the Health First Florida Marathon Weekend.
