Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Half Marathon Draws Over 5,200 Runners

The annual beachside race featured a sold-out field and a cancer survivor's inspiring finish.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The 2026 Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Half Marathon took place on Sunday, February 15th, drawing a sold-out field of over 5,200 runners to the fast and flat beachside course. The event featured an inspiring finish by brain cancer survivor Charlie Crespo, who completed the half marathon and was greeted at the finish line by his wife Laura Creel.

Why it matters

The Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Half Marathon is a beloved annual event that showcases the city's beautiful beachfront scenery and attracts runners from across South Florida and beyond. The race's ability to sell out and draw a large field of participants, including inspiring stories like Charlie Crespo's, highlights the continued popularity of running events and the community's commitment to health and fitness.

The details

The 2026 Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Half Marathon featured a sold-out field of over 5,200 runners who navigated the fast and flat beachside course. One of the most inspiring stories of the day was that of brain cancer survivor Charlie Crespo, who completed the half marathon distance and was greeted at the finish line by his wife Laura Creel.

  • The 2026 Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Half Marathon took place on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Charlie Crespo

A brain cancer survivor who completed the half marathon.

Laura Creel

The wife of Charlie Crespo, who greeted him at the finish line.

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What they’re saying

“Brain cancer survivor Charlie Crespo is greeted by his wife Laura Creel after he finishe the half marathon in the Publix A1A Marathon, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 in Fort Lauderdale.”

— Joe Cavaretta, Photographer (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The takeaway

The Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Half Marathon continues to be a beloved annual event that brings the community together to celebrate health, fitness, and inspiring personal stories like that of Charlie Crespo's triumph over cancer.