Downtown Miami transforms into a massive running course Thursday evening as 18,000 participants lace up for the annual Lexus Corporate Run. The sea of runners will take over the urban core, turning Biscayne Boulevard and surrounding streets into a 3.1-mile circuit that showcases the heart of the Magic City.
Starting and finishing at Bayfront Park, the race kicks off at 6:45 p.m., creating one of Miami's most significant weeknight athletic gatherings. For downtown residents and commuters, it means navigating a dramatically altered streetscape as the business district temporarily becomes an athletic arena.
Traffic Transformation Begins Early
The logistical dance begins well before the first runner crosses the starting line. Traffic changes start as early as 3 p.m. Thursday, with Biscayne Boulevard experiencing the most dramatic alterations. Northbound traffic gets shifted into two southbound lanes from Southeast 1st Street to Northeast Fourth Street, while southbound traffic reduces to two lanes beginning at Northeast Sixth Street.
Full closure of Biscayne Boulevard between Southeast Third Street and Northeast Sixth Street runs from 6 p.m. to approximately 11 p.m.
Progressive road closures ripple throughout downtown between 6 and 8 p.m., creating a domino effect that requires careful navigation. For those heading to PortMiami, access remains available from Northeast Fifth Street, though organizers strongly recommend using the PortMiami Tunnel from I-395 to bypass the congestion entirely.
The Downtown Circuit
The 3.1-mile route offers runners a tour of downtown Miami's diverse landscape, weaving through the urban grid in a carefully choreographed path that minimizes disruption while maximizing the Miami experience.
- South on Biscayne Boulevard using northbound lanes to Southeast 3rd Street
- U-turn onto Southeast 2nd Street, then west
- North on North River Drive to Northwest 5th Street
- East on Northwest 5th Street to Northwest 6th Avenue
- Complex weave through Northwest 6th Street, 5th Avenue, and 4th Avenue
- Return south on Biscayne Boulevard to finish at Northeast 2nd Street
Miami's Corporate Running Tradition
The Corporate Run represents more than just an athletic event—it's a snapshot of Miami's evolving professional landscape. With 18,000 participants, the race draws from the city's expanding financial district in Brickell, the growing tech corridor, and established businesses throughout the metropolitan area.
The choice of Bayfront Park as both start and finish creates a natural amphitheater effect, with downtown Miami's skyline providing a dramatic backdrop. The evening timing captures the city at its most photogenic moment, as office lights begin illuminating the twilight sky.
Officials urge residents, commuters and visitors to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time during the event.
For a city that prides itself on movement—whether it's the flow of international business, the rhythm of nightlife, or the constant evolution of neighborhoods—the Corporate Run embodies Miami's dynamic spirit. Thursday evening, that energy will be channeled into 18,000 pairs of running shoes, temporarily claiming the streets in a celebration of corporate community and athletic achievement.