2022 marks the 13th installment of the Best of Marathon: the Middle Keys’ People’s Choice Awards. Since the program’s inception back in 2008, more than 1,000 winners have been named, while well over $120,000 has been raised for local charities like the Marathon Rotary Club. Earlier this week, we asked Marathon Weekly owner and publisher Jason Koler which elements of the Best of Marathon he’s most proud of, and it was an easy answer.
“Obviously when you are able to raise money for any of our local nonprofits, it always gives you a broader sense of community and reminds you of what’s important here at home,” Koler said. “Outside of that, my favorite part of the Best of Marathon has always been the voting process and, of course, the awards party. Last year our interactive voting map showed participation from five continents and over 12 countries. Our annual winners’ gala is one evening that brings together so many different people, from all different walks of life, to laugh with each other and celebrate our community. It’s just one evening where we can put aside our differences and have some fun with our friends. Every dollar raised benefits the Rotary Club, which I believe provides enrichment to the lives of so many people in our community.”
HOW THE VOTING WORKS
Nominate your favorites: Aug. 1-15
Log in to Keysweekly.com starting on Monday, Aug. 1 to nominate your favorites in each category. Voters can vote once per day for all categories, and must fill out 75% of the ballot to cast a valid submission. So visit often, or daily, throughout the nomination process to propose your favorite finalists.
The top three nominees in each category are placed on the finalists’ ballot. We do not create the top three (a commonly asked question). You, the voters, decide the top three finalists from among your nominees, each and every year. Nomination voting begins at midnight on Aug. 1 and ends at midnight on Aug. 15. Updates and reminders will be provided by the Keys Weekly in print, digital and social media throughout the voting process.
Vote for the winning finalists: Aug. 19 – Sept. 2
The top 3 nominees in each category make the finalists’ ballot. The highest vote-getter among the 3 finalists in each category receives the Best of Marathon Award.
Voting for the finalists in each category begins at midnight on Aug. 19 at keysweekly.com. During this stage, voters can submit one ballot per day and must fill out 75% of the categories to cast a valid ballot. So visit keysweekly.com often throughout the process and submit one ballot a day. Updates and reminders will be provided at keysweekly.com in our daily e-blast, Key West Weekly print editions and social media.
The Event: Sept. 17
The 13th annual Best of Marathon, this year on Sept. 17, has become one of the most popular events in town. Tickets are not generally made available to the public due to demand. Winners, nominees and dignitaries are invited to attend and additional attendees are selected from a first-come, first-served waiting list. To be placed on this list please email patti@keysweekly.com.
