On Sept. 29, about 150 Marathon citizens (maybe more than that, whatever the maximum occupancy sign says) gathered for the annual Best of Marathon awards presented by the Marathon Rotary Club and the Marathon Weekly Newspaper. Almost 3,000 votes were cast in 55 categories, ranging from Best Place to Watch the Sunset to Best Bank. It’s a chance to celebrate what makes Marathon unique, what makes it prosper, and what makes it fun. (Click on gallery to see images full screen photos:KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Keys Weekly)
Attorney of the Year Patrick Stevens, is tackled by Man of the Year (and attorney) Richard Malafy.
Whoop! Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys shows up in force for the win — Best Nonprofit. They are David May, left, Erin Arnett, Ryan Elwell, Meghan Richardson, Matt Bussard, Christine Todd-Young, Christina Gonzalez, Chief John Johnson and Jill Bell.
Cheddar, left, and Jordan joke around in front of the step and repeat. In addition to Cheddar’s win for Best Bartender, the Overseas Lounge also took home awards for Best Late Night Spot and Best Bar.
Some live to serve, others to be served. Lauren Ewing, Darrell Birkhimer and Sarah Brawer bartend at one of the bars at the Best of Marathon gala.
The Weekly’s Kristen Livengood, left, Nicole Rapanos and Darrell Birkhimer are just putting away the leftovers. We swear.
Capt. Don Hiller, M.P. Coleman-Sayer and Teri Hiller share a hug at the end of the evening.
Jason Koler, center, has one arm around Willie Gonzalez while he gives side chick Sam Williams a squeeze.
Chris and Liz Kuck, left, and Jen Boltz take home the Keys Strength and Conditioning prize for Best Place to Workout. The three have inspired many in Marathon to train harder than they ever thought they could.
The Hyatt Faro Blanco has been a big winner in 2017 and 2018. General Manager Karen Thurman, center, is joined by Ashley Keeney, left, and Andrea Robinson. The resort won in three categories: Best Place to Have a Wedding, Best Margarita, and Best Marina.
