
Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K
Gulf Shores' Big Beach Marathon offers a fast, flat, Boston-qualifying course with stunning beach views.
Race Date
Jan 30, 2027
Location
Gulf Shores, AL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, January 30, 2027
- Location
- Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 7K, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 30.55 Miles, 17.2 Miles, 30.3 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 6,387
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Big Beach Marathon in Gulf Shores, Alabama, delivers a fast and flat USATF-certified course, ideal for chasing personal bests and Boston Qualifying times. Runners will experience the scenic beauty of Gulf State Park on fully paved trails, with the start and finish lines set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf Shores beaches.
Now in its 11th edition, this event draws participants from approximately 44 states, highlighting its appeal as a destination race. With a median field size of around 1636 finishers and a growing trend, the atmosphere is lively. The race also offers a 5K and fun run on Saturday, with opportunities for multi-race challenges, culminating in a festive beachside celebration at The Hangout, complete with post-race food and beer.
Race-provided description
You are invited to join us for Big Beach Marathon in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama the weekend of January 30th & 31st, 2027. The courses are scenic, flat, and FAST, running on the fully paved trails through the Gulf State Park. Our course is also a USATF Certified Boston Qualifier for those who are hoping to score a coveted Boston qualifying time (and potentially snag a spot at the world major). The marathon and half marathon take place Sunday, with the start and finish located beach side at The Hangout. Enjoy stunning views of the Gulf Shores beaches, a gorgeous backdrop for your race weekend! And a celebration that brings runners back year after year. In addition to Sunday's marathon and half marathon, the Safari 5K and Family Fun Run/Walk on Saturday provides an opportunity for those not up to the marathon or half marathon distances the ability to participate, as well as giving those looking for an added challenge, the opportunity for TWO days of racing in your weekend. Take on the Shark or Dolphin challenge by choosing to participate in the 5K on Saturday and the full marathon (Shark) or 5K Saturday and then half marathon on Sunday (Dolphin)! Challengers receive finishers medals from both races PLUS a third challenge medal, extra beer tickets, and the ultimate in bragging rights. All race participants are welcome to The Hangout after party on Sunday to celebrate! Participants will receive post-race food, beer, and a great time near the beautiful Gulf Shores beaches! We can’t wait to see you at Big Beach!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, January 30, 2027
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
Half Marathon Long Sleeve
Start Location
101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL, 36542
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
AL21001JE · Big Beach Half Marathon 2021
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9511 years running
~1,636 finishers a year
growing or steady
20% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 44 states
winner 1:14:47
typical high 62°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
49°
Afternoon (High)
62°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
14 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 6,387 finishers actually crossed the line across 11 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
6,387
Median time
2:27:13
Latest turnout
840
States
51
Turnout by year
2019–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K?
The Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K is held on Saturday, January 30, 2027, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K take place?
It takes place in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
What distances does the Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 7K, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 30.55 Miles, 17.2 Miles, 30.3 Miles.
Is the Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 6,387 runners who have completed the Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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