Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K

Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K

Race Date

Jan 30, 2027

Location

Gulf Shores, AL

The Experience

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

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

-0.05 m

Separation

0.6%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles7K1 Miles13.1 Miles30.55 Miles17.2 Miles30.3 Miles

USATF Certified Course

AL22005JE · Expires 2032 · We Run This Beach Half Marathon Course

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

View USATF Course Map (PDF)

Course Map

Historical Performance

Median Finish

2:26:45

11:12/mi

Winning Time

1:14:48

5:43/mi

Finishers (2026)

823

States Represented

43 / 50

Gender Split

63% Female37% Male

Finish Time Distribution

1:104:55

FASTER 25%

2:08:55

MEDIAN

2:26:45

SLOWER 25%

2:50:31

Average runner age: 43

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

49°

Afternoon (High)

62°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

14 mph

Wind

74%

Humidity

Explore More Journeys

Can't make it to Gulf Shores? Discover other experiences that match your running style.

Search All Races

Never miss
another
finish line.

Join our community of 350K+ half marathon runners. Get notified about new races, registration opens, and early bird pricing across all 50 states.

Privacy focused. Unsubscribe anytime.