Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
Orange Beach's Coastal Half Marathon offers a post-Thanksgiving run through Alabama's scenic backcountry trails.
Race Date
Nov 28, 2026
Location
Orange Beach, AL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Location
- Orange Beach, Alabama
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles, Virtual - Individual - Any Distance
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 3,333
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Coastal Half Marathon in Orange Beach, Alabama, provides a refreshing post-Thanksgiving tradition for runners. First held in 2008, this event has evolved over 14 editions, drawing participants from around 17 states.
Runners can expect a largely flat course, described as a mix of paved trails through a state park, road shoulders alongside the Gulf, and some sidewalk sections. The typical median field size is around 175 finishers, with approximately 26% of participants returning in subsequent years, indicating a loyal following for this annual event.
Beyond the race itself, the location in Orange Beach offers a perfect opportunity for a family getaway. The event is celebrated for its superb organization and outstanding post-race food, including offerings like crab cake sliders and gumbo, making it a memorable way to cap off the holiday weekend.
Race-provided description
Join us in Orange Beach for the 19th Annual Coastal Half Marathon, 5k, & 1-Mile Fun Run. It's the perfect opportunity to create new family traditions and experience the award-winning backcountry trails at this post-Thanksgiving weekend race.
Why Choose the Coastal Runs: Thanksgiving Weekend Special: Celebrate the holiday weekend with a run through Alabama's beautiful coastal landscapes.
Scenic Trails for All: Our courses wind through stunning backcountry trails, offering options for everyone with the half marathon, 5k, or 1-mile fun run.
A Perfect Family Trip: Extend your Thanksgiving holiday into a mini-vacation. Orange Beach offers beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, ideal for families. Create lasting memories with loved ones and start a new holiday tradition.
The Coastal Half Marathon, 5k, and 1-Mile Fun Run offers natural beauty, family and friend bonding, and holiday cheer. Transform your Thanksgiving weekend into an unforgettable adventure with us in Orange Beach!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Long-Sleeved TShirt
Start Location
Orange Beach Sportsplex, Orange Beach, AL, 36561
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Coastal, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout7114 years running
~175 finishers a year
shrinking
26% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 17 states
winner 1:18:33
typical high 66°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
52°
Afternoon (High)
66°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,333 finishers actually crossed the line across 14 years.
Most recent
2021
Total finishers
3,333
Median time
2:07:46
Latest turnout
175
States
40
Turnout by year
2014–2021
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run?
The Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run is held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run take place?
It takes place in Orange Beach, Alabama.
What distances does the Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles, Virtual - Individual - Any Distance.
Is the Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,333 runners who have completed the Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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