Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon offers a scenic beachside run celebrating a decade of coastal racing.
Race Date
Dec 12, 2026
Location
Biloxi, MS
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Location
- Biloxi, Mississippi
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 5K, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 18,247
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Now in its 10th year, the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon has become a beloved coastal running festival. Since its founding in 2016, the event has showcased the vibrant local culture with a stunning beachside run from Pass Christian to Biloxi, drawing participants from approximately 47 states.
The half marathon, part of a larger Coastal Running Festival, features a picturesque course along the coastline, with recent editions seeing around 3839 finishers. Runners can expect a net drop and minimal elevation change, making it a potentially fast course. The event also includes a full marathon, 5K, and various other distances, catering to a wide range of participants.
The weekend culminates in a festive Finish Festival at Keesler Federal Park, complete with hot food, cold beer, and a jumbotron to celebrate runners' achievements. This established event offers a rewarding experience for those looking to 'Cross the Coastline' and celebrate a decade of running.
Race-provided description
Celebrate a decade of coastal running with the 10th Anniversary Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, a Coastal Running Festival! This year, 'Cross the Coastline' and embark on a journey of achievement amidst breathtaking beach views. Since its founding in 2016, the KFCU Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon has showcased the vibrant local culture with a stunning beachside run from Pass Christian to Biloxi. Join us for an unforgettable weekend! Kick off the festivities in Gulfport with Packet Pickup and grab your commemorative 10th Anniversary merchandise. Saturday features the Chevron Kids Marathon 1 Mile Run and the Hippie Fish 5K, both held at the Centennial Plaza Resort - Gulfport. Then, head to Keesler Federal Park for the exhilarating Fly Llama Grand Slam Beer Mile and Beer Mile Relays! Sunday, as the sun rises over the Gulf, experience the Full and Half Marathons along the picturesque coastline. Runners who conquer the 5K on Saturday and a Sunday race earn the coveted Double Down challenge medal, a testament to their dedication. The weekend culminates with a Finish Festival inside Keesler Federal Park. Enjoy hot food, cold beer, and the thrill of watching runners achieve their goals on the jumbotron. Join us as we 'Cross the Coastline' and celebrate 10 years of unforgettable running experiences!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Event T-Shirt
Start Location
105 Caillavet St, Biloxi, MS, 39530
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.19 m
Separation
89.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MS18302MS · 2020 Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Point-to-point course layout.
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9227 years running
~2,623 finishers a year
growing or steady
19% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 47 states
winner 1:11:28
typical high 66°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
50°
Afternoon (High)
66°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 18,247 finishers actually crossed the line across 27 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
18,247
Median time
2:25:49
Latest turnout
1,942
States
51
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon?
The Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon is held on Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon take place?
It takes place in Biloxi, Mississippi.
What distances does the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 5K, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 18,247 runners who have completed the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Biloxi? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
