2026 Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & 7K

Lace up and get ready to run where the sand meets the pavement at the Big Beach Marathon & Half Marathon, returning to Gulf Shores, Alabama, on January 24-25, 2026! This flat, fast course takes you through the scenic, fully paved trails of Gulf State Park, with a start and finish line at The Hangout, where you’ll soak in epic beach views as you chase your next PR.

The weekend kicks off Saturday with the Safari 7K, the perfect shakeout run before race day. Want an extra challenge? Tackle the Shark or Dolphin Challenge by running the 7K Saturday and either the Full or Half Marathon on Sunday to earn three medals, premium race shirts, extra beer tickets, and some serious bragging rights.

🏨 Plan Your Race Weekend! 🏨
The host hotel is The Lodge at Gulf State Park and plenty of runner-friendly accommodations are nearby. Click the "Book Direct" link to find your perfect stay.

🎟️ Fuel Up & Save! 🎟️
Your race weekend isn’t just about the miles—take advantage of the Alabama Beaches Savings Scorecard, loaded with exclusive deals on local restaurants and attractions. Download it now and save when you arrive!

The beach is calling, and we can’t wait to see you at the start line! 🌊🏃‍♀️🔥