Runner Personas
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
We welcome every kind of runner along Alabama's Beaches!
Our shores host many races throughout the year, bringing athletes of all ages, stages and abilities to our shores. We’re here to tell you about the types of racers you may “run into” while participating. Take an inventory and let us know: Do any of these runner personas sound like you?
The Athlete
The Athlete is someone you might think of first when it comes to competition. They sign up races without worrying whether they can finish, and they may even be vying for the podium. This type of runner enjoys a challenge and often has a group of athletic friends with similar interests to help keep motivation high during training and on race days. Ready to break a sweat?!
The Newbie
The newbie is always a welcome addition to race along the flat, fast courses in coastal Alabama. First-time runners will find plenty of fun runs, 5Ks and other short course races throughout the year. Once the newbies find other new runners to bond with, they may even get set up with our next runner persona! Ready to run?!
The Pacer
When you see someone running with a pole and a time stamp, it signifies this individual is a pacer – and they are a great runner to hang with. A pacer's consistency allows them to set a speed and finish the event in a precise amount of time. It’s fun to find a pacer to push you to keep up! Ready to get into step?!
The Family Man (or Woman)
We love the family man (and woman)! Not only do they bring a group with them to run, but it’s often quite a diverse group. From super young (perhaps a parent runs with a stroller in tow) to great-grandparents, these racers span all ages and backgrounds. Our annual Thanksgiving weekend Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run course is ADA-accessible, giving families various options to walk, run or roll. Ready to race with the fam?!
