Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K

  • Date Sat 24th January 2026 - Wed 28th January 2026
  • Time 9:00AM CST
  • Location Gulf Shores, Alabama
  • Price $18.25 - $128.20
  • Races 10 races
  • Distances Marathon, Half Marathon, 1 Mile, Ultra

Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K, taking place from January 24th to 28th, 2026, in the stunning Gulf Shores, Alabama! This exhilarating event features scenic and fast courses that wind through the beautiful Gulf State Park, providing runners with breathtaking views of the Gulf Shores beaches. On Sunday, the main eventsβ€”the marathon and half marathonβ€”kick off at The Hangout, where the start and finish lines are just steps away from the sandy shores.

On Saturday, participants can join the Safari 5K and Family Fun Run/Walk, making it a perfect weekend for everyone, regardless of their fitness level. For those seeking an extra challenge, sign up for the Shark or Dolphin challenge by racing in both the 5K and either the full marathon or half marathon! You'll earn not only a wealth of race swag, including a unique challenge medal and extra beer tickets, but also the ultimate bragging rights among your fellow runners. After an exhilarating day of racing, join us at The Hangout for the after-party, where you can enjoy delicious post-race food, refreshing beverages, and celebrate your accomplishments with friends and fellow participants. Don't miss out on the excitementβ€”

Organiser's Description

You are invited to join us for Big Beach Marathon in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama the weekend of January 24th & 25th, 2026. The courses are scenic, flat, and fast, running on the fully paved trails through the Gulf State Park.



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 ALL the swag 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 cant wait to see you at Big Beach!

Races

  • Marathon

    Incl. $6.40 Fee & Marathon Long Sleeve

    Sun 25th January 2026 (7:30AM CST)

    $96.40

  • Half Marathon

    Incl. $5.20 Fee & Half Marathon Long Sleeve

    Sun 25th January 2026 (7:30AM CST)

    $75.20

  • 5k

    Incl. $4.00 Fee & Safari 7K T-Shirt

    Sat 24th January 2026 (9:00AM CST)

    $39.00

  • Safari Family Fun Run & Walk (Untimed)

    Incl. $3.25 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 24th January 2026 (9:10AM CST)

    $18.25

  • Dolphin Challenge - 5K + Half Marathon

    Incl. $6.70 Fee & Long Sleeve & Short Sleeve Shirt

    Sat 24th January 2026 (9:00AM CST)

    $101.70

    Maximize your race weekend with extra bling, shirts and yummy craft beer. Chose the Dolphin Challenge and run the Big Beach 7k on Saturday and the Big Beach Half Marathon on Sunday for a total of 17.5 miles and get a cool Dolphin Challenge medal and t-shirt to recognize your achievement. And well throw in extra beer tickets for Sundays Big Beach Bash!
  • Shark Challenge - 5K + Marathon

    Incl. $8.20 Fee & Long Sleeve & Short Sleeve Shirt

    Sat 24th January 2026 (9:00AM CST)

    $128.20

    Go BIG race weekend with extra bling, shwag, beer and bragging rights. Chose the Shark Challenge and run the Big Beach 7k on Saturday and the Big Beach Marathon on Sunday for a total of 30.6 miles. You will get a cool Shark Challenge medal and t-shirt to recognize your achievement. And well throw in extra beer for Sundays Big Beach Bash!
  • Virtual Marathon

    Incl. $5.80 Fee & Marathon Long Sleeve

    $85.80

    OPENS 20 AUG
  • Virtual Half Marathon

    Incl. $5.80 Fee & Marathon Long Sleeve

    $85.80

    OPENS 20 AUG
  • Virtual Dolphin Challenge

    Incl. $7.00 Fee & Long Sleeve & Short Sleeve Shirts

    $107.00

    OPENS 20 AUG
  • Virtual Shark Challenge

    Incl. $7.00 Fee & Long Sleeve & Short Sleeve Shirts

    $107.00

    OPENS 20 AUG

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Location

101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, 36542, AL, United States

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