Big Beach Marathon
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Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K : Gulf Shores, AL
The event takes place the weekend of January 24-25, 2026 in Gulf Shores, Alabama (101 E Beach Blvd, 36542). The marathon and half marathon run on fully paved trails through Gulf State Park. The course is USATF certified and is designated as a Boston qualifier. The marathon and half marathon have a beach-side start and finish at The Hangout. The Safari 5K and an untimed Family Fun Run/Walk are held on the Saturday of the race weekend.
Event offerings include in-person and virtual options. Challenger formats combine the Saturday 5K with Sunday distances: the Dolphin Challenge pairs the 5K with the half marathon, and the Shark Challenge pairs the 5K with the full marathon; challenger entries include race swag from both events plus a third challenge medal and extra beer tickets. Virtual race registrations have a listed registration deadline of January 24, 2026. The race provides a post-race gathering at The Hangout with food and beer for participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Distances and event types
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 5K
- Safari Family Fun Run & Walk (Untimed)
- Dolphin Challenge - 5K + Half Marathon
- Shark Challenge - 5K + Marathon
- Virtual Marathon
- Virtual Half Marathon
- Virtual Dolphin Challenge
- Virtual Shark Challenge