Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K logo

Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K

Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K is a running race on January 30–31, 2027 in Gulf Shores, AL, with entry fees from $15 to $130.

Date
January 30–31, 2027 (191 days to go)
Price
$15–$130
Sport
Running
Register →

From the Organizer

You are invited to join us for Big Beach Marathon in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama the weekend of January 30th & 31st, 2027.  The courses are scenic, flat, and FAST, running on the fully paved trails through the Gulf State Park. Our course is also a USATF Certified Boston Qualifier for those who are hoping to score a coveted Boston qualifying time (and potentially snag a spot at the world major).

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 finishers medals 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 can’t wait to see you at Big Beach!

Events

5K$40
Dolphin Challenge - 5K + Half Marathon$110
Shark Challenge - 5K + Marathon$130
Safari Family Fun Run & Walk (Untimed)$15
Half Marathon$85
Marathon$105

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

59°

Typical Low

47°

Chance of Rain

37%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Dauphin Is #2, 21 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 6:42 AMSunset 5:25 PMDaylight 10h 43m

Host City

About Gulf Shores, AL

Population

15,785

as of 2023

City Elevation

10 ft

Nearest Airport

PNS

Pensacola International Airport · 36 mi

Time Zone

Central Time

From Endurance Grid

A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

191

Days to train

Race
Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K
Date
January 30–31, 2027

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From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Plan your trip

Make it a Racecation

Coming from out of town? There's more to Gulf Shores than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.

Plan your trip to Gulf Shores
Lodging
Flights
Rental Car
Activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K?+
Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K is a running race held in Gulf Shores, Alabama on January 30, 2027. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K?+
Saturday, January 30, 2027 in Gulf Shores, Alabama at 101 E Beach Blvd. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K?+
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K

Jan 30, 2027

Register →