Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K
- Date
- January 30–31, 2027
- Distance
- Marathon · Half Marathon · 5K & more
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
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.
Host City
About Gulf Shores, AL
Population
15,785
as of 2023
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.
236
Days to train
- Race
- Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 5K
- Date
- January 30–31, 2027
Coming Up
More Running races near Gulf Shores, AL
GrandMan: Return of the Grand! Presented by Greer's
18 miles away
Shark Run 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run
5K
9 miles away
Bloody Mary 5k
5K
Less than a mile away
GSFR 9/11 Memorial & Stair Climb
Less than a mile away
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.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
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, Gulf Shores, AL. 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