Over the weekend of 24–25 January 2026, the event offers multiple distances: a Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, plus a Safari 5K on Saturday. The start/finish line is at The Hangout on Gulf Shores, and the courses run on fully paved trails through Gulf State Park and along coastal scenery. The terrain is flat and fast, suitable for strong performances and Boston qualifiers. Participants can also choose “challenge” combos like running the 5K then the Marathon or Half Marathon for extra medals and swag. The event emphasizes scenic views, runner experience, and festival-style finishing festivities at The Hangout.
Races
Marathon
Half Marathon
5 km
Race Date:
25 January, 2026
Organized by the Big Beach Marathon team, the Marathon will be run on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA, beginning and ending at The Hangout. The course is flat, scenic, and USATF-certified—ideal for Boston qualifying attempts as it winds through the Gulf State Park paved trail system.
Race Date:
25 January, 2026
Also hosted by the same organizers, the Half Marathon occurs on Sunday, January 25, 2026, starting from The Hangout, Gulf Shores, AL. The half route splits off from the full marathon course early, offering a shorter but still fast and coastal scenic race.
Race Date:
24 January, 2026
The Safari 5K (or “Safari Run / Walk”) is held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with start/finish near The Hangout. It’s a community-friendly distance that kicks off race weekend and pairs with the main distances in various challenge options.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Big Beach Marathon?
How long is the Big Beach Marathon?
Where does the Big Beach Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Big Beach Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Big Beach Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Beach Marathon?
Organized by the Big Beach Marathon team, the Marathon will be run on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA, beginning and ending at The Hangout. The course is flat, scenic, and USATF-certified—ideal for Boston qualifying attempts as it winds through the Gulf State Park paved trail system.
The Big Beach Marathon is 42km long.
The Big Beach Marathon takes place in Gulf Shores, AL, USA.
Runna classifies the Big Beach Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Beach Marathon?
Organized by the Big Beach Marathon team, the Marathon will be run on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA, beginning and ending at The Hangout. The course is flat, scenic, and USATF-certified—ideal for Boston qualifying attempts as it winds through the Gulf State Park paved trail system.
How long is the Big Beach Marathon?
The Big Beach Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Big Beach Marathon take place?
The Big Beach Marathon takes place in Gulf Shores, AL, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Big Beach Marathon?
Runna classifies the Big Beach Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Big Beach Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Beach Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Beach Half Marathon?
How long is the Big Beach Half Marathon?
Where does the Big Beach Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Big Beach Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Big Beach Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Beach Half Marathon?
Also hosted by the same organizers, the Half Marathon occurs on Sunday, January 25, 2026, starting from The Hangout, Gulf Shores, AL. The half route splits off from the full marathon course early, offering a shorter but still fast and coastal scenic race.
The Big Beach Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Big Beach Half Marathon takes place in Gulf Shores, AL, USA.
Runna classifies the Big Beach Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Beach Half Marathon?
Also hosted by the same organizers, the Half Marathon occurs on Sunday, January 25, 2026, starting from The Hangout, Gulf Shores, AL. The half route splits off from the full marathon course early, offering a shorter but still fast and coastal scenic race.
How long is the Big Beach Half Marathon?
The Big Beach Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Big Beach Half Marathon take place?
The Big Beach Half Marathon takes place in Gulf Shores, AL, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Big Beach Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the Big Beach Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Big Beach Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Beach Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Beach Safari 5K?
How long is the Big Beach Safari 5K?
Where does the Big Beach Safari 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Big Beach Safari 5K?
How can I prepare for the Big Beach Safari 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Beach Safari 5K?
The Safari 5K (or “Safari Run / Walk”) is held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with start/finish near The Hangout. It’s a community-friendly distance that kicks off race weekend and pairs with the main distances in various challenge options.
The Big Beach Safari 5K is 5km long.
The Big Beach Safari 5K takes place in Gulf Shores, AL, USA.
Runna classifies the Big Beach Safari 5K elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Beach Safari 5K?
The Safari 5K (or “Safari Run / Walk”) is held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with start/finish near The Hangout. It’s a community-friendly distance that kicks off race weekend and pairs with the main distances in various challenge options.
How long is the Big Beach Safari 5K?
The Big Beach Safari 5K is 5km long.
Where does the Big Beach Safari 5K take place?
The Big Beach Safari 5K takes place in Gulf Shores, AL, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Big Beach Safari 5K?
Runna classifies the Big Beach Safari 5K elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Big Beach Safari 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Beach Safari 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Coastal
Nature
Virtual
Kid friendly
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Big Beach Marathon or Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Big Beach Marathon website.
