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Big Beach Marathon

January 31, 2027 · 7:30 AMGulf Shores, Alabama, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

52°F

43–66°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

82ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +0 ft

Participants

640

Intimate field

Crowd Rating

3/ 10

Moderate spectator support

The Lowdown

Big Beach Marathon is a flat, fast road marathon on the paved trails of Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on the Gulf of Mexico coast. The 2027 edition is Sunday, January 31, with a 7:30 AM start and a beachside finish at The Hangout (101 E Beach Blvd). The course is USATF certified, so it counts as a Boston qualifier. It runs along the park's trail system, over wooden boardwalks and a pedestrian bridge across East Beach Blvd, and finishes on the beachfront boardwalk at West Gulf Place. The marathon has 14 water and Gatorade stops, GU gels at miles 9, 18 and 22, and pickle juice at five points. The time limit is 7 hours. The half marathon runs the same morning, and a Saturday 5K and family fun run round out the weekend. Runners can pair the 5K with the marathon in the Shark Challenge for a third medal. After the race, everyone is invited to the party at The Hangout, with food, beer and a live band. Packet pickup is mandatory, on Friday or Saturday at the Embassy Suites; there is no race-day pickup. The marathon entry is $125 through December 3, 2026.

Previous edition results — 2026

Course Highlights: 01The Hangout – start and finish beside the beach at 101 E Beach Blvd
02Gulf State Park trails – paved trail system that carries most of the course
03Beach Mouse Bypass Trail – wooden pedestrian boardwalk
04Lake Crossing Trail – wooden boardwalk toward Shelby Lakes
05East Beach Blvd pedestrian bridge – crossing near The Lodge at Gulf State Park
06West Gulf Place boardwalk – sidewalk beside the beach on the finish stretch
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 5K
Time Limit: 7 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online registration through RunSignup until Saturday, January 30, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST for the half and full marathon
Eligibility: Marathon is open to ages 18 and up
Strollers must be jogging strollers and start at the rear; no pets, bicycles or inline skates
Required Documents: Current photo ID (driver's license or passport) to collect a marathon packet
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds if the race is cancelled for reasons beyond the organizers' control; packets and shirts are still made available
Registration can be deferred to the following year's race for a $10 fee, up to two weeks before race day
Registrations can be transferred to another individual through the RunSignup profile
FanShield registration protection is an optional add-on at checkout

Book Stay

01: Organized by Junction311 Endurance Events
02: Marathon course is USATF certified; the half marathon course is not
03: Course record: Frank Matte, 2:31:56 (2025) for men and Alison Burke, 3:02:48 (2024) for women
04: GU gels on course at miles 9, 18 and 22; pickle juice at miles 7.5, 12.5, 17.5, 22 and 24
05: Course closes at 2:30 PM; marathon awards are at noon at The Hangout
06: Post-race party at The Hangout with food, beer and a band from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
07: RaceJoy live GPS tracking is provided for friends and family
08: No open race-day packet pickup; a late pickup option needs a $10 charity donation at registration
09: A HandCycle Marathon division is offered at $115

Questions about the Big Beach Marathon 2027

When is the Big Beach Marathon 2027?

Sunday, January 31, 2027.

Where is the Big Beach Marathon?

Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States.

What time does the Big Beach Marathon start?

The race starts at 7:30 AM, local time.

What is the Big Beach Marathon time limit?

7 hours.

How do I enter the Big Beach Marathon 2027?

Registration is open. Ways in: Online registration through RunSignup until Saturday, January 30, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST for the half and full marathon.

How much does the Big Beach Marathon 2027 cost?

Marathon: $125.

When and where is packet pickup for the Big Beach Marathon?

Jan 29, 2027: Friday 3:00-7:00 PM at Embassy Suites by Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort. Jan 30, 2027: Saturday 12:30-4:30 PM at Embassy Suites by Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort.

What is the Big Beach Marathon elevation gain?

25 m (82 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +0 m (0 ft). Relatively flat course.

What is the Big Beach Marathon course like?

It passes The Hangout, Gulf State Park trails and Beach Mouse Bypass Trail.

What is the weather like at the Big Beach Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 6–19 °C (43–66 °F). Feels cool.

How many runners does the Big Beach Marathon have?

640 participants. Intimate field.

Where are the Big Beach Marathon results?

The official 2026 results are on the organizer's site. Official results

Is the Big Beach Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer82ft gain, 52°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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