2026 Big Beach Marathon

The 2026 Big Beach Marathon is scheduled for January 24-25 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The event features a half marathon and full marathon on Sunday, along with a Safari 5K and Family Fun Run on Saturday, utilizing the scenic and flat paved trails of Gulf State Park. For this time of year in Gulf Shores, participants can expect cool winter conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F to 60°F. The courses are USATF-certified and serve as a Boston Qualifier, starting and finishing beachside at The Hangout.

What are the specific dates and times for the event weekend?

The event takes place over two days:

• Saturday, January 24, 2026: Safari 5K & Family Fun Run/Walk
• Sunday, January 25, 2026: Marathon & Half Marathon

Where is the start and finish location for the races?

The Marathon and Half Marathon start and finish at The Hangout, located beachside in Gulf Shores, AL.

What are the course features for the Marathon and Half Marathon?

• Scenic routes through Gulf State Park
• Flat and fast terrain
• Fully paved trails

Is the event certified for Boston Qualifying times?

Yes, the Marathon and Half Marathon courses are USATF-certified and are Boston Qualifiers.

Distances and Categories

What distances are available for this event?

• Safari 5K: 5 kilometers
• Safari Family Fun Run & Walk: Untimed event
• Half Marathon: 13.1 miles
• Marathon: 26.2 miles
• Dolphin Challenge: 5K + Half Marathon
• Shark Challenge: 5K + Marathon
• Virtual Events: Virtual Marathon and Virtual Half Marathon

Are there age requirements for participation?

• Marathon: 18+
• Half Marathon: 12+
• Dolphin Challenge: 16+
• Shark Challenge: 18+
• Safari 5K and Family Fun Run: No specific age requirement listed

What is the Dolphin Challenge?

This is a multi-race challenge requiring participation in both the 5K on Saturday, January 24, and the Half Marathon on Sunday, January 25. Participants receive finisher medals from both races, an exclusive challenge medal, and extra beer tickets.

What is the Shark Challenge?

This is a multi-race challenge requiring participation in both the 5K on Saturday, January 24, and the Marathon on Sunday, January 25. Participants receive a triple-medal set, extra beer tickets, and "bragging rights."

Registration and Pricing

How much does registration cost?

Standard Races:

• Marathon: $135 (Current), $145 (Regular)
• Half Marathon: $110 (Current), $120 (Regular)
• Safari 5K: $55 (Current), $60 (Regular)
• Safari Family Fun Run & Walk: $20 (Current), $25 (Regular)

Challenge Events:

• Dolphin Challenge: $150 (Current), $160 (Regular)
• Shark Challenge: $170 (Current), $180 (Regular)

Virtual Events:

• Virtual Marathon: $80
• Virtual Half Marathon: $80

When are the price increase deadlines?

• Safari Family Fun Run & Walk: January 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST
• Marathon, Half Marathon, Safari 5K, Dolphin Challenge, and Shark Challenge: January 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST
• Virtual Events: Registration closes January 24, 2026

Are there spots remaining for the races?

• Half Marathon: 148 spots remaining
• Safari 5K: 113 spots remaining

Schedule and Timing

What are the start times for the races?

• Safari 5K: Saturday, January 24, 9:00 AM CST
• Safari Family Fun Run & Walk: Saturday, January 24, 9:10 AM CST
• Marathon & Half Marathon: Sunday, January 25, 7:30 AM CST

What are the event duration times?

• Marathon & Half Marathon: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM CST (Sunday)
• Safari 5K: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM CST (Saturday)
• Safari Family Fun Run & Walk: 9:10 AM – 11:00 AM CST (Saturday)

Event Features and Swag

What is included with registration?

Participants receive custom medals and event shirts. The post-race celebration at The Hangout includes food, beer, music, and beachside vibes.

What is the post-race celebration like?

The celebration takes place at The Hangout and features food, beer, music, and beachside vibes.

What kind of swag do finishers receive?

Finishers receive custom medals, event shirts, and additional items (varies by challenge participation).

Fundraising and Charity

Which charity does the event support?

The event supports the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

What is the fundraising goal?

The goal is $2,500. As of the event description, $1,375 has been raised.

What do donations support?

Donations support:

• Daily animal care (food, vet care, habitat cleaning)
• Enrichment activities (toys, puzzles, boomer balls)
• Habitat improvements (climbing structures, pools, perches)
• Community education & conservation efforts

How can I participate in fundraising?

• Donate directly via the Big Beach website
• Fundraise individually

Are there prizes for fundraising?

Yes, there are prizes for:

• Top fundraiser
• Top donor
• Random donor (for entries of $20 or more)

What is the deadline to contribute to the fundraising?

The deadline to contribute is January 20, 2026.