Marathon, half marathon, and 7km race take place in Gulf State Park, offering great views of the Gulf of Mexico and its white beaches

The marker on the map indicates the city where the race takes place and does not show the exact start or finish location

The Big Beach Marathon is an annual long-distance running event held in Gulf Shores, state of Alabama, USA. The official name of the event is The Big Beach Marathon and Half Marathon. Around 1,500 athletes participate in the marathon race and other competitions. In 2023, 384 runners completed the marathon, and 629 finished the half marathon.

The Big Beach Marathon is an official Boston Marathon Qualifier.

More about Gulf Shores and its attractions you may find here.

Big Beach Marathon 2022

Big Beach Marathon 2021

4.3mi/7km Race (7K)

The 4.3mi/7km race starts at 9:00 on 27 January 2024 (Saturday) from Lake Shelby (20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores, AL, 36542).

Entry fee: $35—60.

Course of the 7km Race, Big Beach Marathon 2024

Safari Family Fun Run & Walk

The Fun Run starts at 9:10 on 27 January 2024 (Saturday)from Lake Shelby (20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores, AL, 36542).

Entry fee: $15—25.

Post-race party (Big Beach Marathon Party Palooza)

The post-race party takes place on 28 January 2024 (Sunday) until 15:30 at The Hangout Restaurant (101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542).

The Hangout Restaurant

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The course of the Big Beach Marathon 2024 follows the paved trail system of Gulf State Park, which is a public recreation area located along the Gulf of Mexico. It takes runners around fresh-water lakes, including Lake Shelby, Middle Lake, and Little Lake. The last 2 miles of the route run alongside the road, parallel to the white beach.

The course includes an asphalt trail, as well as wooden bridges and boardwalks that cross over marshes. If you are lucky, you might even spot some alligators during the race.

Course of the Big Beach Marathon 2024

Altitude profile of the Big Beach Marathon 2024 course

Course map animation, Big Beach Marathon 2022

The course of the Big Beach Half Marathon 2024 coincides with part of the marathon route.

Course of the Big Beach Half Marathon 2024

Altitude profile of the Big Beach Half Marathon 2024 course

The start and finish for the Big Beach Marathon and Half Marathon 2024 are near The Hangout Restaurant in Gulf Shores, located at 101 E Beach Boulevard.

You can find the official course map of the Big Beach Marathon 2024 here.

The time limit for completing the marathon is 7 hours, and for the half marathon distance, it is 3 hours 30 minutes.

The pacemakers of the Big Beach Marathon and Half Marathon 2024 provide the necessary pace to help participants finish within specific times.

Water and nutrition stations are located approximately every 1.5 to 2 miles along the route, including the finish. These stations provide runners with drinking water, sports drinks, and gels.

Before the start on 28 January 2024 (Sunday), you may leave your personal belongings near the Start and Finish Line, at the Hangout under the Mermaid (small) stage.

The route of the Big Beach Marathon 2024 is certified by the Road Running Technical Council of USA Track & Field (USATF).

You can sign up for the races of the Big Beach Marathon and Half Marathon 2024 online.

Online registration is open until 27 January 2024.

The entry fee for the Big Beach Marathon 2024 varies depending on the date of purchase:
until 31 July 2023 — $85,
1—31 August 2023 — $95,
from 1 September to 31 October 2023 — $105,
1—30 November 2023 — $115,
1—31 December 2023 — $125,
1—22 January 2024 — $135,
23—28 January 2024 — $145.

The entry fee does not include a sign-up service fee, which is approximately 7%.

The entry fee for the Big Beach Half Marathon 2024 varies depending on the date of purchase:
until 31 July 2023 — $65,
from 1 August to 30 September 2023 — $75,
1—31 October 2023 — $85,
1—30 November 2023 — $95,
1—31 December 2023 — $100,
1—22 January 2024 — $110,
23—28 January 2024 — $120.

The sign-up service fee (approximately 7%) is extra paid.

You may sign up for Virtual running events.

Double registration offers are available: Shark Challenge (Saturday 7k + Sunday marathon) and Dolphin Challenge (Saturday 7k + Sunday half marathon). Finishers who are registered for both a Saturday and a Sunday race will receive 3 shirts, 3 medals, and extra beer tickets for Sunday’s post-race party.

The Ambassador program offers you full entry fee refund if 5 people sign up with your referral code.

You have the option to defer your registration to next year, transfer your registration to another person, or switch to another distance (with surcharge if applicable) if slots are available. More info is here.

Your Marathon or Half Marathon Race Entry includes:

• Bib number with a time measuring chip
• Long sleeve race T-shirt
• Bag deposit service
• Pacemaker service
• Food and beverages stations, toilets along the course and after the race
• Cheer groups along the course
• Finisher medal
• Online race results
• Digital race certificate indicating finish time
• Race photos
• Medical aid if necessary

You can pick up your Race Pack, along with your bib number, at the following locations and times:
27 January 2024 (Saturday) from 13:00 to 17:30 at the Expo of the Big Beach Marathon 2024, held at the Lodge at Gulf State Park (21196 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores).
28 January 2024 (Sunday) on race day from 6:15 to 7:00, with special permission from the organizer, at The Hangout Gulf Shores (101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542).

No health certificate is required to participate in any race of the Big Beach Marathon 2024.

* Source: www.bigbeachmarathon.com

You can check your result and view the results of your friends and companions here.

* The race information is obtained from publicly available sources and the official website of the event. To get the latest updates and ensure accuracy, we recommend visiting the official website. If you notice any mistakes, kindly email us at admin@letsportpeople.com

The closest area airport is the Pensacola International Airport (located approximately 43 miles from Gulf Shores) which is serviced by all of the major airline carriers.

Another option is the Mobile Regional Airport. This airport is located approximately 62 mile from Gulf Shores.

Prices are for round trip flights 26 January 2024 — 29 January 2024. Price information is automatically renewed. You may check flight prices for other dates here or use the search form in the right upper column (desktop).

If over the past 6 years your flight within European Union, Turkey or to these countries was delayed for more than 3 hours or cancelled, if you missed a connection flight because of delay, if you were denied boarding because of overbooking you are eligible for compensation of 125—600 € according to European Commission Regulation 261/2004 and Turkish Regulation On Air Passenger Rights. You may check your case for free here, it takes 2 minutes. No fee is charged until the compensation is paid.

Race participants are fully responsible for their life, health and any consequence that may result from running a distance. Keep in mind that ordinary health insurance does not cover participation in sport events. Special sport insurance is preferable.

Find a hotel via online service that compares the most popular booking websites to get the best deal for your dates.

Have a look at what locals offer for a short-term rent. Such option may be cheaper, more comfortable and with better location than a hotel. You may book a room, an apartment or a house via airbnb.

M — Marathon, 42.195 km
H — Half Marathon, 21.097 km

The headline image is taken from pixabay.com in accordance with Pixabay License. The image may not illustrate any part of the event course.

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