Big Beach Marathon
Big Beach Marathon gives Gulf Shores a flat Boston qualifier on paved Gulf State Park trails, with beachside logistics and a January race slot.
Quick facts
- Flat, fast Boston qualifier in Gulf Shores.
- Course uses paved trails through Gulf State Park.
- Beachside start and finish near The Hangout.
- Seven-hour race window based on the posted race-day schedule.
Is registration open for the 2027 Big Beach Marathon?
Registration for the 2027 Big Beach Marathon is open.
About the Big Beach Marathon
The Big Beach Marathon is a Gulf Shores destination race with a flat, paved course and beachside start-finish setting. It is a practical winter option for runners who want a Boston-qualifying marathon without a huge-city race footprint.
Course
The marathon runs on paved trails through Gulf State Park with a beachside start and finish near The Hangout. The organizer describes the course as flat and fast, and the posted race-day schedule has a 7:30 a.m. start with the course closing at 2:30 p.m.
Race-day weather
Late January on the Alabama coast can be mild, but Gulf weather is not automatically easy. Wind, damp air, and sun exposure can all affect pacing even when temperatures look comfortable.
Past Big Beach Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Sunday, January 31, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
| 2026 | Sunday, January 25, 2026 | Completed | Open results |
| 2025 | Sunday, January 26, 2025 | Completed | Open results |
| 2024 | Sunday, January 28, 2024 | Completed | Open results |
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Big Beach Marathon FAQ
When is the Big Beach Marathon?
The 2027 Big Beach Marathon is on Sunday, January 31, 2027.
Is registration open for the 2027 Big Beach Marathon?
Registration for the 2027 Big Beach Marathon is open. View the official registration details at runsignup.com.
Is Big Beach Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Big Beach Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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