TRAINING PROGRAM!

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail Voted #1!

Alabama Beaches’ Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail received national recognition as USA Today’s 10Best as Readers’ Choice Award winners for “Best Recreational Trail.”!  Enjoy this beautiful trail at the 2025 Big Beach Half and Full Marathon!!

The Biggest & Best Big Beach Ever!

You are invited to join us for the Big Beach Marathon and Half Marathon in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama next January!

The courses are flat and fast running on the fully paved trails through Gulf State Park, with the start and finish located at the Hangout with stunning beaches and views of the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to Sunday's Marathon and Half Marathon, the Safari 5K on Saturday gives an opportunity to take on the Shark or Dolphin challenge! Run the 5K Saturday and the Full or Half Marathon Sunday and get 3 medals, cool shirts, and the ultimate in bragging rights. 

We can’t wait to see you at Big Beach!

The Legacy Continues!

Thank you to all who've supported this great event five years or more! We celebrate your accomplishments and can't wait to see you in 2026! 

Dolphin Challenge

Maximize your race weekend with extra bling and yummy craft beer. Choose the Dolphin Challenge and run the Big Beach 5K on Saturday and the Big Beach Half Marathon on Sunday for a total of 16.2 miles! You'll receive a cool Dolphin Challenge medal, half marathon and 5K shirts to recognize your achievement. 

Shark Challenge

Feeling at the top of your game? Ready for a race packed weekend with extra bling and yummy craft beer? Then the Shark Challenge might be just the thing for you.  Run the Big Beach 5K on Saturday and the Big Beach Marathon on Sunday for a total of 29.3 miles and get a cool Shark Challenge medal, marathon and 5K shirts to recognize your achievement.