We Run This Beach Marathon and Half Marathon have been in operation since 2018 and it has skyrocketed in popularity ever since. Is it the beaches, the flat course, or the awesome swag? That’s for you to find out! Fast, flat, and scenic, this race boasts a beautiful course full of amazing views of Lake Shelby, the Gulf Coast beaches, and of course, the natural landscapes of Gulf State Park and the pancake-flat paved trails within it. The race is so flat, in fact, that it’s ranked the second fastest half marathon and marathon course in all of Alabama. For those itching to qualify for the Boston Marathon, this might just be the race for you!
We Run This Beach Marathon & Half Marathon
February 23, 2025
Gulf Shores
Road
Ready to sign up?
100-500
Fast & Flat
Oceanfront
High: 66°
/ Low: 46°
Starting near Gulf State Park Lodge on E Beach Blvd, runners will line up at the start line under the pavilion and set off Campground Road as they hang a hard right just half a mile in. From there, runners will seamlessly transition onto Gopher Tortoise Trail until reaching Refuge Road where runners will immediately hop off onto Coyote Crossing Trail for the next mile or so.
Again returning briefly to Refuge Road, runners will immediately veer onto State Park Road where they will then repeat that circular course they just ran, at which point they hang right Gulf Oak Ridge Trail (the same fork at which they hopped onto Coyote Crossing Trail originally). It’s here at mile 7.6 that runners can settle into Gulf Oak Ridge Trail for approximately two miles before reaching Cross Park Trail, the final turn that will ultimately lead them to the finish line along Rosemary Dunes Trail.
New in 2024, We Run This Beach has launched its first-ever challenge which encourages participants to register not only for the half marathon or marathon BUT also the fun run 5k or 10k the day prior. For those that do, a larger medal is in store for you! As for the post-race celebration, participants can expect complimentary BBQ food, two drink tickets for those of age, post-race live music, and the entire white sandy beaches all to themselves. As for a cut-off, We Run This Beach prioritizes inclusivity and fun, encouraging everyone to simply do their best. As such, cut-off times are generously defined as 5 hours for the half marathon.
Overview
We Run This Beach Marathon and Half Marathon have been in operation since 2018 and it has skyrocketed in popularity ever since. Is it the beaches, the flat course, or the awesome swag? That’s for you to find out! Fast, flat, and scenic, this race boasts a beautiful course full of amazing views of Lake Shelby, the Gulf Coast beaches, and of course, the natural landscapes of Gulf State Park and the pancake-flat paved trails within it. The race is so flat, in fact, that it’s ranked the second fastest half marathon and marathon course in all of Alabama. For those itching to qualify for the Boston Marathon, this might just be the race for you!
Course Description
Starting near Gulf State Park Lodge on E Beach Blvd, runners will line up at the start line under the pavilion and set off Campground Road as they hang a hard right just half a mile in. From there, runners will seamlessly transition onto Gopher Tortoise Trail until reaching Refuge Road where runners will immediately hop off onto Coyote Crossing Trail for the next mile or so.
Again returning briefly to Refuge Road, runners will immediately veer onto State Park Road where they will then repeat that circular course they just ran, at which point they hang right Gulf Oak Ridge Trail (the same fork at which they hopped onto Coyote Crossing Trail originally). It’s here at mile 7.6 that runners can settle into Gulf Oak Ridge Trail for approximately two miles before reaching Cross Park Trail, the final turn that will ultimately lead them to the finish line along Rosemary Dunes Trail.
New in 2024, We Run This Beach has launched its first-ever challenge which encourages participants to register not only for the half marathon or marathon BUT also the fun run 5k or 10k the day prior. For those that do, a larger medal is in store for you! As for the post-race celebration, participants can expect complimentary BBQ food, two drink tickets for those of age, post-race live music, and the entire white sandy beaches all to themselves. As for a cut-off, We Run This Beach prioritizes inclusivity and fun, encouraging everyone to simply do their best. As such, cut-off times are generously defined as 5 hours for the half marathon.
