February 25, 2024 • Gulf Shores, AL
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!
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!
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.
Race Weather & Climate
Set in the southernmost part of the state overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and one hour south of Mobile, Alabama, the city of Gulf Shores, in late February, continues to offer an attractive climate for runners seeking a coastal experience. Average high temperatures typically range from 64ºF to 68ºF, with lows between 46ºF to 51ºF. As winter transitions into early spring, runners can enjoy milder temperatures and minimal rainfall (around 4 inches for the month), making it an ideal time to explore the scenic shoreline with comfortable conditions for jogging.
On race day (February 25), the average low is 51ºF and the average high is 61ºF.
We Run This Beach Marathon & Half Marathon Race Results
We Run This Beach Half Marathon Course Map
See the race route map for the We Run This Beach Half Marathon course map here.
Starting Time
The half marathon start time is 8:00 AM.
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2024 We Run This Beach Marathon and Half Marathon, you can use the registration link here.
Race Fees
There is a $30.00 fee for the half marathon.
We Run This Beach Marathon and Half Marathon Race Website
We Run This Beach Half Marathon
