Modified Vacasa Coastal Half Marathon & 5K Kicks Off Run the Beach Series Thanksgiving Weekend

Jumpstart those New Year’s resolutions with the Vacasa Coastal Half Marathon & 5K Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, beginning and ending at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. This modified annual event will feature contact-free drive-thru packet pick-up and staggered starts to prioritize the health and wellness of participants, staff and volunteers.

“With all the unexpected changes and restrictions for sports tourism in 2020, we are ready to offer this beloved annual family-friendly event for all ages and stages to run or walk to the finish line,” said Beth Gendler, vice president of sales for the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. “We encourage families vacationing for Thanksgiving to experience some fresh air fun and fitness on the Alabama Gulf Coast this holiday season.”

Winding through the accessible, wheelchair-friendly scenic Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park, the half marathon kicks off the 2020-2021 Run the Beach Series. Start the series strong with the Coastal Half Marathon and continue with the Big Beach Half Marathon Jan. 31, 2021, and the Sea Turtle Half Marathon Feb. 20, 2021.

COVID-19 modifications to the event include a limited number of participants; contactless packet pick-up Friday, Nov. 27, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 6:30-7 a.m.; staggered starts for the half marathon and 5K with no 1-mile fun run; and grab and go snacks, drinks and prizes post-race. And, new this year – a virtual version of the half marathon or 5K with participants receiving race packets and prizes in the mail.

To register for the Vacasa Coastal Half Marathon & 5K Run in-person or virtual race, visit Team-Magic.com/Events/175. To book your Vacasa Vacation Rentals Thanksgiving stay, go to Vacasa.com/USA/Alabama. For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit GSOBsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.

About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission:
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission is a partnership between Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT), the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In 2007, this commission became a department within GSOBT. In this role, the commission – along with assistance from both cities – works to bring quality sporting events to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. To learn more about playing along Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches, please visit GulfShores.com/Sports.