Turkey Trot Like it’s Hot and Sign Up Now for Coastal Half Marathon

Photo courtesy of Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events

Families and friends are invited to take on the 2023 Coastal Half Marathon, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run Saturday, Nov. 25, beginning at the Orange Beach Sportsplex for post-Thanksgiving fitness and fun. Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events, which owns and operates this signature annual race, encourages participants to incorporate family vacations, including Thanksgiving festivities at the beach, holiday shopping and Iron Bowl watching.

“This is one of our favorite races for so many reasons – the location in scenic Gulf State Park, fall temperatures and plenty to do before and after the race in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach,” said Michelle Russ, STS, vice president of sales, sports and events for GSOB Sports & Events. “The Coastal Half Marathon, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run gives racers of any level the ability to compete or just have fun shedding the Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie. Plus, the course is paved and accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, so we invite all members of the family to come out and enjoy a fun morning together.”

Drive-thru packet pick-up will take place Friday, Nov. 24, from 3-5 p.m. and walk-up on race day from 6:30-7:30 a.m. at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. The half-marathon beings at 8 a.m., while the 5K and fun run begin at 8:10 and 8:20, respectively. Both the half-marathon and 5K courses are USTAF-certified, and the half will serve as the 2023 Road Runners Club of America Alabama State Half Marathon Championship.

Racers in all three distances will receive a finisher medal along with age group and division awards. The post-race party will feature beer (21 and up) and food for participants from Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar, drinks provided by Coca-Cola Bottling Company and lots of fun for families, including live music, inflatables and yard games. Participants are encouraged to shop with GSOB Sports & Events sponsors like The Wharf, Tanger Outlet Center and Academy Sports + Outdoors and dine with restaurant sponsors, some of which are open on Thanksgiving or offer turkey day meals to go.

Learn more and register for the race at Team-Magic.com. For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit GSOBsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.