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Big Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Safari 7K

Half & Full Marathon: January 26, 2025 | 7K: January 25, 2025 Gulf Shores, AL 36542 US Directions

Pacer Guides

What is a pacer? And do I have to pay to run with a pacer?

The role of a pacer is to support you in reaching your goal finish time by keeping to their assigned pace. Pace Groups are FREE. 

 

What is a sweeper?


During the race, it's the sweeper's responsibility to stay at the back of the pack and make sure everyone running finishes or, if they drop out, they get back to the start safely. Obviously, this means running at a pace as slow or slower than the last runner, which can sometimes mean walking part of the course.

 

How do I know who the pacers are? How do I find the pacers?

Pacers available for the half and full marathon distances.  Pacers designated by an official pacer shirt and hold pacer flags indicating race pace/finish time. You can meet the pacers pre-race 30 minutes prior to the race or look for their signs at the start line.

 

What is the course limit?

You must complete the marathon distance in 7 hours (16min/mile). If you fall below this pace, we can unfortunately no longer guarantee course support—which is paramount for your safety. Aid stations, medical support, portable toilets, and road closures will start to become unavailable to participants. The local police and race organizers will ask you to reroute to a shorter version of the course or move up onto the sidewalk where you will be required to obey regular traffic laws.

 

What are the pace groups for the half and full marathon

We are excited to partner with Running Wild to provide pacers for the half and full marathon!  Check out the pace times and get to know your pacer on race day!

Half Marathon (Pacing slots are tentative and subject to change based on availability)

1:45 (8:01 min/mile)

2:00 (9:10 min/mile)

2:15 (10:18 min/mile)

3:00 (13:44 min/mile)

3:30 (min/mile) You must be ahead of the marathon sweeper to meet course cut off time at 2:30PM

 
Marathon (Pacing slots are tentative and subject to change based on availability)

3:30 (8:01 min/mile)

4:00 (9:10 min/mile)

4:30 (10:18 min/mile)

6:00 (13:44 min/mile) 

6:30 (14:53 min/mile)

7:00 (16:00 min/mile) SWEEPER! You must maintain this pace to meet cut off time at 2:30PM. If you fall behind the sweeper, we cannot guarantee course support (aid stations and course markings may not be available).
 

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