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Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Biloxi, MS, USA
- Race Date: 12/13/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Description
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon is a fast, flat, Boston qualifying race along the scenic Gulf of Mexico coastline. The point-to-point course starts in Pass Christian and follows Highway 90 past white sand beaches and coastal homes before finishing in Biloxi. Minimal elevation change and ocean breezes make this one of the fastest marathon courses in Mississippi. A half marathon, 5K, and family-friendly events run the same December weekend, making this a laid-back winter destination race along the Gulf Coast.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Additional Details:
Every runner’s bib comes with six food and beverage tags to redeem at the finish festival, enough for warm gumbo, a pulled pork sandwich, and a few drinks without paying extra, a genuinely generous touch for a race this size. The finisher medal matches the setting, a sparkly, beach-themed design featuring the Biloxi lighthouse that runners say photographs as well as it looks in person. Aid stations are frequent and well-stocked throughout, making this a comfortable, back-of-the-pack-friendly course for runners who aren’t chasing every last minute. Between the food, the medal, and the laid-back Gulf Coast hospitality, this feels less like a competitive race and more like a beach vacation with a finish line attached.
Course Information
Profile: Very Flat
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 6 hours (full)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 1,000-1,200
Marathon: 766
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 140 ft (42 m)
Elevation Loss: 130 ft (39 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 45°F
- High: 62°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Things to Do in Biloxi, MS, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Sports & Entertainment
MGM Park
Catch a Biloxi Shuckers minor league baseball game at MGM Park for a relaxed, family-friendly evening — a seated, low-impact way to spend a night out.
Shopping
The Shopping Promenade at Beau Rivage
Browse designer trends, jewelry, and gifts at the Shopping Promenade at Beau Rivage, an upscale indoor shopping strip — an easy, air-conditioned option with minimal walking.
Museums & History
Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
See two full-size replica Biloxi schooners and exhibits on shrimping, fishing, and oystering at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum — an easy, air-conditioned indoor stop.
Arts & Culture
Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
Explore the Frank Gehry-designed silver buildings of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, showcasing ceramics and contemporary Gulf Coast art — a relaxed, low-impact museum visit after race weekend.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
Meet rescued dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in nearby Gulfport, a nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation center — an easy, mostly-seated outing.
Landmark
Biloxi Lighthouse
Visit the iconic Biloxi Lighthouse, a historic beacon still standing guard over the Mississippi Sound, right along the beach — a quick, flat photo stop for tired legs.
Food & Drink
The Reef Biloxi & Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach
Enjoy casual waterfront dining with Gulf views at The Reef Biloxi or Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach, both known for al fresco seating — a relaxed way to refuel.
Outdoors & Trails
Weeks Bayou Nature Trail
Wander the marshy preserves of the Weeks Bayou Nature Trail, with free parking and bike racks at the trailhead — a flat, easy, low-impact walk close to the coast.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Biloxi Bay Bridge
Catch a breathtaking sunset over the water from the Biloxi Bay Bridge, one of the coast’s best golden-hour spots — an easy, low-impact way to unwind after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
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Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes