Come run in Paradise! 2026 marks the 17th annual Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach. A must-do race by the locals and a Destination race for those who visit. This flat, certified Half Marathon will have you feeling at home on the beach. With themed water stations and scenic white sand, Gulf front views, you'll never want to stop running. Packet Pickup: Saturday, April 11th | 1p – 5p | Running Wild Pensacola (3012 E Cervantes St) Race Day Packet Pick: Sunday, April 12th | 5:30am – 6:30am | Gulfside Pavilion Pensacola Beach Start: Half Marathon Run or Walk: This race starts at 7:00am in front of the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach 20 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 Quentin Cooper 5k Run or Walk: This race starts at 7:30am in front of the Santa Rosa Island Authority (1 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561) Finish: All races end in front of the Santa Rosa Island Authority (1 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561)
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Pensacola Beach, FL. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Gulf Coast Half Marathon & Quentin Cooper 5k – Pensacola Beach, FL 2026
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for April 12.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Pensacola Beach, FL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
