Embark on a truly distinctive running experience at the Surfside Beach Marathon on February 21, 2026, in scenic Surfside Beach, Texas. This event stands out as one of the only marathons in the United States run entirely on the sand, offering marathon (26.2M), half marathon (13.1M), 10K, and 5K distances, plus a Kids K for younger participants. Starting and finishing at Stahlman Park Pavilion, the course treats runners to miles of uninterrupted, peaceful beach, with the Gulf of Mexico providing a breathtaking backdrop as the sun rises over the waves.

The course is renowned for being extremely flat with virtually no elevation gain, offering a unique challenge on its firm, well-packed sandy surface. While running on sand may slightly slow your pace compared to pavement, many runners find the soft surface to be a welcome change and gentle on the joints. Aid stations are conveniently located every 1.5-2.5 miles, stocked with water and electrolytes, while porta-potties are available at beach access points. Typical race day conditions in February feature pleasant highs around 68F and lows around 52F, with minimal chance of precipitation, creating ideal weather for a beachside run.

Beyond the unique course, the Surfside Beach Marathon fosters a supportive atmosphere with no strict cut-off times, encouraging walkers with an early start option. The event also boasts unique finisher medals, stone drink coasters, and a lively post-race Texas-style BBQ at Stahlman Park, overlooking the Gulf. This race isn't just about the run; it's a celebration of Surfside Beach's natural beauty and a chance to contribute to local community efforts, including beach restoration.