Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival
Gulf Shores' Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Half Marathon offers a scenic beachfront run with multiple distances.
Race Date
Feb 13, 2027
Location
Gulf Shores, AL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, February 13, 2027
- Location
- Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 1 Miles, 10K
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 1,857
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, invites runners to a Valentine's-themed race along the coast. With its half marathon, 5K, 10K, and 1-mile options, it caters to various fitness levels.
This event, first run in 2014 and now in its 11th edition, typically sees around 493 finishers, drawing participants from approximately 36 states. The course is USATF certified and noted for its minimal elevation change, making it a potentially fast race. Runners can expect a beachside atmosphere, with all events starting and ending at The Hangout Gulf Shores, which also hosts the post-race festivities.
Each registration includes food and drink tickets, adding to the value. The festival aims for a festive, community-focused feel, making it a popular choice for couples, friends, and solo runners looking for a coastal race experience.
Race-provided description
Join us beach side for the Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival of Gulf Shores! Taking place February 13, 2027, there are FOUR awesome distances to choose from- the Sea Turtle Half Marathon, the Sweetheart 5K, True Love 10K, and the Be Mine 1 Mile. Whichever distance you take on, it is sure to be a fin-tastically good time! Each event is timed, with participants having the opportunity to qualify for awards. All distances start and end at The Hangout Gulf Shores, our sponsor and the host of the post race party! Each registration comes with tickets for food and beer (21+ only). So grab your sweetheart, your bestie, your reluctant running buddy... you don't want to miss it!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, February 13, 2027
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
101 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL, 36542
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.05 m
Separation
1.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
AL18010JE · L A Fleet Feet Sea Turtle Half Marathon 2018
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8111 years running
~381 finishers a year
growing or steady
6% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 36 states
winner 1:14:41
typical high 64°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
52°
Afternoon (High)
64°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
15 mph
Wind
79%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,857 finishers actually crossed the line across 11 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
1,857
Median time
2:24:03
Latest turnout
250
States
45
Turnout by year
2017–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival?
The Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival is held on Saturday, February 13, 2027, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival take place?
It takes place in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
What distances does the Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 1 Miles, 10K.
Is the Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival course flat and good for a PR?
The Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,857 runners who have completed the Sea Turtle & Sweetheart Running Festival.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Gulf Shores? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
