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Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon

Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon

Galveston Marathon and Half Marathon offers a flat, fast course along the Gulf Coast, ideal for Boston Marathon qualifiers.

Race Date

Feb 21, 2027

Location

Galveston, TX

Standout78

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, February 21, 2027
Location
Galveston, Texas
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
8,779

Highlights

Good For

BQ RelevantPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Spectator SupportWell OrganizedGreat Post Race

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Galveston Marathon and Half Marathon unfolds along the scenic Gulf Coast, offering a flat and fast course that is a magnet for personal bests and Boston Marathon qualification attempts. Runners trace the iconic Galveston Seawall, taking in views of the Gulf of Mexico, with parts of the course winding through beach towns and East Beach.

First run in 2011, this event has grown to draw participants from approximately 33 states, with recent fields seeing around 1244 finishers. The course is known for its minimal elevation, making it a prime location for runners aiming for quick times. However, be prepared for potential wind and a lack of shade, as reviews often mention the exposed nature of the course.

Despite some challenges noted by runners, such as wind and humidity, the race is praised for its organization. It offers a long-sleeve tech shirt and a finisher medal, with a post-race party to celebrate achievements. The event aims to be inclusive, welcoming adaptive athletes and offering a 5K alongside the marathon and half marathon.

Race-provided description

Join us for the 2027 Galveston Marathon Weekend, where runners, walkers, and adaptive athletes of all levels can challenge themselves along the stunning Gulf Coast. Set against the backdrop of Galveston’s scenic waterfront, this event features a Boston-Qualifying Marathon course, Half Marathon, and an inclusive 5K for all participants. The Marathon & Half Marathon course takes you through Beach Town and through East Beach, stretching along the iconic Galveston Seawall, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. This flat, fast course provides the perfect opportunity to chase a personal best or secure your spot at the Boston Marathon—ideal for both seasoned marathoners and those aiming for a new challenge. At the Galveston Marathon Weekend, we are proud to host wheelchair, handcycle, and other adaptive athlete-friendly events. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for athletes of all abilities, and our courses are designed to be accessible to everyone. Registration includes a commemorative technical shirt (long sleeve for Full and Half Marathon; short sleeve for 5K), finisher medal for all events, food, and friends at the post race party.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, February 21, 2027

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

Long Sleeve Tech Shirt

Start Location

515 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77550

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Coastal

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles3.1 Miles13.1 Miles

USATF Certified Course

TX22002JH · Galveston Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Standout78
Methodology
Heritage20/20

15 years running

Size13/15

~489 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty10/20

10% returning runners

Course & details10/15

USATF certified · 5 timing sources

National draw9/10

runners from 33 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:15:00

Weather8/10

typical high 61°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

52°

Afternoon (High)

61°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.2"

Precipitation

20 mph

Wind

82%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 8,779 finishers actually crossed the line across 15 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

8,779

Median time

2:19:28

Latest turnout

623

States

46

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:156:30

Turnout by year

20182026

'18'19'20'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon?

The Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon is held on Sunday, February 21, 2027, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon take place?

It takes place in Galveston, Texas.

What distances does the Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles.

Is the Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 8,779 runners who have completed the Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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