Panama City Beach Marathon Tips: What Visitors Need to Know

Panama City Beach Marathon encourages people from all over the Southeast to run for a good cause. Hosted by Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, this sporting event offers a full and half marathon, 5K and kids fun-run activities. Whether planning a winter getaway or just want to participate, there is some need-to-know info. Learn more about the marathon and this beach-loving city.

Panama City Beach Marathon Race Locations and Important Info

Early December welcomes guests and participants to enjoy cooler temperatures, sunshine and Gulf Coast views. The full marathon measures 26.2 miles, with the start and finish line located near Margaritaville on Pier Park Drive. Runners make their way along the strip, loop around St. Andrews State Park and head back up the strip. Hours for the main marathon typically run 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bonus: Runners with a qualifying time based on age and gender groups will be eligible to register for the 2019 Boston marathon in Massachusetts.

General Info About PCB Marathon

For all races in Panama City Beach Marathon, the CVB states roads will not be closed, and although traffic is light in December, use caution. Additionally, visitors must register for the full, half and 5k, and there is no race day registration. To guarantee a spot, register online before November 30.

Half Marathon

Those looking for a shorter route enjoy the half-marathon in Panama City Beach, which measures 13.1 miles and starts and finishes in the same location as the full. This marathon takes participants down Front Beach Road and a few miles on Thomas Drive before they head back to Pier Park.

Try the 5K Race

Visitors interested in the 5K will start at the same location, run 1.5 miles past Short Street before they head back another 1.6 miles to the finish line.

Kids Fun Run

Kids 10 and under – parents are welcome to assist – have the opportunity to run in a designated area located north of the start/finish line. Each child will receive a ribbon, and the kids run is free and open to all little ones with no registration required.

Post Race Events

After the event, join participants, friends, families and locals at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Marathon participants over the age of 21 receive free gumbo and Land Shark beer courtesy of the restaurant. Other guests receive a discount off merchandise and have a blast spending time with everyone.

Volunteer Opportunities

Panama City Beach Marathon welcomes hundreds of racers and even more fans. To help, volunteer for the event and work aid stations, stuff goodie bags, hand out packets, and monitor post-race activities.

What to Wear

The marathon takes place in December, so mornings feel chilly with temperatures warming up throughout the day. Start the day in comfortable running clothes and shoes, a jacket, and sun protection. As the weather gets warmer, shed the jacket and find fruit, water and portalets along the way. If only attending the event, bring sun protection and wear light, comfortable clothing with a jacket.

Accommodations: Vacation Rentals in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach Marathon covers several main roads in the area, including Front Beach Road, South Lagoon Drive and Thomas Drive.

Located along these main strips, racers and attendees have a variety of vacation rental accommodations. In addition, many of these rentals are located in resort areas, providing guests with extra amenities and comfortable space, so they can relax before and after the marathon.

A few rental resorts in the area include: Long Beach Resort, Tidewater Beach Resort and Edgewater Beach Resort. All of these complexes are located on Front Beach Road and offer ample space, full kitchens, communal pools, private balconies, and pristine Gulf views.

Need more tips? Read more about vacationing in Panama City Beach.