Panama City Beach2026

Sat, 5 Dec 2026 · Panama City Beach · 33 days

Distance: 42.2 km
Layout: Loop
Race day: 17°C (63°F)

Architecturally dire high-rises spring up from the beachfront and block both sunlight and vistas for those on the streets below, which are lined with more strip malls, chain hotels, amusement arcades, uninspiring restaurants and dive bars than good taste allows. From March to May the place goes bonkers as a spring-break destination, when students from 150 colleges east of the Mississippi roar into town to drink and party till they puke.That said, PCB’s beaches remain dazzling for swimming, fishing and diving, with dozens of natural, historic and artificial reefs attracting spectacular marine life. The city’s tourism boom means cheap rooms close to the more inspiring stretch of Hwy 30A between here and Destin, where affordable beds are in short supply. In the low season, beachfront bargains can be found. This will be the backdrop for the Panama City Beach Marathon.The race date has been selected! Run through paradise alongside our award-winning beaches in the Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K or Kid’s Fun Run. The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to organize the annaul Panama City Beach Marathon. Set for early December, the 26.2 mile race will become a staple for the community and attract thousands of both residents and visitors to Panama City Beach.

Before you go

Pro tips

Racing it

01
Beach and blocks
The marathon runs alongside the beach, but high-rises can block sun and vistas on street sections. Use open beach stretches to check effort, not the shaded blocks.
From the description
02
Mild December start
Typical race-day temperature is 17.3C, so expect a cool but not cold early December run. Dress for a mild Gulf morning and adjust as you warm up.
From the temperature
03
Low-season lodging
Early December is low season, so beachfront rooms can be cheaper than spring-break weeks. Staying near the beachfront cuts race-morning travel on the strip.
From the description
04
Family distances
A 5K and Kid’s Fun Run are also listed, so family members can race shorter while you run the 26.2.
From the description
05
Street-side scenery
Street sections are lined with strip malls, chain hotels, and arcades, so don't expect scenic views the whole way. Save mental energy for the beachfront stretches.
From the description

In Panama City Beach

Race-day traffic
Traffic on Front Beach Road and the beach strip can be slow on race morning. If your lodging is near the course, walking is often easier than driving.
Spectator spots
Spectators can watch from the beachfront and the city pier area, then walk to the sand between viewing spots.
Recover by the Gulf
After the race, the beach and St. Andrews State Park offer calm walks. Early December is quieter than spring break, so the town feels more relaxed.

Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.

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