Runners from across the country and world will be making their way to Corpus Christi for the 49th annual Beach to Bay Relay Marathon on May 16.
The event, falling on Armed Forces Day, was created in 1976 by Naval Capt. John Alden Butterfield as a way for runners to gather and honor the nation’s military personnel.
Beach to Bay will start at 7 a.m. The 26.2-mile course will begin on North Padre Island, cross the Laguna Madre along the JFK Causeway, then travel through the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and finish on Shoreline Boulevard.
Registration is open until May 15 at beachtobayrelay.com. As of May 1, two-person relay teams are closed. Only full marathon (solo runners) and six-person relay teams are available.
Here’s what you need to know to if you are a runner or will be cheering them on from the sidelines.
When and where to pick up race packets
Race packets must be picked up between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. May 15 at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Dugan Wellness Center.
The packet includes six T-shirts, finisher’s medals (guaranteed only for those who entered before the early deadline), a chip scoring device that will be placed in your bib, race bibs, transportation information, detailed race information and a relay baton.
All unclaimed bags will be forfeited. If you’re unable to pick it up, it is recommended to make alternate arrangements to pick it up. Team captains may authorize someone on your team, a family member or a friend to pick up your packet.
Any changes to your team, such as changing a runner or runners, may be made at the Information and Change table. It is the only opportunity to make said changes.
Rules for the relay
Marathon legs
Leg 1 = 3.46 miles
Leg 2 = 4.67 miles
Leg 3 = 4.36 miles
Leg 4 = 4.6 miles
Leg 5 = 4.2 miles
Leg 6 = 4.93 miles
Where transportation will be provided for runners
In partnership with the city of Corpus Christi and the Texas Department of Transportation, buses will be made available free to runners to travel to North Padre Island and back.
Leg 1 bus service:
Leg 2 bus service:
Leg 3 bus service:
Leg 4 bus service:
Leg 5 bus service:
Leg 6 bus service:
Where to watch runners
Spectators are recommended to watch the marathon at the end of the race at Water’s Edge Park in downtown Corpus Christi. Viewing anywhere else along the relay can result in spectators being stuck in traffic for quite some time.
Viewers usually arrive at the finish line around 10 a.m., but it is advised to arrive earlier to avoid traffic and find nearby parking.
Parking will be available at Church of the Good Shepherd and First United Methodist Church, along with a smaller lot at IBC Bank in downtown Corpus Christi.
Signs and individuals will direct people into various lots, with most charging a fee of $5 per car to park. The fee is a donation that goes to the groups providing parking.
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here’s when to register for, watch 2026 Beach to Bay Relay Marathon
Reporting by John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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