Gulf Coast Half Marathon & Quentin Cooper 5k

2026 Bushwacker 5K

Over the years, the running event that turns into a tropical beach party has helped organizers raise more than $100,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters and more than $200,000 for other charities. The race begins in Gulf Breeze at the National Seashore and finishes at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Organizers RunPensacola.com, Running Wild and Cap’n Fun Runners say this year’s event will continue the Bushwacker 5k legacy. Come run in Paradise!

Start

This race starts at 7:30 am SHARP! On Gulf Breeze Parkway – a .9 mile warmup walk/run up the bike path from the Live Oak Village Shopping Center, 1143 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.

Finish

This race ends in the parking lot of the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk in front of Bamboo Willie’s

Awards

Overall Top Male and Female Runners, Overall Masters Male and Female Runners, and Overall

Grandmasters Male and Female Runners

Top 3 in each Age Group for Male and Female Runners Top 3 Male and Female Overall Walkers

Packet Pickup

Friday, July 31st | 3p – 6p | Running Wild Pensacola 3012 E Cervantes St. Pensacola, FL

Race Day Packet Pick

Saturday, August 1st | 5:45am – 6:45am | Pensacola Beach Boardwalk at the Finish

Buses

6:00-7:00 AM From the Flag Pole at Pensacola Beach Boardwalk (near finish) to start line on Gulf Breeze Parkway.

(Last bus leaves at 7:00 AM, if you are running late please drive directly to the Live Oak Shopping Center)

8:30-10 AM Buses will run from the Boardwalk back to Live Oak Village Shopping Center.

Buses will run from the Boardwalk back to the Start from 8:30 am to 10:00 am

Party

Our post-race party at Bamboo Willie’s on the Boardwalk (steps away from the finish) will help you cool down with FREE popsicles, cold towels, and a Bushwacker in a souvenir cup. Enjoy live music and maybe enjoy a quick dip in the Sound.

This clinic is hosted by TriChix Multisport, an all female triathlon club devoted to spreading the multisport love!

We will teach athletes the fundamentals of triathlon and prepare them for the Sea Turtle Triathlon. Athletes will rotate through a swim clinic, bike/transition clinic, run clinic and wellness clinic. All athletes must have a USAT Youth yearly membership ($10.00). If you already registered for the Sea Turtle Triathlon you are a current member and just need to enter the membership number when registering.

The Zarzaur Law Sea Turtle Triathlon is held annually the first Sunday of October. The 2025 event will be on Sunday, October 5th, 2025.

The event is held on beautiful Pensacola Beach, Florida. The event features a full triathlon experience for children from 6 to 15 years old while friends and family cheer them on. With a fully supported event on a closed course, safety and encouragement from volunteers complement the excitement of children becoming triathletes.

The swim course is held in the beautiful waters of the Gulf of America followed by scenic bike and run courses. Both the bike and run courses features an out and back layout along Highway 399 which is closed to vehicular traffic during the event. Every athlete will receive a finisher medal. Custom age group awards are presented to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placement in each age group. ​