The Corpus Christi Beach to Bay Relay Marathon is the largest relay marathon in the world. After a two-year break, the race resumes on May 21, Armed Forces Day. Courtesy photo
“It’s back!” said Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Paulette Guajardo on the return of the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions.
City leaders and Beach to Bay Marathon organizers announced on March 1 that the marathon will happen on May 21 in 2022.
The race has been the largest relay marathon in the world in the past, attracting 17,000 runners at its height, with 34,000 visitors from several different countries.
“We know the importance of this run, not only to our city but to the thousands of runners that come to our city,” Guajardo said.
Doug McBee, Beach to Bay Marathon race director for the past 32 years, encouraged those interested to register their teams. April 1 is the deadline to receive a guaranteed finishers medal.
The city has set a goal of 18,000 entrants of either single runners or teams of six each, City Manager Peter Zanoni said.
“Events like this are all about health and fitness, so we’re glad the event is going to be here,” he continued. “Beach to Bay is one more element in keeping us healthy in our community.”
The race begins on North Padre Island, winds through Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and ends at McCaughan Park on Shoreline Drive. The 26.2-mile race is divided up to roughly 4.4 miles per relay runner.
In 2016, the race opened to single runners as well, and in 2017, a two-person relay team was introduced.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to be cautious when driving along the route the day of the race.
For registration, more information, or a map, go to beachtobayrelay.com.
