Big Sur International Marathon

Big Sur is a bucket-list point-to-point on Highway 1, where ocean views, Bixby Bridge, and Hurricane Point matter more than easy splits or PR math.

Next raceSunday, April 26, 2026
LocationCarmel, California
Boston qualifierYes

Big Sur International Marathon quick facts

  • Point-to-point highway course from Big Sur to Carmel.
  • Official Boston qualifier with about a 6-hour limit.
  • Entry often depends on drawing, charity, or travel-package paths.
  • Scenic payoff is huge, but Hurricane Point keeps it from being an easy speed course.

What is the Big Sur International Marathon?

Runners do not pick Big Sur because it is simple. They pick it because very few marathons feel this specific: coastal California scenery, limited entry, and a route that asks for more patience and logistics planning than a typical road marathon.

Big Sur International Marathon course route

The course runs south to north on Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel, with Bixby Bridge around halfway, the piano performance, and the long climb over Hurricane Point shaping the day. It is certified and qualifying eligible, but the terrain makes it a strength race far more than a pure PR setup.

Weather for the Big Sur International Marathon

Late April on the Big Sur coast can start chilly and damp, then shift with sun, wind, and marine air over the next few hours. Conditions are rarely extreme, but the open highway means you feel every change.

Past Big Sur International Marathon dates and results

YearDateStatusResults
2026Sunday, April 26, 2026
2025CompletedOpen results

Big Sur International Marathon FAQ

When is the Big Sur International Marathon?

The 2026 Big Sur International Marathon is on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

How do I register for the Big Sur International Marathon?

You can register for the Big Sur International Marathon at bigsurmarathon.org.