Big Sur Marathon

BIG SUR: Big Sur Marathon  Race Date is Sunday, April 28, 2024

Monterey County's stunning race along the Big Sur coast, with centerpiece iconic Bixby Bridge, located at the halfway point of the race, where you'll be greeted by a tuxedo-ed musician playing a Yamaha Baby Grand Piano. Course starts at Big Sur Station and ends at Rio Road in Carmel by the Sea. bsim.org bsim.org

No vehicles allowed to Big Sur starting line

The Big Sur Marathon began in 1986 with 1,800 runners, and has grown continuously since first launched.

2024 details may change!

START / FINISH is Big Sur to Carmel. Run along scenic Highway One, the nation's first nationally designated Scenic Highway. Monterey County's stunning race along the Big Sur coast, with centerpiece iconic Bixby Bridge, located at the halfway point of the race. Course starts at Big Sur Station and ends at Rio Road in Carmel by the Sea.

• START TIMES
• Marathon 6:45 a.m. Big Sur Station
• Relay 6:45 a.m. Big Sur Station
• 21-Miler 6:30 a.m. Andrew Molera State Park
• 11-Miler 7:00 a.m. Grimes Ranch
• 12K 7:35 a.m. Rio Road + Highway 1
• 5K 7:35 a.m. Rio Road + Highway 1

Marathon total elevation gain is 2,182 feet and total loss is 2,528 feet.

No animals, pacers, skates, skateboards, bikes, baby joggers or children/infants in backpacks allowed on the course. No bandits. No exceptions. Due to the nature of the course, wheelchairs are strongly discouraged.

The course record of 2:16:39 set in 1987 by Brad Hawthorne . In 1995 the "Power Walk" was added, and in subsequent years additional walks (now "Milers" since participants have the option to either walk or run) were added. A 5K that had welcomed a schools competition for many years spawned a new kids' 3K run in conjunction with the marathon. This year the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge was introduced with the 400-person field filling immediately. The Big Sur Marathon has been called "one of the jewels of American running" and "one of the best running experiences on the planet." In 2009 and 2010 it has received honors as being named one of the country's top three marathons (along with New York and Boston), the "Best Destination Marathon in North America," one of the world's "Top Ten Races To Do Before You Die."

HEALTH & FITNESS Fifty vendors will present a variety of running and fitness gear and apparel, EXPO: nutrition items, race information and more. The Expo also offers free race clinics featuring running icons.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.