About the race
The Big Sur International Marathon follows California's Pacific coast from Big Sur to Carmel. The organiser lists the next race for 25 April 2027, with a 6:45 am start.
History
The marathon was established in 1986 and attracts about 4,500 participants a year across its several distances. It is run by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, and Wikipedia reports that over two million dollars in grants has been distributed to charities since the start. The 2020 and 2021 races were cancelled during the pandemic.
The course
The route runs on Highway 1, which the organiser calls the nation's first nationally designated Scenic Highway. It starts south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and crosses Bixby Creek Bridge at the halfway point. Hurricane Point, the summit between mile markers 10 and 12, is the best-known climb, and the hills in the second half of the race have a reputation for being tough. There are 11 aid stations. The organiser gives the start elevation as 356 feet and the finish as 10 feet, with about 2,182 feet of climbing and 2,528 feet of descent in total. The finish is at the Crossroads shopping centre in Carmel. When landslides have closed parts of Highway 1, the course has been changed to an out-and-back route beginning at the finish line in Carmel, as in 1998, 2011 and 2024.
Distances
Besides the marathon, the organiser lists a marathon relay, a 21-miler, an 11-miler, a 12K and a 5K.
Cut-offs and entry basics
The road reopens to traffic at 1 pm, which gives a course limit of roughly six hours, or just over a 13:45 pace per mile. The organiser's site has a 2027 registration section with entry options, and it markets the marathon as an official Boston qualifier. Programmes such as Boston 2 Big Sur and Big Sur VIP are also listed.
Where to watch
Spectators are limited by the narrow coast road, so the organiser publishes spectator guidelines, road closure and traffic information, and race-day transportation advice. The finish festival at Crossroads in Carmel is the main gathering point.
Weather
Late April is spring on the Central California coast. Coastal conditions can change quickly, from cool, foggy mornings to bright, breezy afternoons, and the organiser has an event weather and safety page. Check the forecast close to the date.
SourcesBig Sur International Marathon home · Wikipedia: Big Sur International Marathon