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Big Sur International Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Carmel, CA, USA
- Race Date: 04/25/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Big Sur International Marathon Description
The Big Sur International Marathon runs point-to-point along Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel, tracing one of the most photographed stretches of California coastline through redwood groves, ranch land, and cliffside views of the Pacific. Runners face rolling hills throughout and the course’s signature test, a two-mile climb to Hurricane Point around mile 10, often straight into an ocean headwind. A grand piano at Bixby Bridge and taiko drummers on the climb are part of the tradition. USATF and AIMS certified, it’s a legitimate Boston Qualifier despite the hills, and one of the largest rural marathons in the world.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Big Sur International Marathon Additional Details:
Past the piano and drummers, the entertainment keeps going all the way to mile 24, where belly dancers greet exhausted runners in one of the course’s more unexpected moments. Around mile 23.2, the Strawberry Station hands out fresh strawberries, a beloved tradition that’s become one of the most talked-about aid stops in the sport. Eleven aid stations overall offer Precision Hydration, water, and the option to refill personal bottles, plus first aid support along the exposed coastal stretches. By the time runners reach the finish, the mix of live music, dancers, and strawberries has turned what could be a grueling hill climb into one of the most entertaining 26.2 miles anywhere.
Course Information
Profile: Hilly
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6 hours
# of Finishers
Marathon: 3,300 to 3,400
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 1,654 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,949 ft
Average Temperature
- Low: 50°F
- High: 60°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Full Marathon Training Plan
Structured plans for every experience level, from your first 26.2 to chasing a new PR.
Things to Do in Carmel, CA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Food & Drink
Nepenthe
Savor a hillside meal with panoramic ocean views at Nepenthe, a Big Sur institution perched above the Pacific — a relaxed way to celebrate the finish line.
Landmark
Point Sur Lighthouse
Visit Point Sur Lighthouse, perched on dramatic volcanic rock just offshore, on a guided walking tour — a scenic, mostly-flat outing for recovering legs after race day.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Monterey Bay Aquarium
See more than 35,000 sea creatures across 550 species at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on historic Cannery Row — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop nearby in Monterey.
Museums & History
Carmel Mission
Tour the beautifully restored Carmel Mission, a 1771 landmark with a stunning Basilica and four historical museum galleries — an easy, low-impact indoor and garden stop.
Shopping
Carmel Plaza & Ocean Avenue
Browse hundreds of locally-owned boutiques and galleries around Ocean Avenue and Carmel Plaza, from art shops to Tiffany & Co. — an easy, flat, walkable stroll.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
17-Mile Drive
Take in the world-famous 17-Mile Drive, winding along the coast from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach — a relaxed, scenic way to sightsee without any walking.
Arts & Culture
Henry Miller Memorial Library
Browse rare books and catch an outdoor concert at the Henry Miller Memorial Library, a nonprofit arts center in Big Sur — a relaxed, low-key way to spend an afternoon.
Outdoors & Trails
Point Lobos State Reserve
Hike the easy 6.7-mile Point Lobos Loop Trail through Point Lobos State Reserve, spotting sea otters and dramatic coastal scenery — a scenic, low-impact option for tired legs.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Big Sur International Marathon
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Boston Qualifier: Yes