Big Sur International Marathon
Big Sur, CA
- Marathon, Marathon Relay, 21 Miler, 11 Miler, 12K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Bart Yasso has called it the “Must do in your lifetime” marathon. The Big Sur International Marathon is a point-to-point course run on scenic CA Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel the last Sunday each April. Towering redwoods, crashing waves, coastal mountains and verdant pastures are featured on this … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Apr 25):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 56 | 60 | 61 | 60 | 65 |
| L (°F) | 53 | 52 | 53 | 47 | 49 |
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Epic and Challenging Course!
This was the second time I got to run this course, and it was everything that I remembered from the previous year. The only thing that I forgot was all … MORE
This was the second time I got to run this course, and it was everything that I remembered from the previous year. The only thing that I forgot was all the rolling hills and the challenging course. I guess I blocked out all the pain and only remembered the beautiful course. That said, it remains the most scenic marathon that I have ran. As a runner from flat Florida, I could never get tired of running this epic route.
The entire race weekend was great! I was able to participate in all the activities from the pub run, the runner panel presentation at Fleet Feet, the shake out run, the course tips presentation at the expo and then the marathon on Sunday.
The event was super organized, especially on race day. I picked up my bus at the Delmonte Mall, and the event staff/volunteers had all the logistics flowing smoothly. When I got to the start village, we were organized into our corrals. There were a lot of runners, but I just found my spot and did my pre-race routine. It was raining again this year at the start village, but nothing that ruined anything and it actually felt great once I started. So awesome to run Highway 1 through the redwoods and then out to the coastline. So awesome to get to mile marker 13.1 and see the piano player (Michael) playing while all the runners ran past him. The course had entertainment throughout the 26.2 miles. The only place that spectators could be seen and heard was once I got to the finish area, which gave me a shot of adrenaline while I ran to the finish line.
I highly recommend the Big Sur Marathon to anyone looking to create memories as they run “the ragged edge of the western world”.
Lots of elevation changes but great view
Relatively hard race for a first-timer due to the elevation changes, but the views were amazing. It was generally well organized, but the 1-hr+ wait at the starting line was … MORE
Relatively hard race for a first-timer due to the elevation changes, but the views were amazing. It was generally well organized, but the 1-hr+ wait at the starting line was not ideal
Positive attitude and beautiful setting
This race had the highest number of participants of any that I have run. Very well planned. I was inspired by the history of the race, shared experience and insights … MORE
This race had the highest number of participants of any that I have run. Very well planned. I was inspired by the history of the race, shared experience and insights that previous runners gave at their talks.
Incredible view, recreative route
It has an incredible view you could never experience, so many people walking and you have to dodge them all the time. It is more a recreative race more than … MORE
It has an incredible view you could never experience, so many people walking and you have to dodge them all the time. It is more a recreative race more than competitive bit I enjoyed it so much. It is a little complicate arrive to the start line, buses arrived so late this year.
The most scenic marathon start to finish
This is the most difficult and most beautiful marathons of all races I have done so far. Small size of race immensely helps overcrowding yet the music and parties all … MORE
This is the most difficult and most beautiful marathons of all races I have done so far. Small size of race immensely helps overcrowding yet the music and parties all way along makes it perfect cheering event. Entire race runs along the scenic CA-1 route. Weather is perfect. The aid stations, specifically orange, bananas and strawberries on the way keeps you energized. Amazing race in a nutshell and I am coming back again if I get an entry, with more friends this time.
Loved it!
Such a beautiful place to run and had the best atmosphere. Perfect running weather and well spaced water and aid stations along the way. Many people came out to support … MORE
Such a beautiful place to run and had the best atmosphere. Perfect running weather and well spaced water and aid stations along the way. Many people came out to support and cheer everyone at the finish line making it lots of fun the entire time.
The most amazing views you will ever see
The hills are rolling giving you a challenge on the way up, but a rewarding downhill at the top. The scenery around you helps to distract you from what you … MORE
The hills are rolling giving you a challenge on the way up, but a rewarding downhill at the top. The scenery around you helps to distract you from what you are doing and the on course entertainment from singers, to the piano, and to the drums was motivating!
Beautiful course
The course is beautiful and challenging. I really enjoyed this one. The corrals at the start can get pretty crowded and I brought a garbage bag to sit on which … MORE
The course is beautiful and challenging. I really enjoyed this one. The corrals at the start can get pretty crowded and I brought a garbage bag to sit on which was perfect since the ground was wet. I was disappointed with the Hyatt not giving us late check out on race day even though it was a partner hotel. If you plan to check out the day of the race you may want to stay somewhere else.
A great, scenic race
The downsides: It's a little cramped with all the other runners, the race swag was lacking, and water stations and finish line could have had much better options. The upsides: … MORE
The downsides: It’s a little cramped with all the other runners, the race swag was lacking, and water stations and finish line could have had much better options. The upsides: It was a beautiful and challenging course. Might not ever do it again, but I’m happy I did it once.
Lives up to the hype
When I heard about this race, I thought that there was no way it could be as great as everyone says. I am sure it would be great, but it … MORE
When I heard about this race, I thought that there was no way it could be as great as everyone says. I am sure it would be great, but it would be like other marathons. I was definitely wrong.
This has got to be the most beautiful marathon course in the United States. From the start line where you are surrounded by trees to when you eventually get to see the ocean for most of the race, every view was stunning. This race is also just as difficult as people say. There are hills. At first they’re very lovely and you feel your confidence increasing with every little one you run up. Then you spot the over 2 mile climb from a distance and you realize the magnitude of what you are in for. But the best thing is, it all feels manageable. They’re not unduly steep, just and inevitable climb to the top. However, after you complete the climb to Hurricane Point about half-way through the race, your legs will be tired. Even small hills feel like big ones then! The other difficult part of the race is the camber of the road, especially as you get to the later miles (18+), you are working different muscles and it can make them hurt or seize up in interesting ways. This eases towards the very end, but it can make the ‘hitting the wall’ miles very difficult to get through.
Because you are on highway 1, there’s not many people cheering you on, but that made the experience almost zen-like. It was you (and other runners) and the beautiful scenery. There is entertainment on the course, the most famous being the drummers and pianist. The aid stations are plentiful, but I feel like there should have been a lot more towards the end when everyone is suffering the most. I did not like the Precision fuel electrolyte solution on the course. I know this sounds weird, but one of the things that had the most impact on me were the volunteers handing out the huge strawberries. I nearly cried when I ate mine because it was so sweet and so desperately needed at that point. Another nice touch is the mile signs are all unique and special with funny artwork. I really felt like I was part of something special.
I finished in my goal time, but this race requires a lot out of you psychologically to get through the pain and fatigue (even compared to other marathons I’ve run). But even after all of that, I immediately thought that I would run it again given the chance.
My only complaint was my corral (corral B) was so crowded! You are bussed up there very early and you have over an hour to wait before the start, but the enclosed space was so small that you could barely sit down. The lines for the portapotties went outside of the corral. It was very uncomfortable.
Most stunning marathon - a must do!
This race is truly incredible and will have you coming back year after year - this was my 6th time coming back to Big Sur to run and it never … MORE
This race is truly incredible and will have you coming back year after year – this was my 6th time coming back to Big Sur to run and it never gets old. The area, the activities around, the expo, the start line, the support, the finish line, and most importantly – THE SCENERY AND ON COURSE FEATURES make this the most epic marathon adventure. You will not be disappointed with any of it but the hills will absolutely humble you. I am so proud to complete this marathon – crossing the finish line is the most wonderful way to end months of dark winter training.
Breathtaking views and coastal magic!
The scenery is absolutely unbeatable. Running along Highway 1 with the ocean breeze makes every kilometer worth it. This was my first 12K, and I think it’s the perfect way … MORE
The scenery is absolutely unbeatable. Running along Highway 1 with the ocean breeze makes every kilometer worth it. This was my first 12K, and I think it’s the perfect way to start participating in major events like the Big Sur Marathon. It serves as a great “entry point” to get inspired and eventually work your way up to a full marathon. Well organized aid stations and a medal I’ll cherish forever!
Scenic run along Highway 1!
The scenery is amazing! One of my favourite marathons for sure. Running on the coastline getting the energy of the ocean is something I will remember forever! The medal is … MORE
The scenery is amazing! One of my favourite marathons for sure. Running on the coastline getting the energy of the ocean is something I will remember forever!
The medal is a piece of Art!
Loved every moment of the race even the uphills 🙂
Amazing race!
This is my favorite marathon that I've done! Great scenery, fantastic on-course entertainment, and the best strawberries near the end of the course. Highly recommend this course, it's well worth … MORE
This is my favorite marathon that I’ve done! Great scenery, fantastic on-course entertainment, and the best strawberries near the end of the course. Highly recommend this course, it’s well worth it!
Fun Race!
This race was about the experience for me. I ran some, walked a little. Just wanted to take it all in. I could've run a lot faster, but I didnt … MORE
This race was about the experience for me. I ran some, walked a little. Just wanted to take it all in. I could’ve run a lot faster, but I didnt want to. This race is really about the experience. I highly recommend this for every endurance racer.
Tremendous race, very unique
The scenery is second to none! and hurricane point is as difficult as they come but the hills to follow leading to the finish will test your training. Not having … MORE
The scenery is second to none! and hurricane point is as difficult as they come but the hills to follow leading to the finish will test your training. Not having many spectators outside of those who live or own businesses along HW 1 was very different compared to other races but still very enjoyable.
I would recommend a hand water bottle as the aid stations are ~2-3miles apart. I also like the staging area prior to being organized into corrals, it allowed for good mingling before the race. I dont think there was much space, from what I could find, to do a longer warm up if that what youre looking to do. Gear check was relatively smooth and wasnt too long before the race start so it allowed runners to stay warm leading up to what was a rainy and cold start weather-wise.
Overall a great race, great production, great mile markers and volunteers, and something I would do again in the future
Would 100% do it again
no spectators! The camber is so much harder than the elevation. be training for that. Hurricane point is hard but not as hard as the steep hills at the end. MORE
no spectators! The camber is so much harder than the elevation. be training for that. Hurricane point is hard but not as hard as the steep hills at the end.
Breathtaking and Challenging
This was my first marathon and the course was breathtaking. The aid stations were amazing and very well-organized. They had electrolytes then water and people holding them ready to give … MORE
This was my first marathon and the course was breathtaking. The aid stations were amazing and very well-organized. They had electrolytes then water and people holding them ready to give out. Along with the strawberry station they also had bananas and oranges at one of the stations. The best part of the race was the piano music at the Bixby Bridge. It was absolutely breathtaking with the music. I would love to do this race again even though it was challenging with all the up and down hills. The pacers for this race were so helpful and encouraging. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
Stunning Views and Beautiful Smiles
This run is beautiful, of course - we all know how stunning Big Sur is whether on a cloudy windy day - or a bright sunny day!!!! I have run … MORE
This run is beautiful, of course – we all know how stunning Big Sur is whether on a cloudy windy day – or a bright sunny day!!!! I have run this twice before as a marathon – running it as a 5k with my 17 year old son who ran stride for stride with me was so dreamy. Can’t wait to come back!
The best marathon
This was my 3rd time running the Big Sur Marathon and my first Boston 2 Big Sur. It did not disappoint! Big Sur is an absolutely glorious race. Are there … MORE
This was my 3rd time running the Big Sur Marathon and my first Boston 2 Big Sur. It did not disappoint! Big Sur is an absolutely glorious race. Are there hills? Sure. Is it the place for a PR? Probably not. Is it the best marathon? I think so. There was no line to get my bib at the expo on Sunday. I stayed for the Boston 2 Big Sur group picture but otherwise didn’t spend long at the expo. The busses were on time to the start (I get carsick every time, but that is nobody’s fault). The start area was weirdly crowded this year. I am not sure what the change was, but it felt super congested. The race itself was perfect. The drummers, the piano, the redwoods, the ocean. Simply glorious. I hope I’ll be back next year!