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
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Absolutely stunning scenery
The Big Sur Marathon was my second marathon. It was quite hilly especially between miles 10 and 12. If you run this race, do not worry about your time but … MORE
The Big Sur Marathon was my second marathon. It was quite hilly especially between miles 10 and 12. If you run this race, do not worry about your time but take in the scenery instead. Words cannot describe how beautiful running on highway 1 was. Most runners were stopping and taking pictures every few miles. I would highly recommend this race. The one thing that I would change would be that we had to get on a bus at 3:45am to get to the start line and we were they by 4:45am and then we had to wait 2 hours for the race to start but it was well worth it. I will hopefully be running this again someday!
Miles of beauty, memories with every ste
Absolutely loved this race! The scenery along the Big Sur coastline was breathtaking — nothing beats the beauty of the ocean cliffs and rolling hills. But what truly made it … MORE
Absolutely loved this race! The scenery along the Big Sur coastline was breathtaking — nothing beats the beauty of the ocean cliffs and rolling hills. But what truly made it special was who I ran with. Sharing the experience with great company made every mile unforgettable. Already looking forward to doing it again! Loved the piano man, strawberries, aid stations, cheerleaders, volunteers, panel of runners and especially podcaster Lindsey Hein. She was so motivating and down to earth.
All-time favorite race
My favorite race! I’ve run the 11-miler the past two years. Absolutely beautiful running up the PCH. Hilly and difficult, but so much fun. The marathon is on my bucket … MORE
My favorite race! I’ve run the 11-miler the past two years. Absolutely beautiful running up the PCH. Hilly and difficult, but so much fun. The marathon is on my bucket list.
So much fun
It is beautiful course and it's just so much fun As you run along, you can see the Pacific Ocean and just so peaceful and so beautiful. It's very happy … MORE
It is beautiful course and it’s just so much fun As you run along, you can see the Pacific Ocean and just so peaceful and so beautiful. It’s very happy race because it’s peaceful and you’re enjoying the scenery, Siri. People from this race are amazing. They haven’t so well organized.
Grandeur of the Pacific Coast Highway
Scenic marathon along the Pacific Coast Highway from Big Sur to Carmel-by-the-Sea. The course comprises the remote wilderness of Big Sur, the Hurricane Point vista, the moo bulls of Brazil … MORE
Scenic marathon along the Pacific Coast Highway from Big Sur to Carmel-by-the-Sea. The course comprises the remote wilderness of Big Sur, the Hurricane Point vista, the moo bulls of Brazil Ranch, the Rocky Creek Bridge, China Vista Point, Monastery Beach and the Carmelite Monastery, and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.
This point-to-point marathon course is a banquet of sights and sensation: this year’s race began in the rain, but by the second half of the marathon the sunshine broke through and the crowds of spectators multiplied near the finish line.
This race is not for a personal best: it’s an unmatched experience. Runners frequently stop and snap pics of themselves and the coast. The marathon is less of a race than a lived experience. I’ve run the Big Sur Marathon more than once and I don’t know if I can keep myself from going back.
Bucket list must!
Running the Big Sur International Marathon is an experience ill never forget! The most beautiful race I've ever had the privilege of running. The Big Sur is a very well … MORE
Running the Big Sur International Marathon is an experience ill never forget! The most beautiful race I’ve ever had the privilege of running. The Big Sur is a very well organized race and the spaghetti dinner was worth every penny! I recommend the Big Sur to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience!
Most scenic marathon- Bucket List Marath
This marathon has been the most scenic marathon i have ran so far! This year the weather was rainy, but the course was still amazing. Would love to come back … MORE
This marathon has been the most scenic marathon i have ran so far! This year the weather was rainy, but the course was still amazing. Would love to come back next year to experience this course on a clear morning. The event was well organized and had a great post party. The weekend of events was awesome! Putting together a YouTube video of my experience- coming soon.
The most satisfying race
This race has the most gorgeous views of any race I have ever completed. The views distract you from the 13 hills you have to climb through y the race. … MORE
This race has the most gorgeous views of any race I have ever completed. The views distract you from the 13 hills you have to climb through y the race. Mile 10 to 12 is a 500 foot climb yet the event is monumentally satisfying. The race organizers are great and the crowd support is sparse, but there are plenty of aid stations and the views are what this race really has to offer. Do yourself a favor and apply for a spot to do one of the most special races in the world. I will apply to do this race every year even though it will never be my fastest race. This one is not about time. It’s about the journey.
Perfect, breathless and memorable
I never repeat a marathon, but Big Sur worth it!!! The course is spectacular. Last year was sunny, this year raining almost all the time, but was magic, as I … MORE
I never repeat a marathon, but Big Sur worth it!!! The course is spectacular. Last year was sunny, this year raining almost all the time, but was magic, as I expected, the hurricane point was a blast. They are so kind, the volunteers have all my love, and the station with fresh strawberries make me so happy again. If someone read this, please go to Big Sur, every mille is a gift to you soul 🙂
Most beautiful and challenging course
This was my 8th time on this course (7th time for the marathon and 1 relay), and it remains my favorite course despite this year’s race being my toughest. I … MORE
This was my 8th time on this course (7th time for the marathon and 1 relay), and it remains my favorite course despite this year’s race being my toughest. I wasn’t sure I was going to start or finish this race due to dealing with some food poisoning.
The race was well organized from the start to finish. It’s not often that one can experience the beauty of Highway 1 while on foot. This was the first time I’ve run it with this much rain, but the beauty of the course was still evident even through the gray skies. From the sounds of the Taiko drummers as you make the ascent up to Hurricane point, to Michael Martinez playing the piano at the halfway point, and the fresh strawberries at mile 23.5, I always have found I have something to look forward to on this course aside from the amazing views. The handmade medal still remains one of my favorites, and this is still one of the few races I’ve run that has minestrone soup waiting for us at the finish. I was especially thankful for that soup this year, since that’s the only food I was able to have for the rest of that day.
If there is one race I don’t mind suffering through Chicago winter training for, it’s this one. This is the one race that has given me something to look forward to all winter. This race deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list.
Everything and MORE
Had an absolute blast, this race was an epic experience I'll never forget. I signed up for a bucket list experience and the race delivered all of that and more … MORE
Had an absolute blast, this race was an epic experience I’ll never forget. I signed up for a bucket list experience and the race delivered all of that and more from start to finish. Would absolutely do it again.
The course was spectacular even despite unheard of rainy weather we got for race day. Course starts in the Redwoods of Big Sur for 4-5 miles. You then emerge from the Redwood tunnel as expansive views of the California coast open up, proceeding up highway 1. You wind you’re way closer to the coast then are directly beside it until mile 24-25. At that point you move into the Carmel Highlands with it’s hilly and cambered roads. You’ll be cheered along by a few of the there residents who cheer on runners and offer Capri Sun and tequila shots for those who choose to indulge. The race finishes at the start of downtown Carmel.
People said the course would be challenging but with no marathon experience for comparison and having trained for the hills, I didn’t think it was that bad. The cambered roads in the Carmel highlands and at points during the race was actually what I thought was the most challenging part, it stresses your ankles. Not really something I trained or prepared for.
Throughout the race there’s plenty of entertainment. Mile markers each mile are creative and light hearted. Within a mile or so on either side of Bixby Bridge, you can hear the piano man echoing thru the canyon. There are tribal like drum players at one point. Strawberries at mile 22. And don’t forget the incredible views and a few other stations of staff/spectators that are fist pumping you along your way.
Support throughout the race was more than adequate. Aid stations every 2 miles or so with water and electrolytes. Nearly every station had bananas, oranges and gels. I ran with a bottle but could’ve gotten away without it. All support staff was incredibly helpful and encouraging which was nice as there are limited to no spectators on the course do to the nature of the location.
The finish line had plenty of food, backgrounds for picture taking, plenty of water and electrolytes for recovery. There was a recovery tent with a fully stocked assemblage of massagers, rollers, devices.
The race relies on shuttles to the start line. Buses were very efficient, clean and comfortable. They got us down to the start in plenty of time to get ready. It took the stress out of making the start of the race.
Outside of the race itself, the expo was fun. Staying at the Portola, the convention center is adjoined to where you are staying – convenient. Hoka was demoing shoes and Wahoo their new auto pacing treadmill. Was able to chat with the pacers to get a better idea about the course, good tips. We also attended the seminar on course tips which was helpful.
I didn’t want the day to end and am looking forward to hopefully get the opportunity to do this one again!
Best and Most Beautiful Marathon Ever,
Absolutely gorgeous run. Challenging but well stocked at every mile, with wonderful aid stations with fresh bananas, oranges, electrolytes and water. Not to mention, fresh local strawberries at mile 23. … MORE
Absolutely gorgeous run. Challenging but well stocked at every mile, with wonderful aid stations with fresh bananas, oranges, electrolytes and water. Not to mention, fresh local strawberries at mile 23. So we’ll organized. I love Boston but my heart belongs to Big Sur International Marathon. 💙
Scenery combined with a Challenge
3rd time running. 1st time in the rain, but did not matter. Hills - yes there are and both up and serious downhill section. Be trained or think about the … MORE
3rd time running. 1st time in the rain, but did not matter. Hills – yes there are and both up and serious downhill section. Be trained or think about the 21-miler. You get all the great views with 21-miler race. Great course organization. Yes, you have to start very early to get to Big Sur by bus and the start corals are crowded as limited space available. It is a coast so the weather changes. Potential for very windy conditions. You won’t care as you run and take in the incredible views. Monterey is a fun place to be for a few days.
Twice beauty, twice the humbling
Was it Einstein who said “ Insanity is doing the same thing twice and expecting a different result?” Because the definition of insanity is running the Big Sur Marathon twice … MORE
Was it Einstein who said “ Insanity is doing the same thing twice and expecting a different result?” Because the definition of insanity is running the Big Sur Marathon twice and expecting it to hurt less. Spoiler: It didn’t.
The first time, I ran Big Sur wide-eyed and full of dreams. I conquered the 2024 out and back like a caffeinated cow, paused to listen to a piano player on a cliff, and finished with the grace of a gazelle that just survived an outrunning the wildebeest herd that took out Mufasa.
In 2025, I came back older, wiser, and a bit slower. Mother Nature must’ve remembered me and decided to crank up the wind, the rain, the hills, and my existential despair. Hurricane Point felt more like Typhoon Regret. Somewhere around mile 22, I started hallucinating that the SAG bicyclists were racing me and going to win.
Still, you don’t run Big Sur for the PR. You run it for the kind of views that make you briefly forget you’re in agony and only have 7 toenails left. You run it to be one with the ragged coastline, and then dramatically curse it by mile 13 as you turn the mountain curves. It’s not a race—it’s a love letter written in calf cramps, strawberries, and a pianist whose music carries you up the mountain.
Would I do it a third time? Ask me once I can feel my legs again.
Bucket List Race - Must Do!
Gosh- so many amazing things to say about this race. Course was beautiful even in the rain. There are more than enough aid stations with so many options - water … MORE
Gosh- so many amazing things to say about this race. Course was beautiful even in the rain. There are more than enough aid stations with so many options – water , nuun, refillable stations, fruit, first aid. The strawberries at mile 23 are something I will never forget.
The course entertainment was the perfect mix to allow me to get lost in my own music and the views but also feel motivated and supported.
Lots of portapotties with limited waits. Course support was above and beyond.
Start line support was great and lots of announcements so everything was clear. Coffee, gear check, blankets, lots of bathrooms. Corral were very well marked.
Finish line offered everything needed, gear check was very easy pickup.
Bus transport was great.
Packet pickup was a bit of a line but seemed like it was just timing- staff was so friendly.
Only area of improvement was signing up for the bus pickup online, I felt I had to checkout several times in order for it to take.
Everyone i encountered was so helpful and friendly. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this race. I would love to do it again and will be singing its praises to anyone that will listen.
Amazing scenic race, tough but worth it!
Great course with stunning views, a definite reason to do it! Most disappointing was the timing of the morning buses, they brought us to the start line almost an hour … MORE
Great course with stunning views, a definite reason to do it!
Most disappointing was the timing of the morning buses, they brought us to the start line almost an hour before start in the dark, cold, and rain — I don’t know why we needed to be there so early, there should be later bus options and one should be able to choose the bus time. Plus, I think heating foil blankets should be distributed in the morning, I was pretty miserable lying on the cold wet ground under the rain for 45min before getting ready for the start. Makes me less interested in doing it again.
Most gorgeous marathon I’ve ever run
Big Sur lives up to the hype. It’s the most gorgeous marathon I’ve ever run. The incredible scenery distracts from the over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Every time my … MORE
Big Sur lives up to the hype. It’s the most gorgeous marathon I’ve ever run. The incredible scenery distracts from the over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Every time my body started to complain I looked over at the redwoods and the ocean. The Bixby Bridge was everything I wanted and more. The weather was foggy so I heard the man playing the grand piano over the misty ocean cliffs. Absolutely stunning. I one million percent recommend this race.
Great way to start long distance running
This race is very well attended and well organized. Surprisingly, despite there being no audience along the trail, it is still a beautiful site. It's hard to describe what it's … MORE
This race is very well attended and well organized. Surprisingly, despite there being no audience along the trail, it is still a beautiful site. It’s hard to describe what it’s like being able to run down the PCH without any traffic.
Gorgeous scenery, amazing race!
Before completing the 11-miler, I had participated in the BSIM Relay twice. I have never regretted making the trip from Memphis to Big Sur for these races! I will definitely … MORE
Before completing the 11-miler, I had participated in the BSIM Relay twice. I have never regretted making the trip from Memphis to Big Sur for these races! I will definitely do the 11-miler again. I thought the distance was going to be a stretch for me, but the race-day atmosphere and magical scenery made the race go by so quickly! I was kind of sad to be finished. LOL. The fresh local strawberries toward the last few miles of the race were a nice touch. Even though it rained, the race was just a great as it was in years past. This is definitely a race you want to do in your lifetime!
Well organized & wonderful scenic race!!
What a wonderful rainy race day! Organization was smooth from the check-in, shake out run, bus ride, aid stations through to the finish line. This was my first marathon and … MORE
What a wonderful rainy race day! Organization was smooth from the check-in, shake out run, bus ride, aid stations through to the finish line. This was my first marathon and what a great one to start with!! I was honored to run for Semper Fi & America’s fund which made race weekend extra special!! The hills gave us better views! With the road closed the run was peaceful and magical!! Loved every minute of it!