Big Sur, California, United States
The Big Sur International Marathon is widely regarded as America's most beautiful marathon, drawing about 4,500 runners each April on a point-to-point along California's Highway 1. The course passes the iconic Bixby Bridge at mile 13, McWay Falls viewpoints, and the rugged Big Sur coastline. It is not a personal-best course — the hills and cliffside scenery are the reward.
Big Sur International Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Big Sur International Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 April 2027 with a 6:45 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 250 m of climbing on a hilly with sustained coastal climbs layout.
The Big Sur International Marathon is a point-to-point run from Big Sur to Carmel on Highway 1, with constant Pacific views and the iconic Bixby Bridge around halfway. Sustained rolling climbs through the coastal headlands make conservative pacing essential, while spectators concentrate at Bixby Bridge, coastal viewpoints, and the Carmel finish.
The Big Sur International Marathon course is hilly with sustained coastal climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 250 metres of climbing and 200 metres of descent, with a net climb of 50 metres from start to finish.
The Big Sur International Marathon uses a lottery system through bigsurmarathon.org, with applications typically accepted for about two weeks in late November for the April race. Demand far exceeds the roughly 4,500-runner field on the closed Highway 1 course, and acceptance is not guaranteed. A limited number of charity bibs are available through official partner organisations.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Big Sur.
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Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
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