Next race
Sunday, 17 January 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Scenic coastal road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
The Carlsbad Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each January on a scenic coastal road in Carlsbad, United States. Ocean scenery and winter timing make it a popular California destination marathon. The route passes lagoon edges, Pacific viewpoints, and inland neighborhoods before returning to the coast. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Carlsbad Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 1,800 finishers
Course & terrain
Starts and finishes near central Carlsbad village streets. The route passes lagoon edges, Pacific viewpoints, and inland neighborhoods before returning to the coast. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
The Carlsbad Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 16 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
The Carlsbad Marathon uses open online registration at inmotionevents.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the January race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Getting there
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
7 km / 5 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Carlsbad.
The San Diego Marathon draws approximately 4,800 finishers on a scenic coastal road in San Diego, United States. The course starts and finishes in Balboa Park. Mostly flat with gentle rises inland from the coast.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The HOAG OC Marathon draws approximately 2,800 finishers each May along Orange County's Pacific coastline from Newport Beach to Costa Mesa. The course passes the Balboa Peninsula, Corona del Mar cliffs, and the Pacific Coast Highway with ocean views throughout. May's mild Southern California spring and flat coastal roads make it one of the West Coast's most scenic destination marathons.
Next race: Saturday, 1 May 2027
The Surf City Marathon draws approximately 3,500 finishers each February along the Pacific coast of Huntington Beach, California — 'Surf City USA.' The out-and-back course follows Pacific Coast Highway with ocean views, the Huntington Beach Pier, and the Bolsa Chica wetlands. February's mild Southern California winter and dead-flat pavement make it a popular early-year destination race.
Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027
The REVEL Big Bear Marathon draws approximately 1,837 finishers each November on a point-to-point road in Redlands, United States. Runners chase PRs and Boston qualifiers on one of Southern California's premier net-downhill marathon courses. The 2023 edition drew 1,837 marathon finishers; the race was cancelled in 2024 and 2025. The course drops through mountain highways and foothill roads with pine forests and Inland Empire views on the descent. The route is net downhill overall.
Next race: Saturday, 7 November 2026
The Long Beach Marathon draws about 4,000 finishers each October along the Southern California coast in Los Angeles County. The course passes the Queen Mary, the Shoreline Village marina, and the Long Beach waterfront on flat coastal terrain. October mild Pacific weather and a flat beachfront profile make it a popular autumn California marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
The Los Angeles Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 23k finishers on an urban road in Los Angeles, United States. The course starts at Dodger Stadium and finishes at the Avenue of the Stars in Century City. Net downhill overall, though with rolling sections through Hollywood.
Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
