Carlsbad, California, United States
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. Lagoon edges, Pacific viewpoints, and inland neighborhoods climb before returning to the coast on this popular California destination marathon each January.
Carlsbad Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Carlsbad Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 3 January 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Starts and finishes near central Carlsbad village streets. The route passes lagoon edges, Pacific viewpoints, and inland neighborhoods before returning to the coast. Inland rollers separate flatter coastal miles, and beach-town crowds gather near the village finish and ocean overlooks.
The Carlsbad Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs 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.
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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Carlsbad.
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