Overview
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.
REVEL Big Bear Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
REVEL Big Bear Marathon 2026 race day
The next REVEL Big Bear Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 180 m of climbing on a net downhill then mostly flat layout.
REVEL Big Bear Marathon course route
The REVEL Big Bear Marathon is a net-downhill point-to-point road course popular with runners chasing fast times. Starts in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear and finishes in the Redlands area. The course drops through mountain highways and foothill roads with pine forests and Inland Empire views on the descent. Moderate terrain throughout.
REVEL Big Bear Marathon elevation profile
The REVEL Big Bear Marathon course is net downhill then mostly flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 220 metres of descent, with a net descent of 40 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
REVEL Big Bear Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens through https://www.runrevel.com/rbb and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the REVEL Big Bear Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
- The REVEL Big Bear Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The REVEL Big Bear Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
- What is the REVEL Big Bear Marathon elevation profile?
- The REVEL Big Bear Marathon has 180 metres of total climbing and 220 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is net downhill then mostly flat, with 40 metres of net descent from start to finish.
- How long is the REVEL Big Bear Marathon?
- The REVEL Big Bear Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point road from the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear to the Redlands area.
- What time does the REVEL Big Bear Marathon start?
- The 2026 REVEL Big Bear Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.runrevel.com/rbb confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the REVEL Big Bear Marathon start and finish?
- Starts in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear and finishes in the Redlands area. Updated course maps are published at https://www.runrevel.com/rbb each year.
- When is the REVEL Big Bear Marathon and how do I register?
- REVEL Big Bear Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens through https://www.runrevel.com/rbb and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the REVEL Big Bear Marathon course flat?
- The course includes net downhill then mostly flat. Study the official course profile at https://www.runrevel.com/rbb before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the REVEL Big Bear Marathon pass?
- The route descends from Big Bear through mountain highways into the Redlands finish area.
- What weather should runners expect at REVEL Big Bear Marathon?
- Cool mountain air at the start with milder temperatures in the foothills by the finish in November.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.