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Big Sur International Marathon

April 25, 2027

Carmel-by-the-Sea Finish Line (Highway 1) · Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States

About

The course is from Big Sur to Carmel on scenic Highway 1, the nation's first nationally-designated Scenic Highway. The course is USATF certified and is an official Boston qualifier.

Step 2

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Start

Carmel-by-the-Sea Finish Line (Highway 1)

Start time

06:45

Entry fee

USD 325

Weather

Cool & foggy ~12°C

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Our first event

Big Sur International Marathon

Apr 25Carmel-by-the-Sea42.2 km (26 mi)
Predicted finishOn pace
3:41:37h
62% ready

Your readiness

Training plan29wks
LevelMid
Sleep score82/100

Aid stations

  • Station 1

  • Station 2

  • Station 3

  • Station 4

  • Station 5

  • Station 6

  • Station 7

  • Station 8

  • Station 9

  • Station 10

  • Station 11

Top finishers

  • 1SimonUSA02:23:45
  • 2WyattUSA02:41:04
  • 3DanUSA02:41:37
Visit the official site

Why this race

  • Iconic US destination marathon held since 1986 along Highway 1
  • Runner's World and other outlets often call it one of the best marathons in the world, and it sells out every year
  • Boston qualifier with a USATF-certified course and a well-known identity of its own
  • Not a WMM or a capital-city flagship, but its fame is well above a typical regional race

If you like Marine Corps Marathon or Grandma's Marathon, you'll like this one.

Pack this

  • Light wind shell or throwaway layer for the foggy, cool coastal start
  • Gels every 30-40 min plus electrolyte tabs for the hilly 42km
  • Arm sleeves and light gloves you can stash once the fog lifts
  • Photo ID and confirmation for bib pickup and point-to-point shuttle
  • Anti-chafe balm and a cap for headwinds and sea spray

What you should know

  • The course is point-to-point on Highway 1, so plan on early-morning shuttles to the start; check the event's times.
  • Expect +665m of rolling climbs, including the long Hurricane Point climb near halfway. Pace conservatively early.
  • Coastal headwinds and fog are common; conditions can change fast between exposed headlands.
  • Highway 1 reopens on a schedule, so check the published pace or cutoff rules and keep up with the course sweep.
  • Camber and long descents load the quads; shorten your stride downhill and use aid stations regularly.
Based on 3 sources

The information shown here is based on the most recent listing we could find, and may change. Always confirm details on the event's official site before registering.

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