Held annually on the last Sunday of April—with April 26, 2026 as the date— the Big Sur International Marathon is one of the most picturesque and challenging road races in the world . The point‑to‑point course traverses the dramatic California coastline along Highway 1, passing towering redwoods, coastal cliffs, and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, with rolling hills and ocean vistas throughout. In addition to the full marathon, participants can opt for shorter distance events—the 21‑Miler, 11‑Miler, 12 K, 5 K, or join a Marathon Relay with four-person teams—ensuring something for every level of athlete. The course is USATF- and AIMS-certified, qualifies for the Boston Marathon, and has a strict 6‑hour cutoff to comply with permits. Year after year, it draws thousands seeking a bucket-list run enhanced by live entertainment—like a pianist on Bixby Bridge—and strong community support.
Races
Marathon
Marathon
21 miles
11 miles
12 km
5 km
Race Date:
26 April, 2026
Also on April 26, 2026, the Marathon Relay lets teams of four share the 42.2 km route from Big Sur to Carmel, with each runner covering approximately 8 to 11 miles. Hosted by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, this team-friendly version preserves the scenic highlights—including Bixby Bridge and the coastal cliffs—while offering a collaborative race experience.
Race Date:
26 April, 2026
Taking place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, the point-to-point Big Sur Marathon runs the iconic Highway 1 from Big Sur Station to Carmel, offering breathtaking coastal views, redwoods, rolling hills, and crossing the famous Bixby Creek Bridge. Organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, this USATF and AIMS–certified race is a Boston qualifier with approximately 665 m of net elevation gain (2,182 ft climbing) and a 6-hour time limit.
Race Date:
26 April, 2026
Also held on April 26, the 21-Miler begins at Andrew Molera State Park and finishes in Carmel, covering pine forests, ranch lands, and iconic coastal vistas. Organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, it provides a shorter but still scenic alternative to the full marathon—with a more relaxed 6½-hour limit.
Race Date:
26 April, 2026
The 11-Miler will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, running from Grimes Ranch to Carmel, California, and is organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. Participants experience redwood groves, open coastline, and steady climbs over one of the most scenic middle-distance courses in the U.S.
Race Date:
26 April, 2026
The 12K race happens on Sunday, April 26, 2026, on an out-and-back course starting and finishing near Rio Road and Highway 1 in Carmel, California, presented by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. This event offers a relaxed pace for runners and walkers, along a section of California’s famed coastline.
Race Date:
26 April, 2026
The Big Sur 5K will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Carmel, California, with a start and finish near Rio Road and Highway 1, organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. Ideal for families and first-timers, this short-distance race provides a scenic, welcoming introduction to the festival atmosphere of Big Sur.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Big Sur International Marathon Relay?
How long is the Big Sur International Marathon Relay?
Where does the Big Sur International Marathon Relay take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International Marathon Relay?
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International Marathon Relay?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International Marathon Relay?
Also on April 26, 2026, the Marathon Relay lets teams of four share the 42.2 km route from Big Sur to Carmel, with each runner covering approximately 8 to 11 miles. Hosted by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, this team-friendly version preserves the scenic highlights—including Bixby Bridge and the coastal cliffs—while offering a collaborative race experience.
The Big Sur International Marathon Relay is 42km long.
The Big Sur International Marathon Relay takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the Big Sur International Marathon Relay elevation profile as Moderate.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International Marathon Relay?
Also on April 26, 2026, the Marathon Relay lets teams of four share the 42.2 km route from Big Sur to Carmel, with each runner covering approximately 8 to 11 miles. Hosted by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, this team-friendly version preserves the scenic highlights—including Bixby Bridge and the coastal cliffs—while offering a collaborative race experience.
How long is the Big Sur International Marathon Relay?
The Big Sur International Marathon Relay is 42km long.
Where does the Big Sur International Marathon Relay take place?
The Big Sur International Marathon Relay takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International Marathon Relay?
Runna classifies the Big Sur International Marathon Relay elevation profile as Moderate.
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International Marathon Relay?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International Marathon Relay?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International Marathon?
How long is the Big Sur International Marathon?
Where does the Big Sur International Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International Marathon?
Taking place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, the point-to-point Big Sur Marathon runs the iconic Highway 1 from Big Sur Station to Carmel, offering breathtaking coastal views, redwoods, rolling hills, and crossing the famous Bixby Creek Bridge. Organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, this USATF and AIMS–certified race is a Boston qualifier with approximately 665 m of net elevation gain (2,182 ft climbing) and a 6-hour time limit.
The Big Sur International Marathon is 42km long.
The Big Sur International Marathon takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
The Big Sur International Marathon elevation gain is 665 metres, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International Marathon?
Taking place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, the point-to-point Big Sur Marathon runs the iconic Highway 1 from Big Sur Station to Carmel, offering breathtaking coastal views, redwoods, rolling hills, and crossing the famous Bixby Creek Bridge. Organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, this USATF and AIMS–certified race is a Boston qualifier with approximately 665 m of net elevation gain (2,182 ft climbing) and a 6-hour time limit.
How long is the Big Sur International Marathon?
The Big Sur International Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Big Sur International Marathon take place?
The Big Sur International Marathon takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International Marathon?
The Big Sur International Marathon elevation gain is 665 metres, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International 21 Miler?
How long is the Big Sur International 21 Miler?
Where does the Big Sur International 21 Miler take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International 21 Miler?
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International 21 Miler?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International 21 Miler?
Also held on April 26, the 21-Miler begins at Andrew Molera State Park and finishes in Carmel, covering pine forests, ranch lands, and iconic coastal vistas. Organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, it provides a shorter but still scenic alternative to the full marathon—with a more relaxed 6½-hour limit.
The Big Sur International 21 Miler is 33km long.
The Big Sur International 21 Miler takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
The Big Sur International 21 Miler elevation gain is 628 metres, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International 21 Miler?
Also held on April 26, the 21-Miler begins at Andrew Molera State Park and finishes in Carmel, covering pine forests, ranch lands, and iconic coastal vistas. Organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, it provides a shorter but still scenic alternative to the full marathon—with a more relaxed 6½-hour limit.
How long is the Big Sur International 21 Miler?
The Big Sur International 21 Miler is 33km long.
Where does the Big Sur International 21 Miler take place?
The Big Sur International 21 Miler takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International 21 Miler?
The Big Sur International 21 Miler elevation gain is 628 metres, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International 21 Miler?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International 21 Miler?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International 11 Miler?
How long is the Big Sur International 11 Miler?
Where does the Big Sur International 11 Miler take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International 11 Miler?
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International 11 Miler?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International 11 Miler?
The 11-Miler will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, running from Grimes Ranch to Carmel, California, and is organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. Participants experience redwood groves, open coastline, and steady climbs over one of the most scenic middle-distance courses in the U.S.
The Big Sur International 11 Miler is 17km long.
The Big Sur International 11 Miler takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the Big Sur International 11 Miler elevation profile as Moderate.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International 11 Miler?
The 11-Miler will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, running from Grimes Ranch to Carmel, California, and is organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. Participants experience redwood groves, open coastline, and steady climbs over one of the most scenic middle-distance courses in the U.S.
How long is the Big Sur International 11 Miler?
The Big Sur International 11 Miler is 17km long.
Where does the Big Sur International 11 Miler take place?
The Big Sur International 11 Miler takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International 11 Miler?
Runna classifies the Big Sur International 11 Miler elevation profile as Moderate.
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International 11 Miler?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International 11 Miler?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International 12km?
How long is the Big Sur International 12km?
Where does the Big Sur International 12km take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International 12km?
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International 12km?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International 12km?
The 12K race happens on Sunday, April 26, 2026, on an out-and-back course starting and finishing near Rio Road and Highway 1 in Carmel, California, presented by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. This event offers a relaxed pace for runners and walkers, along a section of California’s famed coastline.
The Big Sur International 12km is 12km long.
The Big Sur International 12km takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the Big Sur International 12km elevation profile as Moderate.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International 12km?
The 12K race happens on Sunday, April 26, 2026, on an out-and-back course starting and finishing near Rio Road and Highway 1 in Carmel, California, presented by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. This event offers a relaxed pace for runners and walkers, along a section of California’s famed coastline.
How long is the Big Sur International 12km?
The Big Sur International 12km is 12km long.
Where does the Big Sur International 12km take place?
The Big Sur International 12km takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International 12km?
Runna classifies the Big Sur International 12km elevation profile as Moderate.
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International 12km?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International 12km?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International 5km?
How long is the Big Sur International 5km?
Where does the Big Sur International 5km take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International 5km?
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International 5km?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International 5km?
The Big Sur 5K will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Carmel, California, with a start and finish near Rio Road and Highway 1, organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. Ideal for families and first-timers, this short-distance race provides a scenic, welcoming introduction to the festival atmosphere of Big Sur.
The Big Sur International 5km is 5km long.
The Big Sur International 5km takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the Big Sur International 5km elevation profile as Moderate.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Big Sur International 5km?
The Big Sur 5K will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Carmel, California, with a start and finish near Rio Road and Highway 1, organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. Ideal for families and first-timers, this short-distance race provides a scenic, welcoming introduction to the festival atmosphere of Big Sur.
How long is the Big Sur International 5km?
The Big Sur International 5km is 5km long.
Where does the Big Sur International 5km take place?
The Big Sur International 5km takes place in Big Sur, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Big Sur International 5km?
Runna classifies the Big Sur International 5km elevation profile as Moderate.
How can I prepare for the Big Sur International 5km?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Big Sur International 5km?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
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This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Big Sur International Marathon 2026 or Big Sur Marathon Foundation. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Big Sur International Marathon 2026 website.
