The 2026 Carlsbad event features a full Marathon (42.2 km), a Half Marathon (21.1 km), a 5K, and a Double Down Challenge combining the 5K and Half Marathon. All races start and finish at The Shoppes at Carlsbad (2525 El Camino Real), with the Marathon at 6:15 AM, 5K at 6:40 AM, and the Half Marathon at 7:45 AM. The courses run along the scenic Pacific coastline, hugging Highway 101 / Carlsbad Boulevard with sweeping ocean views and gently rolling elevations. The Half Marathon is limited to 4 hours, and the Marathon has a 6-hour cutoff. Participants receive a long-sleeve tech shirt, a finisher medal, race swag, and full support with aid stations, medical services, and a vibrant finish festival. Carlsbad is also part of the SoCal “Triple Crown” series and is Boston-qualifier certified.
Races
The 5K run is organized by In Motion Events and takes place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, beginning at 6:40 AM in Carlsbad, California. It is a shorter out-and-back course toward Buena Vista Lagoon, timed with a 1-hour limit, and shares the finishing setup with the marathon and half marathon.
The Virtual Carlsbad 5K 2026 is also managed by In Motion Events and takes place during the main race weekend, January 18, 2026. Runners complete the 5 km distance anywhere, submitting their times online while still receiving their finisher medal and race swag.
Also organized by In Motion Events, the Carlsbad Half Marathon is set for Sunday, January 18, 2026, with a 7:45 AM start in Carlsbad, CA. The certified course shares the oceanfront route with the full marathon for its first half and returns to the same finish line, with a 4-hour cut-off limit.
The Virtual Carlsbad Half Marathon 2026, hosted by In Motion Events, runs alongside the live race date of January 18, 2026. Participants cover 21.1 km on their own chosen route, tracking their results virtually and earning the same commemorative gear as in-person runners.
Organized by In Motion Events, the Carlsbad Marathon will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Carlsbad, California, USA, starting at 6:15 AM. The scenic out-and-back course begins and ends at Plaza Camino Real (the Shoppes at Carlsbad), running along Highway 101 / Carlsbad Boulevard with Pacific Ocean views and a 6-hour finish limit.
The Virtual Carlsbad Marathon 2026 is organized by In Motion Events and coincides with the in-person event on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Runners can complete the 42.195 km distance anywhere in the world on their own course while still receiving the official medal, shirt, and finisher swag.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Carlsbad 5K?
How long is the Carlsbad 5K?
Where does the Carlsbad 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad 5K?
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Carlsbad 5K?
The 5K run is organized by In Motion Events and takes place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, beginning at 6:40 AM in Carlsbad, California. It is a shorter out-and-back course toward Buena Vista Lagoon, timed with a 1-hour limit, and shares the finishing setup with the marathon and half marathon.
The Carlsbad 5K is 5km long.
The Carlsbad 5K takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the Carlsbad 5K elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Carlsbad 5K?
The 5K run is organized by In Motion Events and takes place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, beginning at 6:40 AM in Carlsbad, California. It is a shorter out-and-back course toward Buena Vista Lagoon, timed with a 1-hour limit, and shares the finishing setup with the marathon and half marathon.
How long is the Carlsbad 5K?
The Carlsbad 5K is 5km long.
Where does the Carlsbad 5K take place?
The Carlsbad 5K takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad 5K?
Runna classifies the Carlsbad 5K elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Carlsbad 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 Carlsbad Virtual 5K?
How long is the Carlsbad Virtual 5K?
Where does the Carlsbad Virtual 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad Virtual 5K?
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad Virtual 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Carlsbad Virtual 5K?
The Virtual Carlsbad 5K 2026 is also managed by In Motion Events and takes place during the main race weekend, January 18, 2026. Runners complete the 5 km distance anywhere, submitting their times online while still receiving their finisher medal and race swag.
The Carlsbad Virtual 5K is 5km long.
The Carlsbad Virtual 5K takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the Carlsbad Virtual 5K elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Carlsbad Virtual 5K?
The Virtual Carlsbad 5K 2026 is also managed by In Motion Events and takes place during the main race weekend, January 18, 2026. Runners complete the 5 km distance anywhere, submitting their times online while still receiving their finisher medal and race swag.
How long is the Carlsbad Virtual 5K?
The Carlsbad Virtual 5K is 5km long.
Where does the Carlsbad Virtual 5K take place?
The Carlsbad Virtual 5K takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad Virtual 5K?
Runna classifies the Carlsbad Virtual 5K elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad Virtual 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Carlsbad Virtual 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 Carlsbad Half Marathon?
How long is the Carlsbad Half Marathon?
Where does the Carlsbad Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Carlsbad Half Marathon?
Also organized by In Motion Events, the Carlsbad Half Marathon is set for Sunday, January 18, 2026, with a 7:45 AM start in Carlsbad, CA. The certified course shares the oceanfront route with the full marathon for its first half and returns to the same finish line, with a 4-hour cut-off limit.
The Carlsbad Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Carlsbad Half Marathon takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the Carlsbad Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Carlsbad Half Marathon?
Also organized by In Motion Events, the Carlsbad Half Marathon is set for Sunday, January 18, 2026, with a 7:45 AM start in Carlsbad, CA. The certified course shares the oceanfront route with the full marathon for its first half and returns to the same finish line, with a 4-hour cut-off limit.
How long is the Carlsbad Half Marathon?
The Carlsbad Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Carlsbad Half Marathon take place?
The Carlsbad Half Marathon takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the Carlsbad Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Carlsbad Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon?
How long is the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon?
Where does the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon?
The Virtual Carlsbad Half Marathon 2026, hosted by In Motion Events, runs alongside the live race date of January 18, 2026. Participants cover 21.1 km on their own chosen route, tracking their results virtually and earning the same commemorative gear as in-person runners.
The Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon?
The Virtual Carlsbad Half Marathon 2026, hosted by In Motion Events, runs alongside the live race date of January 18, 2026. Participants cover 21.1 km on their own chosen route, tracking their results virtually and earning the same commemorative gear as in-person runners.
How long is the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon?
The Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon take place?
The Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Carlsbad Virtual Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 Carlsbad Marathon?
How long is the Carlsbad Marathon?
Where does the Carlsbad Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Carlsbad Marathon?
Organized by In Motion Events, the Carlsbad Marathon will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Carlsbad, California, USA, starting at 6:15 AM. The scenic out-and-back course begins and ends at Plaza Camino Real (the Shoppes at Carlsbad), running along Highway 101 / Carlsbad Boulevard with Pacific Ocean views and a 6-hour finish limit.
The Carlsbad Marathon is 42km long.
The Carlsbad Marathon takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the Carlsbad Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Carlsbad Marathon?
Organized by In Motion Events, the Carlsbad Marathon will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Carlsbad, California, USA, starting at 6:15 AM. The scenic out-and-back course begins and ends at Plaza Camino Real (the Shoppes at Carlsbad), running along Highway 101 / Carlsbad Boulevard with Pacific Ocean views and a 6-hour finish limit.
How long is the Carlsbad Marathon?
The Carlsbad Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Carlsbad Marathon take place?
The Carlsbad Marathon takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad Marathon?
Runna classifies the Carlsbad Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Carlsbad Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 Carlsbad Virtual Marathon?
How long is the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon?
Where does the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon?
The Virtual Carlsbad Marathon 2026 is organized by In Motion Events and coincides with the in-person event on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Runners can complete the 42.195 km distance anywhere in the world on their own course while still receiving the official medal, shirt, and finisher swag.
The Carlsbad Virtual Marathon is 42km long.
The Carlsbad Virtual Marathon takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Carlsbad Virtual Marathon?
The Virtual Carlsbad Marathon 2026 is organized by In Motion Events and coincides with the in-person event on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Runners can complete the 42.195 km distance anywhere in the world on their own course while still receiving the official medal, shirt, and finisher swag.
How long is the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon?
The Carlsbad Virtual Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon take place?
The Carlsbad Virtual Marathon takes place in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon?
Runna classifies the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Carlsbad Virtual Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Carlsbad Virtual Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K or In Motion Events. 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 Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K website.
