Course & Elevation

The Big Sur Marathon is renowned as one of the most scenic and challenging marathons in North America, running along the dramatic Pacific Coast Highway. The course begins inland near the town of Big Sur and descends through redwood forests before reaching the iconic coastal cliffs, offering unparalleled views of the California coastline. Runners face significant elevation changes with nearly 2,550 meters of climbing across the 42.195-kilometer course.

Surface: road Profile: Mountainous

🌤️ Weather

Temperature 15°C

Humidity 72%

Rain Chance 25%

Late April typically brings mild spring weather to the Big Sur coast with cool mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons. Ocean breezes and occasional fog patches are common, with the possibility of scattered showers.

🏆 Course Record

02:34:47

Robert Gomez (2013)

Registration

Registration Opens August

Registration Closes February

Entry Cost $250-$295

Official Website →

🎯 Fun Facts

▸ The Big Sur Marathon is one of only five marathons in the world featured on National Geographic's list of 'Most Scenic Marathon Routes'.
▸ Nearly 40% of the course runs directly along the Pacific Coast Highway with elevation changes up to 655 meters, making it one of North America's most challenging marathons.
▸ The race uses a lottery system to manage demand, with typically over 8,000 entries for approximately 3,500 available spots annually.
▸ All race proceeds support the nonprofit Big Sur Land Trust, which has preserved over 2,200 acres of sensitive coastline and redwood forest in the Big Sur region.

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