Avenue of the Giants Marathon

MAY
3
2026
Run beneath towering old growth redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, with marathon, half and 10K routes for all paces. This independently green race offers a shaded, unforgettable forest run.
Sun 3 May 2026
Marathon Half Marathon 10 kilometers

Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.

Event overview

The Avenue of the Giants event takes place in Humboldt Redwoods State Park along the Avenue of the Giants in rural Northern California. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, with the assembly point near the Dyerville Bridge overlook on the east side of Highway 101. The organizing group describes itself as independently green and not corporate-sponsored.

Distances offered:

  • Marathon
  • Half Marathon
  • 10K

Course and awards

The course is on paved roads lined with old growth redwood trees, some reaching about 300 feet tall. The full marathon is a double out-and-back on paved roads; the half marathon is an out-and-back. The course is USATF certified and the marathon is a Boston Qualifying event. The tall trees provide shade that can keep temperatures cool but may block GPS signals on running watches.

Awards include overall prizes for top finishing male, female, and non-binary athletes in the full and half marathons, and age-group awards in ten-year bands (the half marathon includes a 19-and-under category). Each finisher receives a medal; the 10K presents only first-place trophies. A spaghetti feed is planned, with details to be announced. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Marathon
Marathon
Half Marathon
Half Marathon
10 km
10k

Events nearby