Avenue of the Giants Marathon
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Event overview
The 54th Avenue of the Giants race takes place on May 3, 2026, in Humboldt Redwoods State Park near Arcata, California. The event is organized by an independently green organization and is not associated with corporate sponsors. Distances offered include:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10K
The marathon course is USATF certified and designated as a Boston Qualifier.
Course, awards and entry
All courses are on paved roads and are routed along the Avenue of the Giants through old growth redwood stands and alongside a natural creek. The full marathon is a double out-and-back; the half marathon is an out-and-back. Roads are shaded by tall redwood trees, which can keep temperatures cool and may occasionally block GPS signals on running watches.
Overall prizes are awarded to top finishers in the full and half marathon, including male, female, and non-binary categories. Age-group awards are given in 10-year increments, with a 19-and-under category in the half marathon. Each finisher receives a medal. The 10K awards only first-place trophies; age-group awards are distributed at the timers tent near the finish line. A spaghetti feed is mentioned with details to be announced.
Entry fees vary by registration period. Example prices listed by the organizer are: marathon $100 / $120 / $145; half marathon $80 / $100 / $125; 10K $60 / $70 / $75. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
