Big sur International Marathon
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Event Overview
The Big Sur International Marathon is an annual distance running event established in 1986. The course takes place on Highway 1, stretching from Big Sur to Carmel. This route is recognized as the first nationally designated Scenic Highway in the United States. The marathon is a USATF certified course and serves as an official qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
The event offers several participation options catering to different distances and formats:
- Marathon: A 26.2 mile race from Big Sur to Carmel.
- 21-Miler: A long-distance point-to-point run.
- 11-Miler: A mid-distance course.
- 12K: A shorter distance race.
- 5K: A 3.1 mile course.
- Marathon Relay: A shared distance event for teams.
Course Characteristics
The marathon course features significant elevation changes, with a total gain of 2,182 feet and a total loss of 2,528 feet. The highest point at the start is 356 feet, descending to a finish elevation of 10 feet. Participants must adhere to a course time limit of approximately 6 hours, as Highway 1 reopens to vehicle traffic at 1:00 PM. This requires maintaining a pace of at least 13:45 per mile.
Race Weekend and Logistics
The event weekend includes a Race Expo and a finish line festival. Official race day transportation is provided, as road closures and traffic restrictions are in effect along the coast. The organization operates as a zero-waste event through sustainability initiatives. Specialized programs such as Boston 2 Big Sur and VIP entries are also available for interested runners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
