Big Sur International Marathon
Big Sur, USA · Last Sunday of April
Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel: redwoods, cliffs, a grand piano at Bixby Bridge, and the two-mile climb to Hurricane Point into the wind. Nobody PRs here and nobody cares — it's the most beautiful 42 km of road racing in the world.
Course
Elevation gain
600 m
Net elevation
-40 m
Finishers
~4,500
Month
April
Last Sunday of April
Race-day weather
Median start temp
8°C
Historical range
5–16°C
Hot-year risk
Low
Coastal fog, ocean headwinds, and cool temperatures — the weather is rarely hot and never simple.
Getting in
Lottery. Entry by drawing — demand for the most scenic marathon in America far outstrips its small field. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Big Sur International Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Big Sur International Marathon a fast course?
It is not considered a PR course. The course has 600 m of total elevation gain. We rate it 2/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Big Sur International Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 8°C, with a historical range of roughly 5–16°C. Coastal fog, ocean headwinds, and cool temperatures — the weather is rarely hot and never simple.
How do you get into the Big Sur International Marathon?
Lottery. Entry by drawing — demand for the most scenic marathon in America far outstrips its small field.
Is the Big Sur International Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Big Sur International Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times. Note that it is not eligible for records due to its point-to-point or net-downhill layout, but that does not affect Boston qualifying.