RoadPoint-to-pointCoolOcean
Big Sur International Marathon
Big Sur, CA
A bucket-list coastal road marathon with cliffs, surf, and Highway 1 entirely to yourself.
Big Sur International Marathon is a point-to-point road marathon on California Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. It is scenic and hilly with coastal wind, not a PR course. Best for runners prioritizing scenery and a destination weekend on the Pacific coast.
- When
- April 26, 2026
- Distances
- Marathon
- Surface
- Road
- Course
- Point-to-point
- Elevation gain
- 2,200 ft
- Altitude
- 30 ft–560 ft
- Weather
- Cool
- Nearest airport
- MRY
- Suggested trip
- 3 nights
Weather
| Month | Avg high / low | Band |
|---|---|---|
| April | 48–60°F | Cool |
Historical averages for planning — not a forecast. Always check conditions before race week.
Route & course
Marathon
Point-to-point · Road- Elev gain
- 2,200 ft
- Elev loss
- 2,400 ft
- High point
- 560 ft
- Low point
- 30 ft
- Start and finish are in different locations
- Plan shuttle, drop-off, or two-car logistics
- Conditions can differ from start to finish
Start · 260 ftFinish · 30 ft
Travel
- Base town
- Monterey
- Nearest airport
- MRY · 35 min
- Rental car
- Recommended
- Rideshare
- Limited
- Lodging
- Limited
- Facilities
- Limited
- Trip length
- 3 nights
- Travel complexity
- 6.5/10
Point-to-point with a pre-dawn shuttle to the start; lodging is limited and pricey on race weekend.
Stay in Monterey/Carmel and take the official start shuttle. Book months ahead.
Best for / avoid if
Best for
- Runners chasing scenery over a PR
- Coastal and ocean lovers
- Those who want a marquee destination weekend
Avoid if
- You need a flat, fast course
- You dislike wind
- You want easy late registration (it sells out)
About this race
Widely considered one of the most scenic road marathons in the world. The course runs north along the Big Sur coast on a closed Highway 1, with cliffs, surf, and a famous piano player at Bixby Bridge. Coastal wind and rolling hills make it honest, not fast.
Last verified June 19, 2026. Race details can change — always confirm with the official race website.