Photo: © Big Sur Marathon Foundation▶Big Sur International Marathon
Big Sur, United StatesAt a glance
Big Sur International Marathon 2027 takes place on 25 April 2027 in Big Sur, United States. Distances: 42.195 km. Start at 06:45 from Big Sur Station.
- Date
- Sunday, 25 April 2027
- Location
- Big Sur, United States
- Start
- Big Sur Station
- Finish
- Carmel
- Distances
- Marathon · 42.195 km · Competitive
- Start times
- 06:45
- Entry fees
- US$325
- Registration
- Registration open · Register now ↗
- Organiser
- Big Sur Marathon Foundation ↗
- Official website
- bigsurmarathon.org ↗
Last updated: 18 October 2026
The race
The Big Sur International Marathon is run on the last Sunday of April along Highway 1, America's first nationally designated Scenic Highway: the 2027 edition is on Sunday 25 April. It starts at 6:45 from Big Sur Station and finishes in Carmel, on a point-to-point course past redwoods, ranches, coastal mountains and Pacific surf.
It is billed as the largest rural marathon in the world and is USATF, AIMS and World Athletics certified, as well as a Boston Marathon qualifier. The course is moderately difficult, with rolling hills, the climb to Hurricane Point and the crossing of the famous Bixby Bridge, where a grand piano plays.
The 6-hour time limit is strict: at 13:00 the road reopens to traffic. Entries are allocated by random drawing and the fee for winners is $325.
The same weekend features the 21-Miler, the 11-Miler, the 12K, the 5K and a relay. The event is organised by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation.
Videos
Course
From Big Sur to Carmel
The start is at Big Sur Station (about 108 metres above sea level) and the finish in Carmel, almost at sea level. In between are 26.2 miles on Highway 1 with about 665 metres of climbing and 770 of descent in total.
Key points
- The first miles among the redwoods of the Big Sur valley.
- The climb to Hurricane Point, with taiko drummers halfway up.
- Bixby Bridge, the race's icon, with the Yamaha grand piano.
- Belly dancers near mile 24 and classical, jazz and rock music all along the course.
Aid stations and timing
There are 11 aid stations, at miles 2.5, 4.8, 7.8, 10.4, 12.2, 14.7, 16.9, 19, 21.2, 23 and 24.5, with Precision Hydration, water, bottle refill points, toilets and first aid. Timing is by bib chip with intermediate mats; there are large mile markers but no clocks on the course.
Headwinds can be strong: anyone unsure of holding a 13:45-per-mile pace can choose the 21-Miler.
Entry fees
What's included
- Aid stations
- Medical assistance
- Chip timing
- Cronometraggio
Rules and requirements
How to get in
- Marathon entries are allocated by a random drawing open for two weeks (for 2027, from 19 August to 2 September 2026).
- Fee for drawing winners: $325.
- Other routes: Big Sur VIP, official charities, Marathon Tours & Travel packages and the Boston 2 Big Sur programme.
- Discount for active-duty military.
Time limit
6 hours chip time, i.e. 13:45 per mile (8:33 per km), required by the permit to use Highway 1. There are two cutoffs: mile 13.2 at 10:05 and mile 21.2 at 11:50; later runners are transported to the finish. At 13:00 the road reopens and all support ends.
Refunds and changes
- No refunds or deferrals for any reason; registration protection can be bought at registration.
- A limited number of distance changes are possible from 3 to 10 March 2027.
Not allowed
Animals, unofficial pacers, bicycles, skates, strollers, wheelchairs and hand cranks are not permitted on the course.
