Big Sur International Marathon
The most scenic marathon on Earth, along California's breathtaking Highway 1.
Big Sur, California
Last Sunday of April
42.195 km
600 m
~4,500 athletes
Course Highlights
- Redwood groves in the opening miles
- Hurricane Point climb at mile 10
- Bixby Creek Bridge crossing with grand piano
- Continuous Pacific Ocean cliff views
- Finish in Carmel-by-the-Sea
The Course
The Big Sur International Marathon is a point-to-point course running northward along Highway 1 from just south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to Carmel. The opening miles wind through towering redwood groves along the Big Sur River before the course climbs to the coastal bluffs. From there, runners are treated to 20 miles of uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views along one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline on Earth.
The course is challenging, with significant rolling hills throughout. The most notable climb is Hurricane Point around mile 10, a two-mile ascent of roughly 500 feet that rewards runners at the top with staggering ocean panoramas and views of the Bixby Creek Bridge ahead. Crossing Bixby Bridge at mile 13, often to the sounds of a grand piano played on a platform overlooking the ocean, is a moment runners never forget.
The final miles feature continued rolling terrain as the course approaches Carmel Highlands and descends into the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is not a course for personal bests; it is a course for the experience of a lifetime. The limited field size, remote setting, and jaw-dropping beauty make Big Sur a bucket-list race for every serious runner.
History
The Big Sur International Marathon was first held in 1986 and has remained deliberately small to preserve the pristine natural environment of the Big Sur coast. The field is capped at approximately 4,500 runners, making it one of the most coveted race entries in the United States.
The tradition of a grand piano player stationed on a platform near Bixby Bridge has become one of the most iconic images in marathon running. The race has been named the "Best Marathon in North America" by multiple running publications.
How to Train for Big Sur
Train on hills relentlessly
With over 600 meters of elevation gain, Big Sur demands significant hill training. Include long runs with sustained climbs, especially two-mile climbs that simulate Hurricane Point. Flat-course runners who skip hill training will struggle badly here.
Adjust your time expectations
This is 15-30 minutes slower than a flat course for most runners. Set your goal around the experience rather than a time. If you try to race it like a flat marathon, the hills and wind will humble you quickly.
Prepare for wind and fog
The exposed coastal course is frequently windy, and morning fog can keep temperatures cool. Practice running in headwinds and pack arm warmers. Conditions can change dramatically between the sheltered redwood groves and the open bluffs.
Free training plans
Half marathon to marathon
A free 16-week plan to step up from the half to the full marathon: five runs a week and a long run that builds from 1h 40m to 3 hours.
16 weeksMarathon (16 weeks)
A free 16-week marathon plan: six runs a week, a long run that builds to 2h 45m, a recovery week every fourth week, a peak in week 13 and a three-week taper.
16 weeksMarathon (20 weeks)
A free 20-week marathon plan with a gentle build: five runs a week, a long run that grows to 3 hours, a recovery week every fourth week and a three-week taper.
20 weeksSub-4 hour marathon
A free 16-week plan to break 4 hours in the marathon: six runs a week, goal-pace sessions at 5:41 per km (9:09 per mile) and long runs to 3h 10m.
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