Big Sur International Marathon

May 1, 2011

Click here to see our 25th Big Sur International Marathon photo set on Flickr!

The 26th running of the Big Sur International Marathon will take place on May 1, 2011. Start planning now; registration begins on July 15, 2010!

The Big Sur Marathon is 26.2 miles of the most beautiful coastline in the world - and, for runners, the most challenging. The athletes who participate in the Big Sur International Marathon may draw inspiration from the spectacular views, but it takes major discipline to conquer the hills of Highway One on the way to the finish line.

Named "Best Marathon in North America" by The Ultimate Guide to Marathons, the Big Sur International Marathon continues to sell out earlier and earlier each year and, as a major destination marathon, draws entrants from all over the world. On their way from Big Sur to Carmel's Rio Road, runners wind through majestic redwoods and past Pacific Ocean views. Classical music—including a grand piano poised on Bixby Bridge—greets marathoners at each turn, providing inspiration that has been likened to a spiritual experience.

Related marathon-day events include a 21-mile power walk, 5K run, 9-mile walk, 10.6-mile walk, and marathon relay. An expansive sports expo takes place for the two days before the run at the Monterey Conference Center. Each year, the non-profit marathon board of directors donates over $150,000 to local charities.