The 2024 course will be out-and-back starting and finishing in Carmel. Link to 2024 Course Map.
The Big Sur International Marathon is a point-to-point course run on scenic CA Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel the last Sunday each April. Towering redwoods, crashing waves, coastal mountains and verdant pastures are featured on this bucket list course. The centerpiece of the course is the iconic Bixby Bridge, located at the halfway point of the race, where you’ll enjoy the unique site and sound of a tuxedo-wearing concert pianist playing a Yamaha Baby Grand piano.
The first half of the course is less hilly than the second half. However, the first section does include the infamous Hurricane Point. A significant uphill grade that will challenge runners.
The Big Sur International Marathon was the 18th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 17th largest in 2022.
This year 7.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 3.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Big Sur International Marathon the 379th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 208th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.43 ranks it as the 357th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 28th fastest course in California.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Big Sur International Marathon a PR Score of 97.43. This PR Score ranks it as the 304th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 22nd fastest in California.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Big Sur International Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 578 feet (176m) Min Elevation: 8 feet (2m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Big Sur International Marathon
View available accomodations around the Big Sur International Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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BF's review of 2019 Big Sur International Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
The race was well put on, stunningly beautiful with great support. Definitely not a BQ race, but a bucket list one for sure.
Race Tips
OK, lets get this out of the way, the elevation chart on the race's web page is a lie. The course is much hiller than it shows. There is no less than 9 large hills to climb in the second half of the race, with a number of smaller ones. The official elevation chart makes the course seem A LOT easier than it is. And once you get into the Highlands, the road is very banked and hard to run on. It would be best to drive the course the day before so you can see the course.
Also note that the buses that bring you to the start are the yellow cheese wagons, don't expect charter buses. I only stay this because i heard someone complaining about it. But some people are never happy i guess.
I would arrive on Thursday or Friday at the latest. The town is wonderful. Make sure to do a shakeout run around the Cannery and Lovers Point. Plenty of wildlife, from Sea otters to harbor seals.
Scott Benbow's review of 2018 Big Sur International Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
BSIM 2018 was an excellent race. I credit the race organizers who communicated effectively with applicants and runners throughout the registration process. The expo was very well organized. Race day was flawless.
Race Tips
Bring an extra layer to the start, even after you check your bag. It was cold in 2018. BSIM donates any clothing left along the side of the road to local organizations. In 2018, I ditched a pair of trousers that my wife had been asking me to get rid of for years. I showed my appreciation for her meeting me at the finish by announcing that she'd never have to see those trousers again!
Arrive on Friday or, if you can manage it, on Thursday. There are a lot of fun things to see and do in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. I suggest driving the course early on Friday or Saturday morning to get a glimpse of the hills you'll be cursing on Sunday.
SW's review of 2016 Big Sur International Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Race Tips
The course is VERY hilly; expect some serious climbs towards the end of the race; expect strong (head-)winds; very scenic course.
You have to wake up very early, buses to start go around 3:30 a.m.
AMB's review of 2016 Big Sur International Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This is a must bucket-list marathon. If the views don't blow you away, the headwinds (literally) will. Point-to-point marathon that is very challenging. In addition to fighting head-winds, there is the 2-mile climb up Deja-Vu to Hurricane Point that will test you. Then you run down to the bridge with the famous grand piano playing. Views of the ocean are spectacular.
Race Tips
Make sure you can deal with hills. This is not a first-time marathon - experienced marathoners only. Regardless, definitely worth it, if you can make it through the lottery.
You'll need to get up around 2 AM to catch the bus ride to start line. Once you get there, you will wait for a couple of hours in very cold conditions - make sure you bring a jacket to keep warm, prior to the start.
Anonymous's review of 2016 Big Sur International Marathon.
