The two loop Carlsbad Marathon course is made up of minor rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. Much of the course is along the Pacific Ocean. The course ranges from a highest elevation of 73 feet down to sea level.
The race starts at the Shoppes at Carlsbad. It begins by passing the Buena Vista Lagoon in the early miles. Runners then make their way through spectator-packed Carlsbad Village, a quaint but popular mix of restaurants, shops and hotels. Mile three opens up to views of the Pacific Ocean. Participants turn around at La Costa Avenue and head back north to Mountain View Road where they turn around and head south for their second loop. At Breakwater Road, runners turn around and head north back up the coast to the finish line.
The Carlsbad Marathon was the 87th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 97th largest in 2022.
This year 9.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 8% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Carlsbad Marathon the 238th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 166th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.24 ranks it as the 297th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 21st 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 Carlsbad Marathon a PR Score of 98.24. This PR Score ranks it as the 239th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 16th fastest in California.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Carlsbad Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 73 feet (22m) Min Elevation: 3 feet (0m)
Love this course. Very well organized and well run. Replenishment stations perfectly spaced and well staffed, maybe a tall flag so you know a station is coming up. Missed taking GU, because I didn't notice it coming up because of the hills.
Race Tips
Start slow and know there are a lot of rolling hills through out wit this out and back course. Beautiful coast run!
Definitely arrive early. Traffic. But well directed. Just be patient.
CNKA's review of 2017 Carlsbad Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Beautiful scenery, predictably good weather conditions, lots of perks.
Race Tips
Do not try to increase your pace until after the turn-around at mile 18. The climbs out of the three lagoons get harder on the last quarter of the race.
