How hilly is the Big Sur International Marathon?
The Big Sur International Marathon is described as hilly. The course listing puts the climb at 665 m.
Big Sur International Marathon
This race edition
- Race date
- Date not confirmed for this distance
- Race timezone
- Timezone not confirmed
- Edition status
- Status not confirmed
Entry options
2026 edition
Entry options are not yet confirmed for this edition. Check the organiser before making plans.
Decision summary
Big Sur International Marathon at a glance
- Cut-off average pace
- 8:32/km
- Typical conditions
- 88/100
- Evidence depth
- 45 verified facts
6:00:00 total limit divided by distance. Check gun/chip timing and intermediate limits; allow time for stops.
Historical race-date favourability, not a forecast
Source facts available
Route details
Known course facts at a glance
Big Sur International Marathon has known course details for its marathon race. The summary below keeps the focus on what is confirmed for the course.
- Official distance
- 42.2 km
- Terrain
- Road
- Scenery
- Coastal, Waterfront, Mountain, Forest, Countryside
Quick answers
What runners ask first
Where does the Big Sur International Marathon route go?
The Big Sur International Marathon route starts at Big Sur Station (elevation 356 feet) and finishes at Carmel (Highway 1 at Rio Road, elevation 10 feet). Underfoot, expect road (Highway 1 asphalt). It passes Bixby Bridge, Hurricane Point, Point Sur Lighthouse and Carmel Highlands. midpoint at iconic Bixby Bridge with concert pianist.
What should runners know on race day for the Big Sur International Marathon?
Live music on course including a tuxedo-clad pianist at a grand piano on Bixby Bridge (mile 13.1); headphones discouraged. 11.
Race character
Scenery
- Coastal
- Waterfront
- Mountain
- Forest
- Countryside
Atmosphere
- Scenic Tour
- Destination
- Competitive
Terrain
- Road
- Elevation character
- Hilly
- Technicality
- Moderate
- Source-stated ascent
- 665 m
- Net elevation
- -105 m
Entry, logistics and records
Records and field
- Men's course record
- 2:16:39 (Brad Hawthorne)
- Women's course record
- 2:41:34 (Svetlana Vasilyeva)
- Field cap
- 4,500
Entry requirements
- Entry status
- Past event: The listed edition date has passed.
- Minimum age
- 16+
- Cut-off
- Six-hour limit; Highway 1 reopens to traffic at 1 PM (~13:45/mile)
- Ballot
- Yes
- Qualification status
- Boston Equivalent
Race day logistics
- Aid stations
- 11
- Headphones allowed
- No
- Expo / packet pickup
- Health & Fitness Expo at Monterey Conference Center, Monterey CA; Apr 24-25.
- Race village
- No
- Medal
- Finishers receive an event medallion.
- On-course music
- Live music on course including a tuxedo-clad pianist at a grand piano on Bixby Bridge (mile 13.1); headphones discouraged.
Access and course status
- Start
- Big Sur Station (elevation 356 feet)
- Finish
- Carmel (Highway 1 at Rio Road, elevation 10 feet)
Course facts
- Course type
- Point To Point
- Surface
- Road (Highway 1 asphalt)
- Landmarks
- Bixby Bridge, Hurricane Point, Point Sur Lighthouse, Carmel Highlands
- Notable features
- Official Boston qualifier
- midpoint at iconic Bixby Bridge with concert pianist
What are typical race-day conditions?
- 3°CTypical temperature
- 13 kphTypical wind
- 0 mmTypical rainfall
- 88Favourability /100