Few races match the setting of the Big Sur International Marathon: cliffs, ocean, and the climb to Bixby Creek Bridge on Highway 1. The 40th running takes place on Sunday, April 25, 2027.
Key times
- Runners are bused to the start from Monterey Peninsula pickup points, with loading starting very early in the morning (3:30 a.m. in recent years). Check your race instructions.
- The marathon starts at 6:45 a.m. at Big Sur Station and runs point to point to Carmel.
- Highway 1 is closed for the race and reopens in the early afternoon.
Always confirm the details on bigsurmarathon.org in the final weeks before the race.
Tips for runners and spectators
- Do not plan to drive Highway 1 on race morning. Spectators should read the race's spectator guidelines and meet runners at the finish area in Carmel.
- With a pre-dawn bus, stay close. A Monterey base keeps you near the bus pickups and the finish.
- Plan an easy recovery day: stroll Carmel-by-the-Sea or take a gentle walk at Point Lobos.
- Pack for coastal spring weather. Fog and wind are common on the course.
Staying at Stargazer Hotel
Stargazer Hotel on Munras Avenue is right by Highway 1, one of the most convenient spots in Monterey for race weekend, with an indoor heated pool for tired legs. Race weekend fills up fast, so book direct at stargazerhotel.com.
Photo by DAVID ILIFF, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bixby_Creek_Bridge,_California,_USA_-_May_2013.jpg), licensed CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/). Resized.
