The Big Sur International Marathon is a renowned point-to-point road race run along scenic California Highway 1, stretching from the towering redwoods of Big Sur to a coastal finish in Carmel. This bucket-list event is steeped in natural beauty and community history, offering runners a visually stunning route featuring crashing Pacific waves, rugged coastal mountains, verdant pastures, and the iconic Bixby Bridge, where a concert pianist famously serenades the field.

Weather on race day typically features cool, damp morning conditions, with starting temperatures averaging around 8 degrees Celsius and warming to a mild 13 degrees Celsius by midday. Coastal winds are a significant factor, with historical averages showing peak gusts up to 22 kilometers per hour. Runners should expect to navigate sustained headwinds as the morning progresses, depending on the marine layer and prevailing weather patterns.

Despite featuring a net elevation loss, the course is highly dynamic. The route spans 42.28 kilometers, with 524.9 meters of total ascent and 606.76 meters of total descent. Approximately 28 percent of the course is flat, while the remainder is heavily dominated by minor declines and moderate inclines. The defining feature is the grueling ascent of Hurricane Point near the midpoint — a 3.46 kilometer moderate incline that gains over 156 meters.

Athletes should approach this marathon with a disciplined pacing strategy. The opening kilometers descend through the redwoods, and the temptation to run too fast here is real; an aggressive early pace can prematurely compromise the quadriceps. After the steep drop from Hurricane Point, the second half of the course introduces a relentless series of rolling inclines through the Carmel Highlands. Success on this route demands patience on the early descents, sustained effort on the major climbs, and resilience through the final 10 kilometers.

• Event Date: April 26, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 42.28 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 39.57
• Total Ascent: 524.9 m
• Total Descent: 606.76 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 15.85, 3.46 km at an average grade of 4.52%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 19.31, 1.65 km at an average grade of -5.5%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 40.21, 0.5 km at an average grade of 5.12%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 19.31, 1.65 km at an average grade of -5.5%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 19 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 19 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 28%
  • Minor Decline: 18.7%
  • Minor Incline: 15.6%
  • Moderate Incline: 15.2%
  • Moderate Decline: 12.5%
  • Challenging Decline: 6.2%
  • Challenging Incline: 3.9%

The race begins at 06:45 AM. With sunrise at 06:19 AM, you'll have plenty of light, though the dense redwood canopy of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park keeps things cool and shaded even as the day begins.

The opening kilometers pitch downward immediately, and it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and let gravity pull you faster than you should go. Stay relaxed, let the crisp morning air settle your nerves, and find your rhythm before the terrain opens up near Andrew Molera State Park.

• Pace Control in Early Miles: The opening 2.3 kilometers contain multiple sections of steep descending that can induce premature muscle fatigue if run too aggressively. Protect your quadriceps here.
• Temperature Variations: The heavily shaded redwood canopy will keep the air remarkably crisp. You may feel cold until the course opens up closer to kilometer 8.0.

• Climb #1: Km 1.5 to Km 1.66, 0.17 km, avg grade 3.52%, total gain 5.88 m
• Climb #2: Km 2.49 to Km 2.81, 0.33 km, avg grade 3.83%, total gain 12.52 m
• Climb #3: Km 5.78 to Km 6.11, 0.33 km, avg grade 2.53%, total gain 8.45 m
• Climb #4: Km 6.93 to Km 7.26, 0.33 km, avg grade 3.44%, total gain 11.28 m

• Descent #1: Km 0 to Km 0.5, 0.5 km, avg grade -5.06%, total drop 25.33 m
• Descent #2: Km 2.16 to Km 2.32, 0.17 km, avg grade -6.91%, total drop 11.45 m
• Descent #3: Km 2.98 to Km 3.31, 0.33 km, avg grade -2.94%, total drop 9.67 m
• Descent #4: Km 3.64 to Km 3.97, 0.33 km, avg grade -4.41%, total drop 14.5 m
• Descent #5: Km 6.11 to Km 6.44, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.78%, total drop 12.52 m

• Big Sur Village (Km 4)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes
• Andrew Molera (Km 7.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes

• Fernwood (~Km 3.2) (Spectator Zone): A local motel and watering hole where residents gather to cheer.
• River Inn (~Km 4.8): A Big Sur landmark.

Leaving the dense forest behind, the course opens up to expansive pastoral meadows and your first clear views of the Pacific Ocean. The road settles into a mix of flat stretches and gentle, rolling hills.

This exposed section brings you face to face with the coastal winds, which historically blow in as headwinds. Find a group to draft behind and conserve your energy as you follow the road alongside the rolling green hills toward the Point Sur Lighthouse.

The segment closes with a sharp, fast descent to the Little Sur River Bridge — immediately before the hardest climb of the day.

• Coastal Headwinds: Once out of the protective redwood forest, you are highly susceptible to buffeting winds. Consider tucking behind a group to draft.
• Eccentric Loading Before the Climb: The section ends with a rapid 0.66 kilometer descent down to the Little Sur River Bridge, requiring sudden eccentric loading right before the biggest climb of the day.

• Climb #5: Km 10.41 to Km 10.75, 0.34 km, avg grade 2.13%, total gain 7.14 m
• Climb #6: Km 11.4 to Km 11.73, 0.33 km, avg grade 3.54%, total gain 11.71 m
• Climb #7: Km 13.38 to Km 14.04, 0.66 km, avg grade 3.68%, total gain 24.13 m

• Descent #6: Km 14.21 to Km 14.86, 0.66 km, avg grade -4.9%, total drop 32.17 m
• Descent #7: Km 15.35 to Km 15.68, 0.33 km, avg grade -6.31%, total drop 20.8 m

• Point Sur climb (Km 12.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes

• Point Sur Lighthouse (~Km 12.9): Historic lighthouse visible from the road on a clear day.

This segment defines the Big Sur Marathon experience. You will face the legendary ascent of Hurricane Point — a massive, unrelenting climb carved directly into the coastal cliffs. Finding a sustainable rhythm here is essential.

Once you crest the summit, the route rewards you with a breathtaking, steep drop down to the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, where the famous grand piano performance awaits. Embrace the descent, but be mindful of your braking effort to protect your legs for the second half of the race.

• The Ascent of Hurricane Point: This 3.46 kilometer climb requires sustained effort and mental fortitude. Resist the urge to surge and instead settle into a manageable rhythm.
• Jarring Transitions: Following the summit, the immediate 1.65 kilometer steep descent to Bixby Bridge forces a harsh transition from climbing to heavy braking.

• Climb #8: Km 15.85 to Km 19.31, 3.46 km, avg grade 4.52%, total gain 156.33 m

• Descent #8: Km 19.31 to Km 20.96, 1.65 km, avg grade -5.5%, total drop 90.8 m
• Descent #9: Km 21.46 to Km 22.29, 0.83 km, avg grade -4.93%, total drop 40.87 m

• Hurricane Point base (Km 16.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes
• Hurricane Point (Km 19.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill, GU
  • Toilet: Yes

• Taiko Drummers (~Km 17.7) (Spectator Zone): Drummers positioned halfway up the climb to offer motivation.
• Bixby Creek Bridge (~Km 20.9) (Spectator Zone): The iconic halfway point featuring a grand piano performance. MarathonFoto captures your picture here.

With Hurricane Point behind you, the course settles into a relentless stretch of rolling coastal hills. The terrain shifts frequently between steady uphill grinds and punchy descents, weaving past landmarks like Garrapata State Park and Soberanes Point. Less dramatic than the miles before, these constant grade changes work as a slow drain on your legs and energy reserves.

The coastal winds tend to blow uninhibited across these exposed bluffs, adding another layer of effort that isn't always obvious on paper. Staying mentally focused and keeping up with your fueling strategy are both critical through this section.

• Rhythm Disruption: Maintaining a steady pace is nearly impossible on a profile that rarely stays flat. The frequent transition between climbing and descending forces constant gear changes.
• Accumulating Fatigue: By kilometer 30, the cumulative elevation changes and potential winds start taking a heavy toll. Stay disciplined with nutrition and hydration.

• Climb #9: Km 22.29 to Km 23.27, 0.98 km, avg grade 2.84%, total gain 27.79 m
• Climb #10: Km 24.42 to Km 25.09, 0.66 km, avg grade 4.21%, total gain 27.92 m
• Climb #11: Km 27.39 to Km 28.04, 0.65 km, avg grade 3.44%, total gain 22.36 m
• Climb #12: Km 29.85 to Km 30.18, 0.33 km, avg grade 3.34%, total gain 11 m
• Climb #13: Km 30.67 to Km 30.84, 0.17 km, avg grade 3.2%, total gain 5.37 m
• Climb #14: Km 31.5 to Km 31.83, 0.33 km, avg grade 4.46%, total gain 14.85 m
• Climb #15: Km 33.81 to Km 33.97, 0.16 km, avg grade 4.74%, total gain 7.77 m

• Descent #10: Km 23.43 to Km 24.26, 0.83 km, avg grade -4.39%, total drop 36.33 m
• Descent #11: Km 25.09 to Km 25.74, 0.66 km, avg grade -3.45%, total drop 22.62 m
• Descent #12: Km 28.7 to Km 29.03, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.13%, total drop 10.25 m
• Descent #13: Km 31 to Km 31.33, 0.33 km, avg grade -5.46%, total drop 17.98 m
• Descent #14: Km 32.49 to Km 32.82, 0.33 km, avg grade -4.24%, total drop 13.98 m

• Rocky Creek / Grimes approach (Km 23.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes
• Palo Colorado Canyon (Km 27.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes
• Soberanes Point (Km 30.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill, GU
  • Toilet: Yes
• South Carmel Highlands (Km 34.1)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes

• Grimes Ranch (~Km 25.7) (Spectator Zone): Start of the 11-Miler with giant redwoods and rustic houses.

The final stretch passes through the Carmel Highlands, a section well known among experienced riders for its short but punishing rollers. The route winds past upscale coastal homes and Monastery Beach before easing into a more forgiving profile as you approach the finish.

By this point, the steeply angled roads will put real demands on tired legs and ankles. Draw on the growing crowd support to carry you through the last few climbs, then let the gentle descent bring you home to the finish line in Carmel.

• Steeply Canted Roads: The sharp cambers in the Highlands will wreak havoc on tired quads and tender ankles.
• The Final Push: A final notable 0.5 kilometer climb at 5.12 percent grade around kilometer 40.2 demands a last burst of energy before the gentle descent to the finish.

• Climb #16: Km 34.79 to Km 35.28, 0.49 km, avg grade 3.94%, total gain 19.42 m
• Climb #17: Km 35.44 to Km 35.77, 0.33 km, avg grade 5.59%, total gain 18.33 m
• Climb #18: Km 37.42 to Km 37.75, 0.33 km, avg grade 2.94%, total gain 9.66 m
• Climb #19: Km 40.21 to Km 40.71, 0.5 km, avg grade 5.12%, total gain 25.67 m

• Descent #15: Km 34.13 to Km 34.3, 0.16 km, avg grade -4.24%, total drop 6.91 m
• Descent #16: Km 35.94 to Km 36.6, 0.66 km, avg grade -5.39%, total drop 35.56 m
• Descent #17: Km 37.91 to Km 38.24, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.31%, total drop 10.85 m
• Descent #18: Km 39.55 to Km 39.87, 0.33 km, avg grade -4.91%, total drop 15.98 m
• Descent #19: Km 40.87 to Km 41.37, 0.49 km, avg grade -4.2%, total drop 20.72 m

• Highlands Inn (Km 37)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes
• Strawberry Station (Km 37.3)
  • Offerings: Strawberries
• Point Lobos approach (Km 39.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes

• Highlands Chevron Station (~Km 38.6) (Spectator Zone): A major party zone with live music, raucous crowds, and fresh strawberries.
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (~Km 40.2) (Spectator Zone): Beautiful natural reserve entrance and Monastery Beach featuring dancers.