The Big Sur International Marathon is a renowned point-to-point journey along California's scenic Highway 1. Starting in the serene giant redwoods of Big Sur and concluding in the coastal enclave of Carmel, the 26.27-mile route is widely considered a bucket list event. Runners are treated to towering trees, crashing Pacific waves, and verdant pastures, with the historic Bixby Bridge serving as a majestic centerpiece near the halfway mark.

Weather on race morning typically begins crisp and chilly, with temperatures in the mid-40s Fahrenheit under thick cloud cover or coastal fog. By mid-morning the fog often burns off, raising temperatures into the mid-50s. Depending on the year, runners may encounter headwinds along the coastal highway or, less commonly, a gentle tailwind pushing them northward. The heavy early humidity generally gives way to drier, clearer conditions as the morning progresses.

While the net elevation profile features a drop of 1,990 feet against 1,722 feet of climbing, the course is continuously rolling and rewards strategic pacing. The early miles offer flat and gently declining terrain through the forest, but the character of the race shifts dramatically at mile 9.85 with the Hurricane Point climb — a two-mile moderate ascent that tests patience built up in those opening miles.

The final 10K introduces the Carmel Highlands, a series of challenging rollers coupled with sharply canted road surfaces that demand significant lower-leg resilience. A final gentle descent into Carmel closes out the race.

• Event Date: 2026-04-26
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.27 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 39.57
• Total Ascent: 1722.11 ft
• Total Descent: 1990.68 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 9.85, 2.15 mi at an average grade of 4.52%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 12, 1.03 mi at an average grade of -5.5%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 24.98, 0.31 mi at an average grade of 5.12%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 12, 1.03 mi 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 kicks off at 6:45 AM amid the towering redwoods of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where the morning air is typically crisp and heavy with moisture from the coastal marine layer. The first mile offers a fast, sweeping downhill on Highway 1, an exhilarating start as the road winds beneath the forest canopy.

As the miles progress, the dense redwoods begin to thin, revealing glimpses of local lodges and the gentle sounds of nearby streams. The road through this early stretch is forgiving, with gentle drops interspersed with short, manageable rollers that make it easy to settle into a rhythm. That said, the excitement of the opening descent calls for disciplined pacing.

• Pace Control: The exhilarating downhill start combined with early race adrenaline makes it easy to go out too fast. Conserve your quads for the climbs to come.
• Early Chill: The protective canopy of the redwoods traps the morning cold. Expect temperatures in the 40s and stay mentally prepared for a cool start.

• Climb #1: Mile 0.93 to Mile 1.03, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.52%, total gain 19.29 ft
• Climb #2: Mile 1.55 to Mile 1.75, 0.2 mi, avg grade 3.83%, total gain 41.08 ft
• Climb #3: Mile 3.59 to Mile 3.8, 0.21 mi, avg grade 2.53%, total gain 27.72 ft
• Climb #4: Mile 4.31 to Mile 4.51, 0.2 mi, avg grade 3.44%, total gain 37.01 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 0 to Mile 0.31, 0.31 mi, avg grade -5.06%, total drop 83.1 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 1.34 to Mile 1.44, 0.1 mi, avg grade -6.91%, total drop 37.57 ft
• Descent #3: Mile 1.85 to Mile 2.06, 0.2 mi, avg grade -2.94%, total drop 31.73 ft
• Descent #4: Mile 2.26 to Mile 2.46, 0.2 mi, avg grade -4.41%, total drop 47.57 ft
• Descent #5: Mile 3.8 to Mile 4, 0.21 mi, avg grade -3.78%, total drop 41.08 ft

• Big Sur Village (Mile 2.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes
• Andrew Molera (Mile 4.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes

• Andrew Molera State Park (~Mile 4.92): A sprawling coastal state park signaling the transition from redwoods to open coastal views.

Leaving the shelter of the redwoods, the scenery opens dramatically into pastoral meadows framed by towering coastal hills. Cattle or horses may be grazing in the fields to the left, while the Pacific Ocean stretches out to the right.

This exposed stretch also brings the first real encounter with coastal conditions. Morning fog or headwinds can meaningfully affect the effort here, so runners should be prepared for a change in feel from the protected miles behind them.

The course remains relatively level with minor undulations until mile 8, where a sharp, concentrated climb breaks the rhythm and signals the more significant ascent ahead. Cresting this hill reveals striking views of the historic Point Sur Lighthouse perched on its volcanic rock. From there, a sweeping, nearly mile-long descent to the Little Sur River Bridge offers a welcome chance to recover before continuing south.

• Wind Exposure: Leaving the redwoods means potential headwinds. Work with a pack if possible to draft and conserve energy.
• First Significant Climb: The steep but short ascent near mile 8 is a wake-up call for the legs. Do not attack it; use the subsequent downhill to recover.

• Climb #5: Mile 6.47 to Mile 6.68, 0.21 mi, avg grade 2.13%, total gain 23.43 ft
• Climb #6: Mile 7.09 to Mile 7.29, 0.21 mi, avg grade 3.54%, total gain 38.42 ft
• Climb #7: Mile 8.32 to Mile 8.72, 0.41 mi, avg grade 3.68%, total gain 79.17 ft

• Descent #6: Mile 8.83 to Mile 9.23, 0.41 mi, avg grade -4.9%, total drop 105.54 ft
• Descent #7: Mile 9.54 to Mile 9.74, 0.2 mi, avg grade -6.31%, total drop 68.24 ft

• Point Sur climb (Mile 7.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes

• Point Sur Lighthouse (~Mile 8.32): A historic lighthouse perched atop volcanic rock, visible just past the crest of the first major coastal hill.

This section defines the Big Sur Marathon experience. Beginning at the Little Sur River Bridge, runners face the infamous Hurricane Point. For over two miles, the road twists upward along a narrow band of asphalt carved into the cliffs, with sheer drops to the pounding surf below. The grade is steady and unrelenting, demanding a deeply aerobic effort as sweeping views of the coastline unfold.

Cresting the summit brings both relief and reward. The haunting sound of a grand piano drifts up from the halfway point below, a signature moment unique to this race. What follows is a long, demanding descent down to the iconic Bixby Bridge.

Crossing this architectural landmark at the 13.1-mile mark delivers a meaningful emotional lift, arriving at precisely the moment the physical demands of the course begin to take hold.

• Hurricane Point: A grueling 2.15-mile uphill grind averaging a 4.52 percent grade. Maintain a steady, sustainable effort rather than attacking the hill.
• Demanding Descent: The immediate 1.03-mile drop following the summit will severely test fatigued legs. Land softly to save muscle fibers for the second half.

• Climb #8: Mile 9.85 to Mile 12, 2.15 mi, avg grade 4.52%, total gain 512.89 ft

• Descent #8: Mile 12 to Mile 13.02, 1.03 mi, avg grade -5.5%, total drop 297.9 ft
• Descent #9: Mile 13.34 to Mile 13.85, 0.51 mi, avg grade -4.93%, total drop 134.09 ft

• Hurricane Point base (Mile 10.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes
• Hurricane Point (Mile 12.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill, GU
  • Toilet: Yes

• Hurricane Point (~Mile 12): The iconic summit of the course's longest climb, offering panoramic views of the entire southern coastline.
• Bixby Creek Bridge (~Mile 13.13) (Spectator Zone): The architectural centerpiece of the course at the halfway mark, complete with a tuxedo-clad pianist to celebrate the milestone.

The euphoria of crossing Bixby Bridge gives way to the stark reality of the marathon's second half. This long stretch is defined by relentless rolling terrain, where each curve of the highway reveals another steady climb followed by a quick drop. The constant variation strips away momentum and demands continuous gear shifts.

As the miles accumulate, the isolation of the coast sets in. The dramatic beauty of the turbulent sea begins to clash with mounting physical fatigue. At mile 20, runners encounter "The Wall" — a literal towering cliff of dirt that serves as a striking psychological landmark. Passing it signals the approach to civilization, where sporadic groups of locals offer unofficial encouragement as the course winds toward the Carmel Highlands.

• Relentless Rollers: A series of steady inclines and quick declines strip away momentum. Mental fortitude is essential here as the physical toll mounts.
• The Wall at Mile 20: A steep dirt cliff visually intimidating runners at the traditional marathon breaking point. Stay focused on the remaining 10K.

• Climb #9: Mile 13.85 to Mile 14.46, 0.61 mi, avg grade 2.84%, total gain 91.17 ft
• Climb #10: Mile 15.18 to Mile 15.59, 0.41 mi, avg grade 4.21%, total gain 91.6 ft
• Climb #11: Mile 17.02 to Mile 17.42, 0.4 mi, avg grade 3.44%, total gain 73.36 ft
• Climb #12: Mile 18.55 to Mile 18.75, 0.2 mi, avg grade 3.34%, total gain 36.09 ft
• Climb #13: Mile 19.06 to Mile 19.16, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.2%, total gain 17.62 ft
• Climb #14: Mile 19.57 to Mile 19.78, 0.21 mi, avg grade 4.46%, total gain 48.72 ft
• Climb #15: Mile 21.01 to Mile 21.11, 0.1 mi, avg grade 4.74%, total gain 25.49 ft

• Descent #10: Mile 14.56 to Mile 15.08, 0.51 mi, avg grade -4.39%, total drop 119.19 ft
• Descent #11: Mile 15.59 to Mile 16, 0.41 mi, avg grade -3.45%, total drop 74.21 ft
• Descent #12: Mile 17.83 to Mile 18.04, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.13%, total drop 33.63 ft
• Descent #13: Mile 19.26 to Mile 19.47, 0.2 mi, avg grade -5.46%, total drop 58.99 ft
• Descent #14: Mile 20.19 to Mile 20.39, 0.2 mi, avg grade -4.24%, total drop 45.87 ft

• Rocky Creek / Grimes approach (Mile 14.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes
• Palo Colorado Canyon (Mile 16.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes

• The Wall (~Mile 20): A towering dirt cliff located right at the traditional marathon breaking point, marking the approach to the final 10K.

Entering the Carmel Highlands at Malpaso Bridge, the course transitions from remote coastline into a quiet residential enclave. This section earns respect from veteran runners for its series of short, punchy hills — made more demanding by the road's sharp camber, which places real strain on ankles and IT bands.

The return of dense spectator crowds, live music, and generous strawberry handups provides a welcome lift through the challenge.

The final test arrives at mile 26 with "D-Minor Hill," a brief but steep climb that calls on every last reserve of resolve. Cresting it reveals the finish banner in the distance, followed by a gentle, celebratory descent across the Carmel River Bridge and into the roar of the finish line.

• Carmel Highlands Camber: The sharp lateral tilt of the road combined with steep rollers will heavily tax tired quads and tender ankles.
• D-Minor Hill: A final, steep incline at mile 26 testing your ultimate reserves before the finish line descent.

• Climb #16: Mile 21.62 to Mile 21.92, 0.31 mi, avg grade 3.94%, total gain 63.71 ft
• Climb #17: Mile 22.02 to Mile 22.23, 0.2 mi, avg grade 5.59%, total gain 60.14 ft
• Climb #18: Mile 23.25 to Mile 23.45, 0.2 mi, avg grade 2.94%, total gain 31.69 ft
• Climb #19: Mile 24.98 to Mile 25.29, 0.31 mi, avg grade 5.12%, total gain 84.22 ft

• Descent #15: Mile 21.21 to Mile 21.31, 0.1 mi, avg grade -4.24%, total drop 22.67 ft
• Descent #16: Mile 22.33 to Mile 22.74, 0.41 mi, avg grade -5.39%, total drop 116.67 ft
• Descent #17: Mile 23.56 to Mile 23.76, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.31%, total drop 35.6 ft
• Descent #18: Mile 24.57 to Mile 24.78, 0.2 mi, avg grade -4.91%, total drop 52.43 ft
• Descent #19: Mile 25.4 to Mile 25.7, 0.31 mi, avg grade -4.2%, total drop 67.98 ft

• South Carmel Highlands (Mile 21.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes
• Highlands Inn (Mile 23)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes
• Strawberry Station (Mile 23.2)
  • Offerings: Strawberries
• Point Lobos approach (Mile 24.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Nuun, refill
  • Toilet: Yes

• Carmel Highlands (~Mile 24) (Spectator Zone): The rolling residential neighborhoods that mark the return to civilization, featuring lively unofficial aid stations and large spectator crowds.