Bank of America Big Sur International Marathon

The primary entry path is a two-week random drawing that opens in mid-August; winners are announced in early September. Guaranteed spots are also available through charity partners, Marathon Tours, and the Boston 2 Big Sur program (which requires a concurrent Boston Marathon entry). All paths sell out quickly.

The marathon has a strict 6-hour time limit (approximately 13:45 per mile). The course officially closes at 1 PM, and aid stations and medical support are only available to runners maintaining a 6-hour pace. Runners who miss intermediate cutoffs at miles 15.2 and 21.2 will be transported to the finish.

Yes. The course is USATF certified (CA23018DT) and AIMS/World Athletics certified, making it an official Boston Marathon qualifier. However, the BQ rate is low given the difficulty of the course, so plan your goal time conservatively.

The course gains 2,182 feet and loses 2,528 feet over 26.2 miles. The key challenge is Hurricane Point, a two-mile climb peaking at mile 12, followed by rolling hills through the Carmel Highlands in the second half. The road surface is also steeply cambered in places, adding to the difficulty on tired legs.

Expect cool, often misty mornings in the mid-40s°F at the start, warming to the low 60s°F by the finish. Coastal winds are common and can be a significant headwind on exposed sections. There is a reasonable chance of light rain in late April.

The marathon is capped at approximately 4,500 entrants. In 2025, around 3,300 runners finished the marathon distance, keeping the race intimate by major-marathon standards.

Yes. The course holds USATF certification (CA23018DT) and is also certified by AIMS and World Athletics, making finishing times eligible for Boston Marathon qualification and other sanctioned events.