Bank of America Big Sur International Marathon
A point-to-point run up California's most dramatic coastline, from redwood-lined Big Sur to Carmel, with a grand piano at Bixby Bridge and a 500-foot wall at Hurricane Point standing between you and the finish.
The course.
Race-day weather.
Late April on the central California coast brings mild ocean-influenced weather, highs near 60°F and lows around 48°F. Fog and headwinds along Highway 1 are the defining variables; rain is rare but possible. The notorious northwest wind through Hurricane Point can make the climb feel twice as long.
Entry.
Entry is via a September lottery. Roughly 7,000 applicants for around 3,500 marathon places; lottery odds are about 50 percent. A small number of guaranteed-entry slots go to charity partners and 12+ time finishers.
Register on race siteLogistics.
MRY, 10 mi from the start.
From the community.
Race history.
Founded in 1986 by Bill Burleigh and Judy Donaldson, who wanted a marathon that showcased the Big Sur coastline. The race has run every year since, with the exception of 2017 when storm damage closed Highway 1 and 2020 during the pandemic. The grand piano at Bixby Bridge, played live as runners pass, has been a course tradition since the inaugural year.
First run in 1986. Roughly 3,500 finishers in a recent edition.