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Course guide & time predictor

Big Sur International Marathon

Big Sur, CA

Highway 1, ocean cliffs, and 2,200 feet of earned elevation

Elevation gain

2,200 ft

Course difficulty

5.2% slower than Berlin

Race month

April

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About the race

The Big Sur International Marathon runs 26.2 miles along California's Highway 1 from the Big Sur valley floor to Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is among the most beautiful and most demanding courses in the US, with views of the Pacific Ocean from dramatic coastal cliffs, closed highway sections through redwood canyons, and a finish line on the Monterey Peninsula. The race is deliberately small — capped at roughly 3,000 runners — and entry is by lottery. If you're running Big Sur, you're not chasing a PR.

Course profile

The course climbs 2,200 feet total with several significant grades. The defining challenge is Hurricane Point, a sustained two-mile climb to 560 feet at miles 10–12. The payoff is the descent to Bixby Creek Bridge — one of the most photographed moments in American marathoning, complete with a grand piano player at mile 13. The back half rolls through Carmel Highlands before a flat finish in Carmel. This is a suffer-and-sightsee course, not a time course.

Race-day conditions

April on California's Central Coast means morning temperatures in the 45–60°F range, but coastal conditions are unpredictable. Wind along the cliffs at Hurricane Point can be intense — headwinds of 15–30mph are common. Fog is typical at the start and often clears by mid-race. Rain is possible. Dress in layers, carry a throwaway jacket to Hurricane Point, and accept that the conditions will do what they want.

Using the predictor

Big Sur runs 5.2% slower than Berlin — roughly 12–15 minutes on a 4-hour finish. This is not a PR course. Use the predictor to set a realistic time goal, then plan your effort around the Hurricane Point climb at miles 10–12. Treat the climb as an opportunity to bank goodwill with your legs for the back half, not a section to race through.

Common questions

Is Big Sur a good race for a first marathon?

It depends on your goals. Big Sur is not a PR course — 2,200ft of elevation gain and potential coastal wind make it significantly harder than a flat debut. But the experience is extraordinary: dramatic cliffs, Bixby Bridge at mile 13, and a small race field that feels personal. If your goal is to finish something you'll remember forever, Big Sur is exceptional. If your goal is a fast time, choose a flat course first.

How hard is Hurricane Point?

Hurricane Point is a sustained 2-mile climb from sea level to approximately 560 feet at miles 10–12. It arrives early enough that your legs are still reasonably fresh, but the grade and potential headwind make it demanding. The best strategy: run the approach conservatively, hike the steepest sections if needed, and use the descent to Bixby Bridge as recovery. Runners who go out too hard in the first 10 miles pay for it on the climb.

How do I get into the Big Sur International Marathon?

Big Sur uses a lottery system, typically opening in summer for the following April race. The marathon is capped at roughly 3,000 runners, making it one of the most intimate events on the West Coast. Charity entries and volunteer deferral options also exist. Check the Big Sur International Marathon website for current lottery dates — demand significantly exceeds supply most years.

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