The Big Sur International Marathon Sells Out All Race Distances for Its 39th Annual Event
CARMEL, CA – The 39th Annual Big Sur International Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026 and organized by the 501(c)3 Big Sur Marathon Foundation, has sold out all of its race weekend events, including the marathon, marathon relay, 21-Miler, 11-Miler, 12K, and 5K.
For nearly four decades, the Big Sur International Marathon has welcomed athletes to “Run on the Ragged Edge of the Western World,” with a route celebrated for its breathtaking coastal views and challenging terrain along California’s Highway 1. Each year, the event draws thousands of runners from around the globe and remains one of the most iconic running experiences in the world.
Prospective marathon runners had two weeks to enter a random drawing for the chance to secure an entry, and selected participants were notified on September 4. Registration for all other race distances opened on September 9th on a first-come, first-served basis, and quickly reached capacity.
“After all these years, the idea of running along the Pacific Ocean and Highway 1 draws an excitement and desire that remains at an all-time high," said Michelle La Sala, Race Director of the Big Sur International Marathon. "We can’t wait to welcome participants in April 2026 to experience this iconic, once-in-a-lifetime course, and showcase how the community comes together to deliver an unforgettable experience.”
Although general registration is now closed, runners still have opportunities to participate through official charity partners, Marathon Tours and Travel, or the Race Benefactors program, which supports the work of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, including funding youth running initiatives throughout Monterey County.
A limited number of marathon entries have been reserved for the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge presented by HOKA, opening for registration on Wednesday, October 1. This program gives Boston Marathon participants the rare chance to run two world-class marathons within six days, with added benefits such as exclusive gear, personalized training support, and access to a special finisher tent featuring premium seating, food, and beverages.
For full event information, including details on charity entries, Race Benefactor entries, and the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge, visit bigsurmarathon.org
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About the Big Sur Marathon Foundation
The Big Sur Marathon Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create beautiful running events that promote health and benefit the community. Under the brand are the Big Sur International Marathon in April and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in November. Each year, the organization donates nearly $300,000 to local nonprofits via their grant program to community volunteer groups, with over $6.7 million given since 1986.
About Blistering Pace Race Management
Founded in 2016, BPRM works in a variety of race management capacities, ranging from specific projects to full event oversight. Clients include the San Francisco Half Marathon (10K & 5K), the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, Chicago Event Management, and the New York Road Runners. For more information, visit blisteringpace.com.