Monterey Bay Half Marathon Celebrates 21st Running After Fastest Sellout in Event History
MONTEREY, CA – The Monterey Bay Half Marathon returned Sunday, November 8, for its 21st running, bringing nearly 11,000 runners to the Monterey Peninsula for a weekend of racing along one of California’s most scenic coastlines. Runners traveled from 20 countries and 49 states, plus Washington, D.C., to take part in the fan-favorite event organized by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Big Sur Marathon Foundation.
This year’s race reached capacity in record time, selling out just eight days after registration opened May 20. It marked the second consecutive year that all available entries were claimed before race weekend and the fastest sellout in event history. The event welcomed nearly 11,000 runners across the half marathon, 5K, and 3K, including 9,000 half marathon participants, over 1,300 of whom took part in the Ocean View Challenge.
Race weekend began with the two-day expo at the Monterey Conference Center, followed by the Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K and By-the-Bay 3K on Saturday. On Sunday morning, runners took on the half marathon course through Monterey and Pacific Grove, while Ocean View Challenge participants completed the half marathon after Saturday’s 5K to earn an additional medal at the finish line.
The continued demand reflects the appeal of the Monterey Bay Half Marathon, named the Best Half Marathon in California in RaceRaves’ 2026 “Best Half Marathons in the U.S.” poll. Its flat, fast course combines competitive racing with some of the Central Coast’s most memorable scenery, taking runners through historic Cannery Row and downtown Monterey, past the Monterey Bay Aquarium and along the Pacific Grove shoreline with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
“The response to this year’s race was extraordinary, and the record sellout reflects how strongly runners continue to connect with the Monterey Bay Half Marathon,” said Michelle La Sala, President of Blistering Pace Race Management and Race Director of the Monterey Bay Half Marathon. “From the fast course and competitive field to the incredible scenery and energy throughout the weekend, this event delivers a race experience that keeps people coming back year after year.”
This year’s race also featured a strong field of competitors, with Patrick Smyth from Santa Fe, New Mexico taking the men’s title in 1:04:15 and Sarah Czuprynski from North Hollywood, CA winning the women’s race in 1:13:03.
Local volunteers, nonprofit organizations, businesses and community groups help bring the event to life each year, with more than 1,600 volunteers supporting the 2026 event throughout race weekend.
“The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is such a powerful example of what happens when our community comes together,” said Jennifer Edwards, Executive Director of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. “This event is so much more than a world-class race. It's one of our two major annual fundraisers, and the incredible support of our volunteers, local organizations, businesses, and sponsors allows us to create an unforgettable experience for runners while generating funds to support our charitable giving and community fitness programs throughout Monterey County. The impact of this weekend extends far beyond the finish line.”
The event also advances the Big Sur Marathon Foundation’s commitment to giving back to the communities where its races take place. Proceeds from the Monterey Bay Half Marathon support charitable giving and year-round community fitness programs, contributing to the Foundation’s over $7.2 million reinvested in local organizations and initiatives since its founding.
For more information about the Monterey Bay Half Marathon, including 2026 race results and information about the 2027 event, please visit our website.
About the Big Sur Marathon Foundation
The Big Sur Marathon Foundation (BSMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching and empowering the community through charitable giving and inspiring healthy lifestyles. Since 1986, BSMF has donated nearly $7.2 million to local nonprofits, volunteer groups, and community fitness programs. The Foundation produces the Big Sur International Marathon and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon – world-class events that attract runners from around the globe and are powered by nearly 2,500 volunteers from more than 100 community organizations. Learn more at bigsurmarathon.org.
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 (& 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.