The 39th Big Sur International Marathon Delivers Another Sold-Out Year Along Highway 1

Written By Hannah Sconzo

CARMEL, CA – Runners from around the world flocked to California’s iconic coastline on April 26, 2026 for the 39th edition of the Big Sur International Marathon, which runs along Hwy 1 from Big Sur to Carmel. The sold-out event welcomed participants from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and 36 countries, who took on one of six distances: The 5K, 12K, 11-Miler, 21-Miler, Marathon Relay, or the signature Marathon. 

The course, a stunning point-to-point route framed by towering redwoods, sheer cliffs, and sweeping ocean vistas, tested runners’ endurance while offering unforgettable scenery. Along the way, performers including Taiko drummers, Samba dancers, and the tuxedo-clad “Grand Piano Man” at Bixby Bridge (Pacific Grove local, Michael Martinez) energized athletes, helping them tackle more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain. 

In the Marathon, Simon Ricci, from San Francisco, CA, claimed first place with a time of 2:23:46, while Elle Meyer of Portola Valley, CA, secured victory in the women’s division with a time of 2:51:45. The first-place finish for Ricci serves as his third consecutive Big Sur title, and his fastest to date.

“Each year, the Big Sur International Marathon brings together an incredible global community to experience the beauty and challenge of this course. It’s inspiring to see runners push their limits while being supported by our dedicated volunteers, local partners, and the unique spirit that defines our race weekend,” said Jennifer Edwards, Executive Director of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. “We’re proud to continue this tradition and to give back to the community that makes it all possible.”

The 2026 event celebrated its second year with HOKA as presenting sponsor, bringing energy to race weekend through activations like the HOKA Shakeout Run and the HOKA Fly Zone along the course. The Boston 2 Big Sur program also returned, welcoming over 200 runners who qualified for and completed the Boston Marathon just six days prior on April 20. 

More than 2,000 volunteers helped bring the race to life, supporting runners from start to finish alongside local community groups, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation’s Board of Directors and Events Committee, and the Blistering Pace Race Management team led by Race Director Michelle La Sala. 

This year’s event also highlighted the spirit and stories that define Big Sur: From the six legendary “Grizzled Vets” who have completed every race since 1986, to inspiring local participants like Carmel Valley Manor residents who trained for the 5K and the 23 official charity partners rallying runners in support of their causes. One charity runner in particular singlehandedly raised an incredible $43,000 for the National Brain Tumor Society. Together, these moments set the stage for an even bigger celebration as the event looks ahead to celebrating its 40th running in 2027. 

As a nonprofit organization, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation reinvests race proceeds into the community, contributing more than $6.7 million in grants, donations, and special projects since 1986. 

For more information, including 2026 race results, community impact, and registration details for our 40th annual race in 2027, please visit the Big Sur International Marathon website. 

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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 over $300,000 to local nonprofits via donations 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 & 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.

Hannah Sconzo

Hannah is a multifaceted brand strategist, graphic designer, and digital marketer based in Napa Valley. Passionate about color, design, and all the ways consumers interact with a brand, she dedicates her time to enhancing brand storytelling. Whether she's filming and editing content for social media, curating compelling testimonials for email campaigns, or designing materials for in-person events, Hannah is constantly exploring innovative ways to engage audiences.

Hannah began her career in the running industry in Charlottesville, VA, where she interned with the local marathon. This experience propelled her to the West Coast, where she took on a full-time role with Destination Races, working on their Wine Country Half Marathon series. Her career then shifted to the wine industry, where she honed her skills in brand management within both in-house and agency settings, gaining valuable insights into luxury goods and hospitality.

She is thrilled to have returned to her roots in the running industry, representing events she has personally run and loved.

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