.png){kind=icon}
Big Sur International Marathon 2025 is speeding toward us yet again! Runners and supporters will gather on April 27 for one of the country's most scenic races. If you want to be part of the action, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how it's all breaking down this year.
About the Marathon in Big Sur
Locals all know that the last Sunday of April means the Big Sur International Marathon! The 26.2-mile journey takes place on a point-to-point course along scenic Highway 1. Runners cover a stunning and scenic path that goes from Big Sur to Carmel. Along the way, they encounter mountain peaks, mammoth redwoods, beautiful cattle herds, and the crash of Pacific waves. The iconic halfway point of the race is Bixby Bridge. Of course, runners have their work cut out for them as they pass through rolling hills that make the trek moderately difficult.
Big Sur International Marathon has been growing strong since it was first established in the spring of 1986. The inaugural event attracted nearly 2,000 runners. April was specifically chosen as the permanent month for the marathon because it provided the perfect lull between NFL football season in the fall and the busy summer tourist season.
What to Expect on Race Day
It's going to be an early morning for anyone attending Big Sur International Marathon 2025! The marathon's start time is 6:45 a.m. Participants have a six-hour time limit that requires them to be off the path by 1 p.m. Once the marathon ends, two-lane traffic on Highway 1 will resume. A total of 11 aid stations where runners can refill their water bottles, use restrooms, get basic medical supplies, and snag some fresh fruit are peppered throughout the course.
Big Sur International Marathon 2025 has some fun entertainment lined up! First, there will be a Yamaha piano set up at Bixby Bridge for serenading runners. Additionally, a Taiko drum set will be used to help "pump up" runners as they tackle the climb to Hurricane Point. Additional entertainment on the path will include belly dancers, jazz music, and rock music.
Race day tends to have comfortable weather. On average, temperatures during the marathon hover between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity levels historically stay between 30% and 50%.
Health and Fitness Expo
This weekend offers more than a race. Many people coming to town for the race plan to arrive by Friday to be able to attend the 2025 Health & Fitness Expo that will be held at the Monterey Conference Center. Running on both Friday and Saturday, the event invites attendees to enjoy free race clinics, vendor exhibits, and more.
Make the Most of the Weekend in Monterey County
Considered one of the most beautiful places in the country, Big Sur is enviably located between the Santa Lucia Mountains and Pacific Ocean. From its winding coastal cliffs to its towering redwoods, Big Sur is a lovely place to spend a few days. Big Sur's lack of downtown means that most visitors pop into nearby Monterey for dinner. This list of popular restaurants in Monterey CA offers amazing dining options with ocean views!
