Big Sur International Marathon

The benchmark for coastal scenery. The point-to-point course runs from Big Sur to Carmel on the road that is the only access along a 90-mile stretch of the central California coast, with surf below and a piano playing at Bixby Bridge. Do not mistake it for an easy day. The organizers rate it moderately difficult, with rolling hills, the long climb to Hurricane Point and a headwind that can be fierce. The six-hour limit is strictly enforced, so slower runners are steered toward the 21-miler. The 2027 race, the 40th, is on April 25, 2027. Its random drawing has closed and general registration has sold out, so the remaining ways in are first-come charity, VIP and tour-package entries.