CARMEL, CA – General registration has sold out across all race distances for the milestone 40th running of the Big Sur International Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, April 25, 2027. Organized by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Big Sur Marathon Foundation, the 2027 event includes the marathon, marathon relay, 21-Miler, 11-Miler, 12K, and 5K.
For nearly 40 years, runners from around the world have traveled to California’s Central Coast to experience the Big Sur International Marathon and its iconic Highway 1 course. Known for its “Run on the Ragged Edge of the Western World” experience, the route pairs sweeping Pacific Ocean views with a challenging, rolling course, making it one of the most distinctive marathon experiences in the world.
The milestone 40th running will bring special focus to the people, places, and traditions that have shaped the event over four decades. The Big Sur Marathon Foundation and race organizers are planning a variety of special moments throughout race weekend, with additional anniversary details to be announced in the coming months.
“There’s something incredibly rewarding about bringing runners from around the world to experience a marathon in a place as beautiful as Big Sur,” said Race Director and Blistering Pace Race Management President Michelle La Sala. “Big Sur is also one of the most challenging places to host an event of this magnitude. As we prepare for our 40th running, that longevity speaks to the extraordinary and unwavering commitment of this community, our volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who has helped make this race what it is today.”
The road to race weekend began August 19 with a two-week random drawing that saw record demand for the marathon. Selected participants were notified September 8, and general registration for all other race distances opened September 10 on a first-come, first-served basis, with each distance quickly reaching capacity. While general registration is now sold out across all race distances, a limited number of marathon entries remain available through special entry programs, including Big Sur VIP Presented by HOKA, official charity partners, and Marathon Tours and Travel.
Another special entry opportunity will be available through the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge presented by HOKA. The 2027 race will mark the program’s 16th presentation, giving qualified Boston Marathon entrants the opportunity to complete two iconic marathons just six days apart. Registration for the challenge opens October 14, 2026.
For full event information, including details on Big Sur VIP Presented by HOKA, charity entries, Marathon Tours & Travel, sponsorship opportunities, and the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge, visit bigsurmarathon.org.
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. In 2026, the organization reinvested more than $600,000 into its community through Community Grants awards and volunteer group distributions, with nearly $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.
