Things to Know
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU CONSIDER ENTERING THE 2023 BIG SUR MARATHON
The Big Sur Marathon has a strict 6-hour finish time limit (chip time). This is a pace of 13:45 per mile for the 26.2 miles (8:33 per km for 42 km). This is required in our permit to use Highway 1 and is non-negotiable. If you want to run our marathon but you believe you may not finish comfortably under six-hours, you may want to consider running our 21-Miler instead.
The Big Sur Marathon features a challenging course with numerous hills, both steep and rolling, and frequent head winds. Many runners consider our race a good 10-20 minutes slower than flatter and less windy events. In addition, many runners stop to take pictures, adding to their times. Plan accordingly with your training and pacing plans.
Marathon runners who do not maintain a 13:45 per mile pace at all times may be removed from the course at any time for safety.
There are two time cut-offs along the course based on finishing under six hours. Runners who reach these locations after the posted times will be transported to the finish area and will not receive a finish time or medallion. Those who do not reach mile 15.2 by 10:30 a.m. or mile 21.2 by 11:50 AM will be stopped and transported by bus back to the finish.
Official finish times, medallions, certificates, and post-race refreshments are only available for runners who finish under six hours (chip time).
There are no entry refunds or deferments for any reason. We are planning to have an official registration transfer and downgrade period (details to come). Registration protection is offered during registration.
If you understand these conditions and are interested in entering our April 30, 2023 race, read on about potential registration options!
Big Sur VIP presented by HOKA
Registration for Big Sur VIP presented by HOKA will open on August 25th on a first-come, first-served basis.
Learn more about the VIP program HERE.
Marathon Tours & Travel Packages
- Marathon Tours will be offering travel packages with hotel, and other special benefits including entries to the 2023 Big Sur Marathon as well as Boston 2 Big Sur.
- Registration opens on a first-come, first-served basis on August 25th
- Fee varies depending on tour package and is determined by Marathon Tours.
- If you have questions about the Marathon Tours program, please email allyson@marathontours.com.
Youth Fitness Charity Donation Entry
Registration is currently open on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Youth Fitness marathon entry fees support youth running opportunities in Monterey County. The Big Sur Marathon Foundation staff and committee members work year round to create and execute programs and races for youth of all and abilities and backgrounds. After a two year hiatus, the Foundation has launched a 2022 fall cross country season servicing thousands of area youth. To learn more about this XC course, visit palocoronatrails.org.
In addition to supporting youth running in Monterey County, when you sign up for a Youth Fitness entry, you’ll also get your name on our official donor wall displayed at the Expo and an exclusive Big Sur Marathon-branded hat from BOCO Gear. Visit the Big Sur Marathon Foundation booth at the Expo on race weekend to pick up your BOCO hat and take your picture in front of our donor wall! Learn more about the Youth Fitness program HERE.
Big Sur Marathon Charity Partners
For the 2023 race, we plan to once again partner with more than a dozen charities; each provide a marathon race entry (and some to other race distances) to those who meet the organization’s minimum fund raising goal (minimum fundraising amounts are set by each charity). Once selected, the official charities for 2023 will be announced on our charity partners page.
Charity registration will open on a first-come, first-served basis on August 25th
Boston 2 Big Sur (B2B) Challenge
Registration for the Boston 2 Big Sur is now closed for 2023.
Note that the Boston Marathon (April 17) and the Big Sur Marathon (April 30) are 13-days apart in 2023.
Learn more about the B2B program HERE.
Registration for all Non-Marathon Distance Events
Registration for all non-marathon distances is sold out for 2023.
Active Military Discount
We are pleased to offer a registration discount for all race categories for active military members. To obtain the discount code, please send an email to registration@bsim.org.
Category Changes
Additional Information
If you have additional questions about registering for any of our April 2023 races please email registration@bsim.org
Thank you for your interest and for your patience!
