ENTRY LIMITS
The 12K is open to 950 entrants.
REGISTRATION & ENTRY FEES
Registration for the April 26, 2026 12K will open on September 9, 2025.
2026 12K Entry Fees: $145
START-7:35 AM PDT
The 12K starts at the Marathon finish line on Highway 1 at Rio Road at 7:35 AM. There will be water, portable restrooms, and entertainment at the start area.
COURSE
The 12K (7.4-miles) features a beautiful out-and-back course beginning and ending at the Marathon finish and is the only race course that includes a loop inside the stunning Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
The 12K features gently-rolling hills and amazing views. Be prepared for an incredible journey! While many choose to walk this route, training and preparation are still essential for any event of this distance.
View a map of the 12K and 5K course
COURSE POLICY NOTICE:
Due to liability and safety concerns, as well as the nature of the course, the following are not permitted on the course: animals, unofficial pacers, skates, skateboards, bicycles, wheelchairs, hand cranks, strollers, knee scooters, baby joggers, or children in backpacks.
Please note: Service animals are welcome at the expo and the finish festival, in accordance with ADA guidelines, but for safety reasons they are not allowed on the course without explicit written permission from race management.
AID STATIONS
The 12K features three aid stations about every 1.6-2.6 miles with Nuun, water refill stations for you to refill your personal bottles, and portable restrooms.
COURSE TIME LIMIT/WALKERS
The 12K has more than five hours available to finish and both walkers and runners are welcome.
FINISH
The 12K ends at the Marathon finish line on Highway 1 at Rio Road. The Finish Village includes light runner refreshments, a beer garden with craft beer, live entertainment, and race merchandise for sale.
TIMING and AWARDS
The 12K event is timed but not scored. Every official finisher receives a finisher medal. There are no overall or age group awards or awards ceremony for the 12K.
PARKING and TRANSPORTATION
Because the 12K starts and finishes at the Marathon finish line and is an out-and-back course, entrants are responsible for their own transportation to the race. There is free parking available at The Crossroads Carmel shopping center at Highway 1 and Rio Road and other nearby streets and shopping center parking lots.
IPODS AND AUDIO DEVICES
We strongly discourage the use of iPods, headphones, ear buds or other MP3 or headphone devices in any of our events for safety reasons. Due to the nature of this course, you need to be able to hear verbal instructions or commands from race officials including course marshals on bicycles and to hear other vehicles or emergency vehicles on the course alongside you. We ask that you leave your headsets/earbuds at home to best enjoy the incredible scenery, the sound of waves crashing against the rocks, the course entertainment and the experience with your fellow runners.
