Spectator Guidelines

The Big Sur Marathon Foundation is extremely grateful for each and every spectator that comes out to support runners on race day! Spectators bring excitement and joy to the race as they line the final stretch of our course.

Each year, we receive many questions about race day, such as “Where can I watch the race?” and “How do I find my runner?” To clear up as many of these questions as possible, we have compiled some tips for spectators on race day below.

One of the most challenging questions the race gets asked each year is “Where do I park?” The best answer is to park at Carmel Crossroad. A word of advice: get to the Crossroads early because parking is limited and will fill up quickly! The Barnyard is open for business on Race Day so parking there is not preferred by Barnyard management unless you are also patronizing their shops. If you do park there, please do no block any roadways, dumpsters, gates, etc. We ask that you be supportive of our local establishments.

Spectators are welcome to view the race at the finish line or along the course that is walking or biking distance away. Spectator traffic is not allowed down Highway 1. If you are lined up along the final stretch of the course, please remember to stand off the road to be respectful of our runners and walkers!

Consider these helpful tips for race day:

• Know your runner’s bib number
• Use the RTRT app to track your runner
• Establish a post-race meeting point – consider using the Find My Friends app or the the what3words app to locate runners, family, and friends after the race.

The world-renowned event draws visitors from throughout the country and around the globe; each year nearly 10,000 athletes, along with thousands more spectators and hundreds of volunteers, will be taking part in Sunday’s race along scenic Highway 1. As this event presents some logistical challenges on race day, our goal is smooth and safe operations for runners and residents alike. Due to ongoing construction at the Rocky Creek slip-out, we strongly discourage residents south of Rocky Creek from northbound travel until after 10:30am on race day. We deeply appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Throughout our 38 years, the non-profit Big Sur Marathon has been committed to raising funds for local community groups and improving the fitness of countless individuals. We thank you for your support and encourage you to come and be part of the excitement!

More information on traffic can be found HERE

If you plan on watching the race this year, please be sure to observe these guidelines on Spectator Etiquette as to ensure the safest and most enjoyable race for runners, spectators, and residents:

• Stick to the sides of the course to stay out of the way of runners
• Be mindful of fast-moving official vehicles, and runners
• Applause, noise makers, and signs are all encouraged to cheer runners on!
• Please aid us in our efforts to keep Carmel clean by disposing of any garbage properly. If no garbage receptacles are nearby, please take trash with you
• Due to our proximity to the ocean and conservation land, please be mindful about what you bring with you. Balloons and confetti cannons are not allowed,  and we ask that if you bring single serve plastic bottles, that you please be sure to dispose of them –and their caps– in their designated receptacles. Thank you from our Green Team!
• Keep dogs leashed at all times, or leave your furry friends at home
• Keep off of private property to help us be respectful of our neighbors
• Please refrain from using discriminatory and/or offensive language or obscene gestures
• And another reminder that per our public safety team, the race course and surrounding areas are a NO DRONE ZONE. Drone operation is prohibited over the race course, race participants, and spectators. We all play a part in keeping our runners, volunteers, staff, and spectators safe, so as always, if you See Something, Say Something! Thank you!