Big Sur International Marathon facts for kids

The Big Sur International Marathon is a famous yearly running event. It takes place in California, United States, right along the beautiful Pacific coast. This marathon started in 1986. Each year, about 4,500 people come to run in it.

This event is more than just a marathon. It also includes other races and walks. There's a 21-mile (34 km) race, a team relay, and a shorter 5K run. Runners in the main marathon have 6 hours to finish the course. Over the years, the marathon has given more than $2 million to different charities.

The Race Course

Starting Points and Finish Line

The finish line for all the races is at the Crossroads Shopping Center. This center is located in Carmel, California. The main marathon race starts south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Other races begin at different spots. For example, the 21-mile (34 km) race starts at Andrew Molera State Park. Shorter races, like the 9-mile (14 km) and 5 km, begin and end at the finish line.

Route Highlights

The marathon route follows State Route 1, a scenic highway. A special part of the course is crossing the Bixby Creek Bridge. This bridge is about halfway through the marathon. Another challenging spot is Hurricane Point. This is a hill that climbs 560 feet between mile markers 10 and 12. Along the entire route, there are 11 aid stations. These stations provide water and support to the runners. The second half of the race is known for its tough hills.

Past Cancellations

The races in 2020 and 2021 were canceled. This happened because of the coronavirus pandemic. People who had signed up for the 2020 race received a refund. They also had a chance to sign up early for the 2022 or 2023 races.

Marathon Winners

The Big Sur International Marathon has seen many amazing runners. Here are some of the overall and female winners from past years:

The Ultimate Guide to Marathons once called the Big Sur Marathon the best marathon in the world.