Big Sur International Marathon

View on map
Sports & AdventureCarmel
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-3324
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe marathon's piano tradition began with
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Big Sur International Marathon in Carmel

The Big Sur International Marathon has run each spring since 1986, tracing a point-to-point course along Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel. Its best-known tradition is a grand piano stationed near Bixby Bridge around mile thirteen, played live for runners since the race's inaugural year, while the event discourages headphones so runners can hear course marshals along the narrow coastal road.

Its coastal route is one of the most iconic running settings in the United States.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The marathon's piano tradition began with its first running in 1986 and has continued every year since, with a musician performing marathon-length live sets from a grand piano positioned near Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed landmarks on the Pacific Coast Highway

02

The mystery stays covered

For seventeen years the role was filled by a single performer known as the Grand Piano Man

03

The city starts moving

The race also discourages headphones and personal music players, a safety measure specific to Highway 1's narrow, winding, only partially closed roadway, where bike-mounted marshals need runners to hear verbal instructions

04

The water draws everyone in

Held on the last Sunday of April along a course with rolling hills and shifting coastal weather, the marathon draws entrants for its scenery as much as its challenge

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Since its first running in 1986

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the marathon has maintained an unbroken tradition of live piano music at Bixby Bridge near mile thirteen

The sacred route

Living ritual

and its long-standing discouragement of headphones reflects a course-specific safety culture built around Highway 1's narrow

The local code

Living ritual

only partially closed roadway

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

Shuttle logistics are part of the race plan.

What to wear

Layered running attire suits Big Sur's often cool, foggy, and windy late-April coastal weather, which can shift throughout the morning as the course moves along exposed sections of Highway...

Safety

Big Sur International Marathon is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

Monterey or Carmel

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map36.56 N, 121.92 WOpen in Google Maps

Carmel, CA

TransportShuttle logistics are part of the race plan.
Stay areaMonterey or Carmel

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Carmel via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Carmel, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearLayered running attire suits Big Sur's often cool, foggy, and windy late-April coastal weather, which can shift throughout the morning as the course moves along exposed sections of Highway 1. Because headphones are discouraged, plan to run without personal audio devices.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Big Sur International Marathon?

Big Sur International Marathon is listed for Past edition: 26 April 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Big Sur International Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Carmel, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Carmel, CA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLbigsurmarathon.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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