Things to Know
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU CONSIDER ENTERING THE 2025 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. 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.
There are no entry refunds or deferments for any reason. Registration protection is offered during registration.
It is important to note that the Big Sur Marathon and its additional distance events do NOT support category changes. There is not a possibility to drop down to a shorter distance (or upgrade into a longer race).
Big Sur VIP presented by HOKA
Registration for Big Sur VIP presented by HOKA will open on August 14th 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 2025 Big Sur Marathon as well as Boston 2 Big Sur.
- Registration opens on a first-come, first-served basis on August 14th
- Fee varies depending on tour package and is determined by Marathon Tours.
- If you have questions about the Marathon Tours program, please email marykate.riordan@marathontours.com.
Youth Fitness Charity Donation Entry
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 launched a 2022 fall cross country season servicing thousands of area youth. To learn more about this XC course, visit palocoronatrails.org.
Big Sur Marathon Charity Partners
For the 2025 race, we will 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 will be announced on our charity partners page.
Charity registration will open on a first-come, first-served basis on August 14th
Boston 2 Big Sur (B2B) Challenge
Registration for Boston 2 Big Sur opens on October 22, 2024.
Learn more about the B2B program HERE.
Registration for all Non-Marathon Distance Events
Registration for all non-marathon distances opens on September 4th.
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
It is important to note that the Big Sur Marathon and its additional distance events do NOT support category changes. There is not a possibility to drop down to a shorter distance (or upgrade into a longer race).
Additional Information
If you have additional questions about registering for any of our April 2025 races please email registration@bsim.org
