!function(i, n, s, t, l, e, r) {if(i.ieq)return;
l=i.ieq=function(){l.handleCommand?l.handleCommand(arguments):l.queue.push(arguments)};
if(!i._ieq){i._ieq=l;i._ieqDomain=t;}l.queue=[];e=n.createElement(s);e.async=1;e.src=t;
r=n.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];r.parentNode.insertBefore(e,r)}
(window,document,'script', 'https://a.trak.ee/js/1.0.0/engagement.min.js');
ieq('init', 'IAT-60f96b385e3de8-34121028');
ieq('form-init', 'IFB-64358110f358e5-55714190', 'IFRAME');
ieq('init', 'IAT-60f96b385e3de8-34121028');
ieq('form-init', 'IFB-64358110f358e5-55714190', 'IFRAME');
Big Sur International Marathon
Nights
4
Date
April 27, 2025
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Big Sur Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
The Big Sur International Marathon is a boutique-style marathon and is considered a bucket list race for running enthusiasts around the world. Established in 1986, it attracts around 4,500 runners each year and has earned many accolades including “Best Destination Marathon in North America” by the Ultimate Guide to Marathons.
The 26.2 mile challenging course takes place on Highway One, starting in Big Sur and ending in Carmel. It offers unparalleled scenery as runners wind through majestic redwoods and experience spectacular coastal views along the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the visual grandeurs, runners are treated to musical interludes by Taiko drummers, Samba dancers and classical music from a grand pianist midway along the course.
When you purchase a Marathon Tours & Travel’s package you are eligible to purchase a guaranteed entry! Plan to join us in one of the most beautiful corners of the USA!
The Big Sur Marathon is an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race.
Meals Included
Pre-race pasta dinner
Guide
Support from Marathon Tours & Travel team
Transfers
Transfers to and from the race included
Trip Extension
Additional nights available upon request
Accommodation
3 or 4 nights stay in an excellent 4* hotel
Entry
Guaranteed race entry
Celebration Party
Access to VIP Celebration Tent
Excursions
17-Mile Drive Tour & Course Tour
Medal Bling
Ceramic Finisher Medal
Travel Package Information
-
Itinerary
-
//
Thursday, April 24
Four-Night Package Arrivals
Arrive in Monterey and check-in to the Portola Hotel & Spa. The afternoon is free to explore and enjoy this charming town.
Friday, April 25
Three-Night Package Arrivals
Those on the four-night package will enjoy a five-hour bus tour and take in the beautiful scenery that makes the little part of the world so famous. You will see Pebble Beach, experience the 17-Mile Drive, Monterey and Carmel. We will stop for a short wine tasting in Carmel by the Sea before enjoying lunch on your own in this quaint and charming town. We recommend you visit the Health & Fitness Expo to pick-up your bib today. Tonight we will gather for a Welcome Reception where you can meet your running peers!
Saturday, April 26
The morning will kick-off with an easy training run to loosen your legs. Following a leisure breakfast (on your own), plan to join the guided tour of the marathon course. You must register in advance for this optional course tour, which we highly recommend. It is a great way to mentally prepare for the course, as well as for you to enjoy the scenery in comfort. Spectators are also invited to join! The rest of the afternoon is free for you to rest, relax, shop, and enjoy. We will reconvene for our pre-race dinner and will be sure there is ample pasta! Be sure to stop by the Health & Fitness Expo to pick-up your bib today if you haven’t already.
Sunday, April 27
Race day! Buses are organized by the Big Sur International Marathon and will depart very early this morning. More details will be shared as we get closer. Following your race, there will be an exclusive VIP Tent for all Marathon Tours travelers at the finish to celebrate your achievement! Be sure you come by for refreshments, beer and camaraderie.
Monday, April 28
Departure day or your free time to spend in the Monterey Bay area. It is a beautiful place to extend your stay and explore. We are happy to make recommendations such as a guided Walking tour in Carmel, lunch and wine at the Farm-to-table Cima Collina Ranch & Vineyard or a relaxing retreat at Refuge spa in Carmel.
(Itinerary subject to change)
-
-
Packages & Rates
-
Big Sur Marathon Package | Four-Night Package: April 24 – 28, 2025
Features:
- Four nights’ accommodations at the Portola Hotel & Spa
- Standard rooms with all taxes included
- 17-Mile Drive Tour
- Group training run
- Welcome Reception
- Pre-race Pasta Dinner
- Bus transfer to the marathon start
- Shuttle bus from the Finish back to downtown Monterey
- Exclusive Access to VIP Tent at the Finish
- On-site Marathon Tours & Travel Staff
- Guaranteed race entry is additional (limit of two entries per room).
Big Sur Marathon Package | Three-Night Package: April 25 – 28, 2024
Features:
- Three nights’ accommodations at the Portola Hotel & Spa
- Standard rooms with all taxes included
- Group training run
- Welcome Reception
- Pre-Race Pasta Dinner
- Bus transfer to the marathon start
- Shuttle bus from the Finish back to downtown Monterey
- Exclusive Access to VIP Tent at the Finish
- On-site Marathon Tours & Travel Staff
- Guaranteed entry additional (limit of two entries per room).
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Your B2B entry does NOT include an entry to the 2025 Boston Marathon. Each person is responsible for securing their own Boston entry. Details on the B2B entry can be found here. Please note that we have a very limited number of B2B entries.
- Your guaranteed entry with Marathon Tours & Travel is non-refundable and non-transferrable. This applies to all confirmed guests on our package with a guaranteed entry. Please be aware of this so you do not also enter the BSIM drawing.
Not Included in the Four-Night or Three-Night Package Rates:
- Race Entry Fee
- Optional Course Tour
- Gratuities and tips
- Breakfast and all Meals (unless listed on itinerary)
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance
- Flight to/from Monterrey
- Airport transfers
IMPORTANT NOTE: Marathon Tours & Travel’s policy is that anyone staying in our room block must be part of our package. If you plan to bring a spouse or guest, they must purchase our package. For example, if there are two of you, the rate would be the double occupancy rate (per person). If you purchase a single occupancy rate package, then only you are allowed in your room. To attend any of our activities, you must be part of our package.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsRates (all prices per person and in US dollars)
Big Sur Marathon Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Four-Night Package $1780 per person $2960 Three-Night Package $1340 per person $2225 Additional Nights $255 per person $510 Race EntryBig Sur Marathon $425 B2B $625 OptionalBig Sur Marathon Course Tour (Saturday) $60 per person
-
-
Hotels
-
Monterey, CaliforniaPortola Hotel & Spa
Adjoined to the Monterey Conference Center where the BSIM EXPO takes place, this refined spa hotel is within steps of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and a five minute walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and 1.5 miles to Cannery Row.
The nautical-themed rooms and suites have marble bathrooms, Wi-Fi (fee), 42-inch flat-screen TVs and Keurig coffeemakers. Most have balconies, some with ocean views. Other amenities include a fitness room, a spa (fee), a craft brewery, and a restaurant serving organic food.
-
-
Event Information
-
Race Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Start Time: 6:45AM
Entry: A special entry link via email will be sent to registered runners on our package. The fees are as follows (price per entry):
- Marathon: $425
- Boston to Big Sur (B2B)*: $625
*Your Boston to Big Sur Entry only includes the Big Sur Marathon entry. You must secure your own Boston Marathon entry!
Course: Point to point, moderately difficult, with live entertainment on the course. Big Sur International Marathon is the largest rural marathon in the world, winding through redwoods, paralleling ranches, and offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean; USATF certified and a Boston qualifier. BSIM has a strict six (6) hour time limit for all marathoners. Course map with elevation chart can be found here.
Temperature: Average temperatures range between 50F-60F.
Eligibility: Limited to 4,500 qualified entrants (must be 16 years or older, in good health and well trained.) BSIM is a challenging course with a cut-off time of 1:00 PM, approximately six (6) hours from the time the last starter crosses the start mat in Big Sur.
Awards: Every runner receives a technical fabric shirt in gender specific sizing, featuring an original design. Only those participants who are able to complete the race in 6 hours (chip time) will receive a Big Sur International Marathon finishers’ medallion, an online finishers’ certificate and be listed in the virtual official results book.
Difficulty: Difficult
-
-
Registration & Booking
-
Rates: All prices are based on current exchange rates may change due to currency fluctuations.
Race entry: Guaranteed entry is additional and not included in the package cost. There is a limit of two (2) entries per room reservation.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with an initial non-refundable deposit of $500 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment is due on or before February 1, 2025. Final payments received after February 1, 2025 are subject to being charged a $50 late payment fee.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not included in price: Optional Excursions and all items not specifically listed under tour features.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
-
-
Testimonials
-
"The hotel was stunning and the bus to the start could not have been more convenient..." - 2024
The hotel was stunning and the bus to the start could not have been more convenient. Getting together with the group was so fun!
"I have nothing to say besides everything was beyond expectations..." - 2024I have nothing to say besides everything was beyond expectations. All staff were very friendly and very knowledgeable. I really had a great time!
"I have done it 3 times before with Marathon Tours & Travel and am always happy..." - 2024I have done it 3 times before with Marathon Tours & Travel and am always happy with the trip. Going with MTT instead of on my own makes it much more enjoyable!
"I just had my first trip with Marathon Tours & Travel..." - 2024I just had my first trip with Marathon Tours & Travel for the Big Sur International Marathon. It was amazing and I am addicted to Marathon Tours & Travel now!
"I loved not having to worry about hotels and..." - 2024I loved not having to worry about hotels and travel to the start line. Coming from Florida and never having been to California before, dealing with those details would have been stressful.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the Big Sur experience..." - 2022 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripI thoroughly enjoyed the Big Sur experience. The staff was wonderful!
"Always a great experience..." - 2022 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripAlways a great experience to travel with Marathon Tours & Travel.
"They did all the thinking for me..." 2022 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripThey did all the thinking for me. All I had to do was show up to get a top notch experience!
"Took all the work out of figuring things out..." - 2022 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripTook all the work out of figuring things out. Just show up, eat, meet, run. Great! Lovely accommodations.
"The Portola Hotel is a great location..." - 2022 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripThe Portola Hotel is a great location and nice hotel to stay at. Reception and pre-race dinner were excellent. And really appreciated the private coach to the start.
"Wonderful, attentive, supportive staff..." - 2022 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripWonderful, attentive, supportive staff. Great accommodations and guest speakers and guides. Tends to draw very kind runners.
"The hotel and having all the details taken care of were all I wanted..." - 2019 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripThe hotel and having all the details taken care of were all I wanted. Marathon Tours makes it very easy to travel to these hard-to-get-in-to marathons.
"Everything ran SO smoothly..." - 2019 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripEverything ran SO smoothly and everyone was very helpful. I was impressed at how efficiently the bus “issue” was handled on race morning.
"I was very happy with my Big Sur Marathon experience..." - 2019 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripI was very happy with my Big Sur Marathon experience through Marathon Tours & Travel. Every aspect of the package was superb from the accommodations to the dinners and the event transportation. Thank you to Allyson, Karen, and Christine for making this a memorable event.
"I would like to commend our hosts Allyson, Karen and Christine...." - 2018 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripI would like to commend our hosts Allyson, Karen and Christine. They made the experience seamless and enjoyable. They were friendly and helpful and created very positive atmosphere .
"Well organized..." - 2018 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripWell organized, comfortable and a bucket list must!
"Very excited about the next continent!..." - 2018 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripVery excited about the next continent! This was my husband’s first trip with MTT and it has put him at ease with traveling outside the country. Thank you!
"Your welcome is warm..." - 2018 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripYour welcome is warm; your enthusiasm and joie de vivre is felt and is greatly appreciated.
"Great combination - very good hotel..." - 2018 Marathon Tours Big Sur TripGreat combination – very good hotel, relaxing/interesting tours, fun wine-tasting and knowledgeable tour guides, well organized. My first time with Marathon Tours and I really did not have to worry about anything – just completing the course!
"This was truthfully a life changing experience for me..." - 2016 Big Sur VIP PackageThis was truthfully a life changing experience for me and I am so pleased with how everything panned out. Don’t change a thing! I will definitely be running with Marathon Tours again! I just need to figure out where… Decisions, decisions..
"Everything was awesome..." - 2016 Big Sur VIP PackageEverything was awesome from the hotel, breakfast and run in the morning, the course tour and the tent at finish line area.
"It was awesome..." 2016 Big Sur VIP PackageVIP Finish Tent – It was awesome to have our own area and it wasn’t crowded… the food was great and the beer, too!!
"Course Tour - Loved the insights from Hugo..." - 2016 Big Sur VIP PackageCourse Tour – Loved the insights from Hugo, his advice was REALLY helpful!!! I know I ran a much better race than I would have because of him… his advice was also appreciated by my husband for the parking at the finish area!!
"It was fantastic!..." - 2016 Big Sur VIP PackageIt was fantastic! The race expo was well organized. The bus pick-up was very smooth and I didn’t have to wait long. They had lots of water stops and porta potties.
"Very beautiful location..." - 2016 Big Sur VIP PackageVery beautiful location, Marathon Tours helped maximize our experience.
"Excellent, I would recommend it without doubt..." - 2016 Big Sur VIP PackageExcellent, I would recommend it without doubt. BTW, congratulations to the Marathon Tours team, fantastic organization. I will repeat with you.
"Everything was carefully thought of..." - 2016 Big Sur VIP PackageEverything was carefully thought of – I felt any need or question I had was answered.
-
-
Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship
-
This event is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship Qualifying Race. If you achieve the automatic qualifying time for your age group, found here, you’ll be invited to the 2025 Age Group World Championship race (destination still to be announced). For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship click here.
-
Meet the Reps
MaryKate Riordan
Trip Designer
MaryKate Riordan
Trip Designer
MaryKate joined the Marathon Tours & Travel team after receiving her B.A. in Sport Leadership & Administration from UMass Boston. Prior to completing her degree, MaryKate spent five years as a stewardess in the private yachting industry where she developed strong skills in customer service, travel logistics, and cultural immersion while exploring the world on the high seas. These remarkable years fueled her passion for travel and led her to a new hobby: marathon running. MaryKate has completed multiple marathons including Boston (2022) and Chicago (2023) as well as a variety of ultramarathons including the Comrades Marathon (Back to Back finisher 2018-2019). She also enjoys playing tennis, skiing, swimming, and searching for the best cup of coffee in town. She is excited to bring the knowledge she has gained from these experiences to the team where she will assist in cultivating many unforgettable trips.
