Big Sur International Marathon 2026
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 package, your hotel and guaranteed entry are included! Plan to join us in one of the most beautiful corners of the USA!
The Big Sur Marathon is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group Qualifying Race.
Meals Included
Pre-race pasta dinner
Guide
Support from Marathon Tours & Travel team
Transfers
Race day transfers included to and from the race
Trip Extension
Additional nights available upon request
Accommodation
3 or 4 nights stay in an excellent 4* hotel
Entry
Guaranteed Big Sur Marathon Entry
Celebration Party
Access to VIP Celebration Tent
Excursions
17-Mile Drive Tour (4 Night Package Only) & Course Tour
Medal Bling
Ceramic Finisher Medal
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Thursday, April 23
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 24
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 25
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 26
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 27
Departure Day
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)
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Packages & Rates
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Big Sur Marathon Package | Four-Night Package: April 23 – 27, 2026
Features:
- Four nights’ accommodations at the Portola Hotel & Spa
- Standard Rooms with all Taxes Included
- 17-Mile Drive Tour
- Shake-Out Run
- Welcome Reception
- Pre-race Pasta Dinner
- Private 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 24 – 27, 2026
Features:
- Three nights’ accommodations at the Portola Hotel & Spa
- Standard Rooms with all Taxes Included
- Shake-Out Run
- Welcome Reception
- Pre-Race Pasta Dinner
- Private 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 2026 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.
2026 Rates (all prices per person and in AUD)
Four Night PackageDouble Occupancy Single Occupancy Standard Room $3,135 $5,148 Three Night PackageDouble Occupancy Single Occupancy Standard Room $2,302 $3,804 Race EntryBig Sur Marathon $743 B2B $1,075 Course TourPer Person $125
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Hotels
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Portola 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.
Address
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
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Event Information
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The Big Sur with Marathon Tours
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.
Race Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Start Time: 6:45AM
Entry: A special entry link via email will be sent to registered runners on our package.
- Marathon
- Boston to Big Sur (B2B)*
*Your Boston to Big Sur (B2B) Entry includes the Big Sur Marathon entry only. You must secure your own Boston Marathon® entry!
The Course: 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.
Weather: 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
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Registration & Booking
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How to book: To make your booking, ensure that you select the correct number of rooms and types for all members in your party plus all the required extras. When you book, we will require a deposit to confirm your place.
Payments: When you confirm your booking, we will take a deposit payment or full payment. If Deposit only is chosen, subsequent payments are taken automatically based on your invoice Payment Schedule.
Race entry: Guaranteed entry is additional and not included in the package cost. There is a limit of two (2) entries per room reservation.
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.
Marathon Tours & Travel’s policy: 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 advice: Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for USA’s current entry restrictions and requirements.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is an essential part of any holiday you take, and we highly recommend that you purchase suitable insurance for your trip. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you to participate in running events in the USA.
Conditions of Sale: Please note we cannot sell race entry without accommodation package.
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.
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