Big Sur International Marathon

The Big Sur International Marathon is an annual marathon held in California, USA along the Pacific coast. The marathon was established in 1986 and attracts about 4,500 participants annually.

In addition to the marathon, the event usually includes a 21-mile (34 km) race, a relay, a 5km run and various walks. Runners in the marathon have 6 hours in which to complete it. Since the marathon was first run, over $2m in grants has been disbursed to charities.

All the finish line for all events is the Crossroads Shopping Center in Carmel, California. The Marathon begins south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the Power Walk and 21-mile (34 km) race begin at Andrew Molera State Park, and the 10.6-mile (17.1 km) walk and run begin at Rocky Point Restaurant. The 9-mile (14 km) and 5km races begin and end at the finish line.

The 2006 overall winner was Kenyan Charles Nyakundi, in a time of 2:21:43. The female winner was Mary Coordt of Elk Grove, CA, with a finish time of 2:59:18.

The 2007 overall winner was Jeff Gardina of Santa Cruz, CA, with a finish time of 2:25:48. The female winner was Michelle Thomas of San Luis Obispo, CA, with a finish time of 3:02:09.

The 2008 overall winner was Andy Martin of Bend, OR, with a finish time of 2:29:50. The female winner was Kris Lawson of Parker, CO, with a finish time of 3:00:53.

The 2009 overall winner was Ryan Hafer of Colorado Springs, CO, with a finish time of 2:32:17. The female winner was Mary Coordt of Elk Grove, CA, with a finish time of 2:56:06.

The 2010 overall winner was Daniel Tapia of Castroville, CA, with a finish time of 2:26:09. The female winner was Veronica Clemens of New York, NY with a finish time of 2:55:18.

For 17 years, the "Grand Piano Man" of the Marathon was Jonathon Lee.

The Ultimate Guide to Marathons has consistently voted the Big Sur Marathon as the best marathon in the world.