The 38th Big Sur International Marathon Returned to its Traditional Point-to-Point Course

April 28, 2025

Over 9,000 runners from 41 countries and all 50 states + Washington D.C. took on one of six races — 5K, 12K, 11-Miler, 21-Miler, Marathon Relay, or the capstone event, the Marathon.

CARMEL, CA (April 28, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/  – The Big Sur International Marathon returned for its 38th annual presentation on April 27, 2025, welcoming over 9,000 runners from 41 countries and all 50 states + Washington D.C. Participants took on one of six races — 5K, 12K, 11-Miler, 21-Miler, Marathon Relay, or the capstone event, the Marathon, which returned this year to its traditional point-to-point course.

The iconic coastal course starts at Big Sur Station and finishes in Carmel, greeting runners with crashing waves, dramatic coastline views, and one-of-a-kind on-course entertainment. Taiko drummers, Samba dancers, and the crown jewel of the course – Bixby Bridge and its tuxedo-clad “Grand Piano Man” – Pacific Grove local, Michael Martinez, were all on-course despite the rainy conditions.

The notoriously challenging course (the total elevation gain is +2,182 feet and total loss is -2,528 feet) drew an exciting pool of talent this year. Reigning 2024 champion Simon Ricci, a 27-year-old from San Francisco, CA, returned to defend his title and secured victory with a time of 2:31:04, and Serena Burla, a 42-year-old from Stafford, VA, earned her first place finish with an impressive time of 2:49:40.

The 2025 event marks the beginning of a five-year presenting sponsorship with HOKA who hosted several race weekend events, most notably the HOKA Shakeout Run, which took place the day before the race, and the HOKA Fly Zone, an energetic on-course activation fueling runners on their journey to the finish. HOKA is also the presenting sponsor of two premium race weekend programs — Boston 2 Big Sur and Big Sur VIP. The Boston 2 Big Sur program impressively welcomed 230 athletes who qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon only six days before toeing the start line in Big Sur.

“The energy on race weekend was absolutely incredible — from the runners taking on our legendary course to the 2500 volunteers and local performers who brought every mile to life,” said Jennifer Edwards, Executive Director of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. “To welcome athletes from all 50 states and 41 countries was a powerful reminder of how deeply this event resonates with people around the world. I am genuinely moved by the spirit of this community and the global running family that gathers here each year. It’s more than a race — it’s a celebration of history, resilience, and purpose.”

The ability for the Big Sur International Marathon to welcome runners from across the country and around the world is made possible by the incredible support of its volunteer groups, community members, and the Big Sur Marathon Foundation Governance Board, Events Committee, and the Blistering Pace Race Management team, led by Race Director Michelle La Sala. Proceeds from the race are returned to the community in the form of grants and donations, totaling over $6.4M since 1986. Thank you to everyone who supported the 2025 event.

For more information about the Big Sur International Marathon, including 2025 race results, community giving, registration for 2026, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website.

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About the Big Sur Marathon Foundation

The Big Sur Marathon Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create beautiful running events that promote health and benefit the community. Under the brand are the Big Sur International Marathon in April and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in November. Each year, the organization donates over $300,000 to local nonprofits via their grant program to community volunteer groups.

About Blistering Pace Race Management

Founded in 2016, BPRM works in a variety of race management capacities, ranging from specific projects to full event oversight. Clients include the San Francisco Half Marathon (10K & 5K), the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, Chicago Event Management, and the New York Road Runners. For more information, visit blisteringpace.com.

Blistering Pace Race Management
Contact: Hannah Sconzo
Email: Hannah@blisteringpace.com