Inspired by a simple road sign on Highway 1 near Rio Road in Carmel, founder Bill Burleigh launched the first Big Sur International Marathon in 1986. While some of Burleigh’s challenges during the early years included permits, organizing, and timing related to weather, the inaugural race welcomed 1,800 runners to the breathtaking 26.2-mile course from Big Sur to Carmel, establishing what would eventually become one of the world’s most iconic destination marathons.
Over the past 40 years, the Big Sur International Marathon has grown from an event that “almost didn’t happen” into a globally recognized race. Today, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation non-profit is supported by professional staff and race operations team, a 15-person Board of Directors, and a 70+ member Events Committee. Guided by a strategic growth plan adopted in 2014, the BSMF continues to expand its impact and partnerships. Now celebrating its 40th running in 2027, the Big Sur International Marathon stands as a testament to 4 decades of endurance, community, and the beauty of California’s coast.
Sustainability is at the heart of every Big Sur Marathon Foundation event, with its commitment to creating a zero-waste race experience and preserving the natural beauty of the course, which makes the longstanding relationship with Recover a perfect fit. Through sustainable initiatives, the BSMF works to keep its race destinations “green and pristine”, making environmental stewardship a part of the participant experience.
In partnership with Blue Strike Environmental and Recover, the BSMF has become a leader in sustainable races, aiming to produce the “greenest” marathon in the country. Rather than using traditional trash cans, volunteers of the Recover supported “Green Team” sort recyclable materials, including bottles, cans, plastic, cardboard, heat sheets, foil-lined wrappers, and nutrition packaging for recycling, helping to minimize waste further.
Since 2018, Recover Brands and the BSMF have partnered to bring sustainability to the start line and beyond. As the event’s sustainability sponsor, Recover provides 100% recycled and recyclable participant tees, volunteer apparel, and commemorative merchandise. Recover has also activated its 360° Closed Loop Apparel Recycling Program at the race expo, collecting and recycling old tees that participants bring, diverting hundreds of pounds of textiles from the landfill.
Together, Recover and the BSMF showcase how world-class endurance events can lead by example, at scale, and reduce their environmental impact while inspiring participants and adding to the runner experience. By using recycled apparel, Recover and the BSMF have helped divert more than 1.2 million plastic bottles from landfills, and saved over 1.6 million kWh of fossil fuel-based energy, over 675K lbs of greenhouse gas emissions, and more than 356 million gallons of water. By having a holistic approach to sustainability, both organizations continue to show that protecting the places where we live, train, and race is a shared responsibility.
Registration for the 40th running of the Big Sur International Marathon in April 2027 begins with a two-week random drawing, open from August 19th through September 2nd, 2026, providing runners with an equal opportunity to secure a race entry. Random drawing winners will be announced on September 8th, 2026.
Guaranteed entry options also open on August 19th, including Big Sur VIP Presented by HOKA Race Benefactors, Marathon Tours & Travel, and Official Charity Partners. Registration for the other race distances (Relay, 21-miler, 11-miler, 12K, and 5K) opens on a first come first serve basis beginning September 10th, 2026.
Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply soaking up the view of the California coast, we hope to see you at the 40th celebration of the Big Sur International Marathon in April of 2027. While there, make sure to swing by the Recover booth to say hello, learn more about our sustainability initiatives, and join us and the BSMF in helping protect the places we love to run!
