Best California Marathons: 2026–27 Race Dates and Guide

Crossing a marathon finish line is a big goal, and California has races for every kind of runner, from flat coastal courses built for fast times to redwood trails and mountain canyons. This guide to the best California marathons lists the next race date, distances, start area and Boston-qualifier status for each, starting with races close to Orange County.

Last checked: September 2026. Looking for shorter local races? See our list of Orange County 5Ks, 10Ks and fun runs.

Best California Marathons at a Glance

Orange County & Southern California

Hoag OC Marathon

Website: ocmarathon.com
Date: May 2, 2027 (race weekend April 30–May 2)
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 5K, Kids Run the OC
Where: Starts at VEA Newport Beach; finishes at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa

Orange County’s hometown marathon opens with ocean views in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar, loops past Newport Harbor and the Upper Newport Bay bluffs, dips into Irvine and Santa Ana, and ends at the OC Fair & Event Center. The course is mostly flat, with three noticeable climbs around miles 6.5, 11 and 14.5, and a 7-hour time limit. The Hoag OC 5K runs the evening of Saturday, May 1. The race lists the course as certified and a Boston qualifier.

Surf City Marathon

Website: runsurfcity.com
Date: February 7, 2027
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 5K, Beach Mile
Where: Starts along Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach

This winter race stays close to the coast, running along Pacific Coast Highway and past the Huntington Beach Pier. The course is flat, which makes it a popular pick for runners chasing a qualifying time, and the organizers describe it as a Boston-qualifying course. A beach mile on the sand rounds out the weekend. See our Huntington Beach guide for where to eat afterward.

ASICS Los Angeles Marathon

Website: mccourtfoundation.org
Date: March 7, 2027
Distances: Marathon, charity half marathon, LA 5K and Kids Run (both Saturday, March 6)
Where: Starts at Dodger Stadium; finishes on Santa Monica Blvd. at Avenue of the Stars in Century City

The “Stadium to the Stars” course starts at Dodger Stadium at 7 a.m. and crosses the city to Century City. The time limit is 6 hours and 30 minutes after the last runner crosses the start line. The race FAQ confirms it is a Boston Marathon qualifier.

2XU Long Beach Marathon

Website: runlongbeach.com
Date: October 10–11, 2026 (2026 is sold out)
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, Aquarium of the Pacific 5K
Where: Starts in downtown Long Beach; finishes on Ocean Boulevard

This flat, sea-level course heads from downtown past the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village, follows the beach path, and continues through Belmont Shore and Marine Stadium before a loop around Cal State Long Beach and a finish on Ocean Boulevard. The race lists the course as USATF certified and a Boston qualifier, with a 7.5-hour limit. All 2026 distances are sold out; the site offers early access for 2027.

Carlsbad Marathon

Website: inmotionevents.com
Date: January 17, 2027
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 5K, Double Down Challenge (5K plus half), Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND
Where: Starts and finishes at The Shoppes at Carlsbad

Carlsbad’s race weekend is held each January. Organizers say the marathon and half marathon courses are USATF certified and include ocean views along Carlsbad Boulevard. The Double Down Challenge pairs the 5K and half marathon for a 16.2-mile weekend.

Rock ’n’ Roll San Diego

Website: runrocknroll.com
Date: June 5–6, 2027
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 5K
Where: Starts at Balboa Park; finishes in downtown San Diego

Live music along the route is the signature of this series race, which runs from Balboa Park through San Diego neighborhoods to a downtown finish. The race FAQ says all Rock ’n’ Roll marathons are certified courses and Boston qualifiers.

Catalina Island Marathon

Website: catalinaislandmarathon.com
Date: March 13, 2027
Distances: Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Run
Where: Catalina Island; race address listed as Avalon

The 2027 edition is the 49th running of this island race. Getting there takes a boat ride, so book transportation and lodging early. Our Catalina Island guide covers ferries, hotels and things to do.

Shoreline Marathon

Website: Race registration page
Date: July 11, 2027
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K
Where: Starts at Solimar Beach, 2808 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ventura

Now in its 14th year, this summer race runs a mostly flat, three-loop marathon course along the Ventura coast. Walkers and beginners are welcome, and marathoners can request a 6 a.m. early start in advance. The race lists the course as a certified Boston qualifier.

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon

Website: mountains2beachmarathon.com
Date: April 18, 2027 (5K on April 17)
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 10K, beachfront 5K
Where: Starts in downtown Ojai; finishes near the Ventura Pier

The marathon starts just above 700 feet in Ojai and descends gradually to sea level over the first 22 miles, finishing near the Ventura Pier. The half marathon starts in Oak View at the marathon’s midpoint. Organizers describe the course as USATF certified and a Boston qualifier, and say the race has sold out every year.

REVEL Big Bear

Website: runrevel.com
Date: November 7, 2026
Distances: Marathon, half marathon
Where: Big Bear area, San Bernardino Mountains

REVEL’s Southern California race takes place in the Big Bear area and lists its course as a Boston qualifier. Check the race site for course maps, bus tickets and race-morning logistics.

Northern & Central California

California International Marathon

Website: runsra.org
Date: December 6, 2026
Distances: Marathon
Where: Starts in Folsom; finishes at the California State Capitol in Sacramento

CIM’s point-to-point course has a net drop of 366 feet from the Folsom foothills to the State Capitol, and it has stayed the same for more than 40 years. The nonprofit Sacramento Running Association runs it, and the race is certified as both a Boston Marathon and U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier.

San Francisco Marathon

Website: thesfmarathon.com
Date: July 25, 2027 (race weekend July 24–25)
Distances: Ultramarathon, marathon, two half marathons, 10K, 5K, 1K
Where: Starts and finishes on the Embarcadero

The full marathon passes Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina Green and Crissy Field before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and returning through the city to Golden Gate Park and the Haight. The start is at 5:15 a.m. with a 6-hour limit. The race lists the course as USATF certified and a Boston qualifier.

Oakland Marathon

Website: oaklandmarathon.com
Date: March 19–21, 2027
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K
Where: One-loop course through Oakland

Presented by Kaiser Permanente, the marathon follows a single loop through Oakland landmarks, including a stretch on the Bay Bridge. It has a 7-hour limit, and the race lists it as a Boston Marathon and NYC Marathon qualifier.

Napa Valley Marathon

Website: napavalleymarathon.org
Date: March 7, 2027
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 5K
Where: Marathon runs from Calistoga to Napa along the Silverado Trail

The marathon travels the length of the valley on the Silverado Trail, passing vineyards on the way from Calistoga to Napa. The half marathon starts at Conn Creek, and the 5K is an out-and-back from the finish. The race calls itself a top-50 Boston qualifying race.

Big Sur International Marathon

Website: bigsurmarathon.org
Date: April 25, 2027
Distances: Marathon, relay, 21-miler, 11-miler, 12K, 5K
Where: Runs north on Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel

This point-to-point race follows Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast to Carmel. The road reopens to traffic at 1 p.m., which works out to roughly a 6-hour limit. The course is USATF certified and an official Boston qualifier.

Avenue of the Giants Marathon

Website: theave.org
Date: May 2, 2027
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 10K
Where: Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Now in its 54th year, “The Ave” is a paved double out-and-back under old-growth redwoods in rural Humboldt County. The trees keep the course shaded but can interfere with GPS watches. The course is USATF certified and a Boston qualifier, and the race notes it has no corporate sponsors.

Lake Tahoe Marathon

Website: laketahoemarathon.com
Date: October 16–18, 2026
Distances: Marathon, plus other marathons, half marathons and an ultra over race weekend
Where: Starts on Highway 89 at Meadow Road, just south of Homewood; finishes at Lakeside Beach in South Lake Tahoe

The 31st race weekend packs several events into three days, including the Lakeside and Cal Neva marathons, the Nevada and Emerald Bay half marathons and a 72-mile ultra. The Lake Tahoe Marathon itself runs along the west shore, with a climb to Inspiration Point above Emerald Bay before the finish.

Santa Rosa Marathon

Website: santarosamarathon.com
Date: August 21–22, 2027
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K
Where: Sonoma County; post-race celebration at Old Courthouse Square

Celebrating its 19th year in 2027, this wine-country weekend offers mostly flat courses through vineyards around Santa Rosa, with a post-race party at Old Courthouse Square.

Trail Marathons

Golden Gate Headlands Marathon

Website: envirosports.com
Date: April 3, 2027
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 10K
Where: Marin Headlands near Sausalito

Envirosports stages this trail marathon in the Marin Headlands just north of the Golden Gate. Check the race page for course details, elevation and entry limits.

Stinson Beach/Muir Woods Marathon

Website: envirosports.com
Date: May 8, 2027
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 7-mile
Where: Stinson Beach

Another Envirosports trail event, this one starts at Stinson Beach, near Muir Woods. Check the race page for course details and entry limits.

Death Valley Trail Marathon

Website: raceroster.com
Date: December 5, 2026
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, 10K
Where: Starts and finishes at the west end of Titus Canyon, off Scotty’s Castle Road

For its 38th running, the race uses the reopened west end of Titus Canyon because of winter construction in the Red Pass area. The course follows a single dirt road up the canyon, with turnarounds. National Park Service rules cap the field at 200 runners, and the race tends to sell out.

Shorter Races Worth Running

Bay to Breakers

Website: baytobreakers.com
Date: May 16, 2027
Distances: 12K (plus a 15K “Breakers Bonus” option)
Where: San Francisco

Costumes are part of the tradition at this San Francisco run. It’s a fun, social option if you want a race-day experience without training for 26.2 miles.

The Dipsea Race

Website: dipsea.org
Date: June 13, 2027 (held the second Sunday in June)
Distances: 7.4 miles
Where: Mill Valley to Stinson Beach

Run since 1905, the Dipsea bills itself as America’s oldest trail race. The 7.4-mile route climbs steep stairways and trails from Mill Valley over the hills to Stinson Beach, and runners start at staggered times under the race’s handicap system.

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot

Website: svturkeytrot.com
Date: November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day)
Distances: 10K, 5K
Where: Downtown San Jose

Organizers call it America’s largest Thanksgiving Day race. The event raises money for local charities and makes a good family outing before the holiday meal.

Paused or Discontinued

• Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (Anaheim): runDisney placed its Disneyland Resort races on hiatus after the January 29–February 1, 2026 weekend because of construction. No return date has been announced.
• Lake Sonoma Marathon (Geyserville): the event’s website now lists the Lake Sonoma 100K, 50K and Trail Sisters Half Marathon, and the marathon is no longer offered.

California Marathons FAQ

What marathons are in Orange County?

Orange County has two full marathons: the Hoag OC Marathon, from Newport Beach to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa (May 2, 2027), and the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach (February 7, 2027).

Which California marathons are Boston qualifiers?

Races that list their course as a Boston qualifier include the Hoag OC, Surf City, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Rock ’n’ Roll San Diego, Shoreline, Mountains 2 Beach, REVEL Big Bear, California International, San Francisco, Oakland, Napa Valley, Big Sur and Avenue of the Giants marathons.

When is the next OC Marathon?

The Hoag OC Marathon is Sunday, May 2, 2027, at 5:30 a.m., starting at VEA Newport Beach. The race weekend runs April 30–May 2 and includes a half marathon, a Saturday 5K and Kids Run the OC.

Is the Disneyland Half Marathon still held?

Not right now. runDisney put its Disneyland Resort races on hiatus after the January 29–February 1, 2026 weekend because of construction, and hasn’t announced a return date.

Which California marathons are coming up next?

The next races on this list are the Long Beach Marathon (October 10–11, 2026), the Lake Tahoe Marathon (October 16–18, 2026), REVEL Big Bear (November 7, 2026), the Death Valley Trail Marathon (December 5, 2026) and the California International Marathon (December 6, 2026).

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