We will be taking a short post-Boston Marathon break. All orders placed on 4/15 through 4/18 will ship on 4/19. Please plan orders accordingly. Questions?
The Avenue of the Giants Marathon is held in northern California's Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The course consists of a paved road that winds through giant redwoods.
The course is a double out and back entirely on paved roads. The roads are lined with 300 feet tall old growth Redwood trees. While these provide shade and keep temperatures cool all morning, please note that they sometimes block out GPS signal on running watches.
Don't forget your Pace Band for the
Avenue of the Giants Marathon
Pace Bands are adjusted for the specific terrain of the course, your goal time and pacing strategies.
Only $9.99
How does the Avenue of the Giants Marathon Rank?
The Avenue of the Giants Marathon was the 149th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 129th largest in 2022.
Last year 8.9% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 8% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Avenue of the Giants Marathon the 214th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 225th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 95.78 ranks it as the 400th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 29th fastest course in California.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Avenue of the Giants Marathon a PR Score of 95.78. This PR Score ranks it as the 377th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 28th fastest in California.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Avenue of the Giants Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 367 feet (111m) Min Elevation: 159 feet (48m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Avenue of the Giants Marathon
View available accomodations around the Avenue of the Giants Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
For a better mobile or desktop experience:
How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the Avenue of the Giants Marathon in 4:51:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.
TG's review of 2018 Avenue of the Giants Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
It's amazing to run among the redwoods. The weather was perfect, about 50-60 degrees for most of the race.
The volunteers were helpful and supportive, cheering for the runners. But aid stations were not well stocked at all times. I'd like to see more than just bananas, oranges, and Gatorade but even the fruit wasn't always available near the end of the race. The last aid station had closed down completely by the time I got there and I was well under the 7 hour cut-off time. Port-a-potties were not very plentiful considering the number of runners. About 2/3 of the aid stations had one (and only one) whereas the rest didn't have any.
On the whole, a very positive experience but some room for improvement.
Race Tips
The course profile is spot on. The first 6.5 miles are gradual uphill, then 6.5 gradual uphill. The last half marathon is slight rolling hills and a good amount of flat stretches. The course is almost all shaded which provided a great run experience.
Parking can be tricky. Allow enough time and expect to walk 5 minutes or more to the start line.
kb's review of 2016 Avenue of the Giants Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Beautiful, peaceful run among the giant trees. This race is definitely a nature run. If you want bands, crowds and lots of spectators this is not the race for you.
The course has a good bit of elevation change but nothing too steep.
