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Carlsbad Marathon

Carlsbad, CA
Sunday, January 17, 2027


  5 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description
The two loop Carlsbad Marathon course is made up of minor rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. Much of the course is along the Pacific Ocean. The course ranges from a highest elevation of 73 feet down to sea level.

The race starts at the Shoppes at Carlsbad. It begins by passing the Buena Vista Lagoon in the early miles. Runners then make their way through spectator-packed Carlsbad Village, a quaint but popular mix of restaurants, shops and hotels. Mile three opens up to views of the Pacific Ocean. Participants turn around at La Costa Avenue and head back north to Mountain View Road where they turn around and head south for their second loop. At Breakwater Road, runners turn around and head north back up the coast to the finish line.

January Other Marathons in January Other Marathons in California Marathons near Carlsbad, CA



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, January 17, 2027
2026: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Multiple Out and Backs
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 53°F (11°C)
Average High: 60°F (15°C)
Average Low: 46° F (7°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.24
Course Score: 98.24

Race Size

2026: 1,186 Finishers
2025: 1,157 Finishers
2024: 946 Finishers
2023: 823 Finishers
2022: 572 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 5.7%
2025: 7.7%
2024: 9.5%
2023: 8%
2022: 12.4%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 15 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 67°F  (19°C)
Low: 49°F  (9°C)

Race Start Conditions

51°F  (11°C)
Humidity: 68%

Clear
ENE 4 mph

PR Score

98.12

Course Score

98.25






Carlsbad Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Carlsbad Marathon was the 78th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 88th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 5.7% of Carlsbad Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 7.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Carlsbad Marathon ranked 191st among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 123rd so far in 2026. In California, it ranked 14th in 2025 and 9th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Carlsbad Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Carlsbad Marathon has a Course Score of 98.24, ranking it as the 321st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 26th fastest marathon course in California.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Carlsbad Marathon a PR Score of 98.24. The PR Score ranks the Carlsbad Marathon as the 261st best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 19th best marathon for a PR in California.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Carlsbad Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and California for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Carlsbad Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed321st fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 26th fastest marathon course in California
Top 70% Nationally#26 of 34 in California
PR Potential261st best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 19th best marathon for a PR in California
Top 57% Nationally#19 of 34 in California
Boston Qualifier Rate191st highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 14th highest BQ percentage in California
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 40% Nationally#14 of 34 in California
Race Size78th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 12th largest marathon in California
Based on 2025 results
Top 14% Nationally#12 of 49 in California

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 73 feet (22m)
Min Elevation: 3 feet (0m)

Elevation Gain: 782 feet (238m)
Elevation Loss: 790 feet (240m)


Carlsbad

Course updated 12/09/2024




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Carlsbad Marathon

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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

The best winter escape

Full Review:

Incredibly scenic, well organized, perfect weather. I ran this marathon for the first time in 1996 and moved from NYC to Carlsbad in 1997

Race Tips:

There are several hills but mile 2 is the steepest. Don’t panic if you’re behind your goal pace at the 5k mark

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plenty of parking at the start/ finish line and plenty of hotels from budget to luxury within 5 miles. Best local Italian restaurant is Vigiluccis & best pizza Leucadia Pizzeria.
Reviewed by Laurie About 2026

Full Review:

Absolutely one of the best organized races I've participated in all my years of running. See you again next year!!
Reviewed by RLY About 2017

Full Review:

Absolutely one of the best organized races I've participated in all my years of running. See you again next year!!
Reviewed by RLY About 2017

Full Review:

Love this course. Very well organized and well run. Replenishment stations perfectly spaced and well staffed, maybe a tall flag so you know a station is coming up. Missed taking GU, because I didn't notice it coming up because of the hills.

Race Tips:

Start slow and know there are a lot of rolling hills through out wit this out and back course. Beautiful coast run!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Definitely arrive early. Traffic. But well directed. Just be patient.
Reviewed by Marianne About 2017

Full Review:

Beautiful scenery, predictably good weather conditions, lots of perks.

Race Tips:

Do not try to increase your pace until after the turn-around at mile 18. The climbs out of the three lagoons get harder on the last quarter of the race.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking is still abundant in the mall parking lot 45 minutes before race time (start and finish)
Reviewed by CNKA About 2017