How to get into the Big Sur International Marathon 2027.

Ways in

There are 6 ways into the Big Sur International Marathon, each with what it involves and, where we have it, the organizer's own detail.

1. 01

   First come, first served

   Entry opens on a set date and closes when the field is full.

   At this race: Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge general registration opens October 14, 2026 at 8AM PT on a first-come, first-served basis; must also be an official entrant in the April 2027 Boston Marathon.

2. 02

   Ballot

   Apply while the ballot is open. Places are then drawn at random from everyone who applied, and those drawn are invited to pay the entry fee.

   At this race: General Registration Drawing: apply with a full registration form and payment details; winners charged automatically. The 2027 drawing is closed and winners were announced on September 8th.

3. 03

   Local residents

   Places kept for people who live in the city or region.

   At this race: Monterey County Residents receive special instructions on August 19th to enter the drawing.

4. 04

   Charity place

   Take a place from a partner charity and commit to raising a minimum amount for it. Charities usually ask you to apply and choose their runners.

   At this race: Raise funds for an official charity partner; those who raise the minimum amount are guaranteed a race entry.

5. 05

   Tour operator package

   Buy a travel package (usually hotel plus race entry) from an official tour operator. It costs more than entering yourself, but the place is guaranteed.

   At this race: Marathon Tours & Travel offers travel packages with guaranteed entry to the 2027 Big Sur Marathon; four- and three-night packages at Portola Hotel & Spa, limited space, first-come from August 19th.

   Organizer's details
6. 06

   Other

   Another route the organizer offers.

   At this race: Runners who deferred their registration from last year's marathon receive email instructions on August 19th on how to claim their deferral.

Ballot dates

The ballot for the 2027 race, as the organizer announced it.

1. Ballot opens

   15 Jul 2026

2. Ballot closes

   24 Jul 2026

3. Draw

   TBA

4. Results

   TBA

Charity places and tours

Both are guaranteed places. A charity place asks you to raise a minimum amount; a tour package bundles entry with travel and a hotel.

FAQ

When does the Big Sur International Marathon ballot open?

The ballot for the 2027 race opened on 15 Jul 2026 and closed on 24 Jul 2026. Dates for the 2028 ballot haven't been announced yet.

Can I get into the Big Sur International Marathon without the ballot?

Yes. Besides the ballot there are 5 other ways in. First come, first served: Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge general registration opens October 14, 2026 at 8AM PT on a first-come, first-served basis; must also be an official entrant in the April 2027 Boston Marathon. Local residents: Monterey County Residents receive special instructions on August 19th to enter the drawing. Charity place: Raise funds for an official charity partner; those who raise the minimum amount are guaranteed a race entry. Tour operator package: Marathon Tours & Travel offers travel packages with guaranteed entry to the 2027 Big Sur Marathon; four- and three-night packages at Portola Hotel & Spa, limited space, first-come from August 19th. Other: Runners who deferred their registration from last year's marathon receive email instructions on August 19th on how to claim their deferral.

Looking for other ballots? See every ballot opening soon.