Best Marathons in California: LA, CIM, Big Sur & More (2027)
California's best-known marathons include the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, the California International Marathon (CIM) in Sacramento, the San Francisco Marathon across the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Big Sur International Marathon along Highway 1. Below, find the full 2026-27 California marathon calendar, plus a closer look at what makes each of these signature races worth traveling for.
Flagship California Marathons
ASICS Los Angeles Marathon
Established in 1986, the Los Angeles Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the country, with more than 25,000 participants. One correction worth making if your site currently says otherwise: the race no longer runs its famous "Stadium to the Sea" route — since 2021 the course has run "Stadium to the Stars," starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing in Century City rather than at the Santa Monica Pier. The route passes through Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Echo Park, Silver Lake, Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive before finishing on Avenue of the Stars.
California International Marathon (CIM)
Founded in 1983 by the Sacramento Running Association, CIM is one of the country's premier Boston-qualifying races. The point-to-point, net-downhill course has remained unchanged for over 40 years, running from Folsom's scenic foothills to the historical California State Capitol, with a net elevation drop of about 366 feet. It's also an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and draws serious BQ-chasers every December.
The San Francisco Marathon
Founded in 1977 by the local Pamakids Runners Club, the San Francisco Marathon is best known for its Golden Gate Bridge crossing — runners cross the bridge twice, once heading toward Marin County and once heading back into the city. The course gains roughly 1,860 feet of elevation as it winds through Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, the Mission, and Potrero Hill — making it one of the more demanding scenic marathons in the state.