Avenue of the Giants Marathon
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Event overview
The 54th Avenue of the Giants event takes place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Humboldt Redwoods State Park in rural Northern California. The event is organized as an independently green race and is not associated with corporate sponsors. Distances offered:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10K
The race start area is listed at the Dyerville Bridge overlook on the east side of Highway 101. Early registration is available and entry fees increase later in the registration period.
Course, logistics and awards
Courses run entirely on paved roads through old growth redwood forest and alongside a natural creek. The full marathon is a double out-and-back; the half marathon is an out-and-back. The route is described as mostly flat with gentle uphill sections. Tall redwood trees provide shade and can sometimes block GPS signals on watches. The course is USATF certified and the marathon is a Boston qualifying race.
Finishers receive a medal. Overall prizes are awarded to top finishers in the full and half marathons, including a non-binary category. Age-group awards are given in ten-year bands, with 19-and-under included in the half marathon. The 10K awards a first-place trophy. Award distribution occurs near the finish line. A spaghetti feed is planned with details to be announced. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.