Carlsbad Marathon
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Event overview
The Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K takes place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA. This is the 35th annual edition. The event offers in-person and virtual options for all distances. The Double Down Challenge combines the 5K and the half marathon on the same event day and provides three medals for participants who choose it.
- 26.2 Miles
- 13.1 Miles
- 3.1 Miles
- 16.2 Miles (Double Down)
Race details and included items
The marathon and half marathon courses run out and back along Highway 101 / Carlsbad Boulevard with ocean views; the 5K is an out-and-back toward the village of Carlsbad along Buena Vista Lagoon. Courses are sanctioned and certified; the marathon is a Boston-qualifying event. Time limits apply: marathon 6 hours, half marathon 4 hours, 5K 1 hour.
Registration includes a long-sleeve technical race shirt, a premium technical 1/4-zip pullover, a finisher's medal, and a reusable souvenir bag. The event features support stations and course entertainment, post-race refreshments, a Finish Line Festival with a DJ, and a beer garden beverage for participants 21 and older. Team incentives include a 10' x 10' meet-up space for teams of 25 or more (with a registration deadline) and half-marathon team scoring for teams of at least ten with at least two of each gender. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.