Carlsbad Marathon
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Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K (January 18, 2026)
The event is the 35th annual Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Double Down Challenge, held at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA. A virtual option is available for all distances. The Double Down Challenge combines the 5K and half marathon on the same day and offers additional medals for participants. The event includes a Finish Line Festival with a DJ and post-race refreshments.
Race details
Distances:
- 26.2 Miles
- 13.1 Miles
- 3.1 Miles
- 16.2 Miles (Double Down Challenge total)
Course notes and rules: the 5K is an out-and-back toward the village of Carlsbad along Buena Vista Lagoon. The full and half marathon courses run largely along historic Highway 101 / Carlsbad Boulevard with extended Pacific Ocean views and are certified for use as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Time limits and maximum paces are published for each race: the marathon has a 6-hour limit (13:44 minutes per mile maximum pace), the half marathon a 4-hour limit (18:19 minutes per mile maximum pace), and the 5K a 1-hour limit (19:21 minutes per mile maximum pace).
Entry package and services: registration includes a long-sleeve technical race shirt, a premium technical 1/4-zip pullover, a reusable souvenir grocery bag, and a finisher's medal. The event provides support stations, course entertainment, sanctioned and certified courses, a beer garden beverage for participants 21 and over, and family-oriented events such as the Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND. Team options include a team meet-up space for groups of 25 or more who register by 12/31/25 and team scoring for the half marathon (teams must have at least ten people and at least two of each gender; team scores average the top 10 chip times with at least two of each gender). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.