2023 Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon, Double Down & 5K

Online registration is closed. Registration for the full marathon and half marathon only will be available at the Expo/Packet Pick-up. Click here for details. The 5K and Double Down are SOLD OUT!

The spectacular Carlsbad Marathon and Half offers participants breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the best SWAG around. Your registration includes:

• Long-sleeve technical-fabric, crewneck or v-neck style race shirt
• Premium technical-fabric 1/4-zip pullover (marathon, half marathon and Double Down participants only)
• Complimentary craft beer in the Ballast Point beer garden (for those 21 and older)  
• Beautiful finisher's medal
• Souvenir cinch bag
• One-day pass to the Carlsbad Columbia Sportswear Company Employee Store
• Sanctioned and certified course (perfect qualifier for Boston Marathon)
• Chip timing
• Support stations and entertainment along the course
• Post-race refreshments and energetic Finish Line Festival featuring live music
• First race of the SoCal Triple Crown
• Fun weekend filled with events for everyone, including the Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND

Event Details

The Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K start and finish at The Shoppes at Carlsbad located at 2525 El Camino Real.

Marathon – The marathon starts at 6:15 AM and is limited to 1,000 participants. All participants must be able to complete the marathon within the 6-hour time limit (13:44- minute-per-mile maximum pace). This is a Boston qualifying event.

5K – The 5K begins at 6:45 AM and takes participants out and back along the beautiful Buena Vista Lagoon. The event is limited to 1,000 participants who must be able to complete the 5K within the 1-hour time limit (19:21- minute-per-mile maximum pace).

Half Marathon – The half marathon wave start begins at 7:45 AM and is limited to 4,500 participants. All participants must be able to complete the half marathon within the 4-hour time limit (18:19- minute-per-mile maximum pace).

Double Down Challenge - The Double Down Challenge begins with the 5K at 6:45, followed by the half marathon at 7:45. Choose the Double Down Challenge during registration, to be one of only 250 people who earn three medals on event day! Learn more about the Double Down here.

Virtual Run - Can’t be with us on race day? That’s okay! We have a virtual race option for all of our event distances. You can still earn all of our amazing swag, but on your own time! Learn more here! 

Make it a Stay-cation!
Conveniently scheduled over a MLK weekend, make your race experience extra special and relaxing by staying at our host hotel! Learn more and book your room here! 

Teams
We’d love for you to create a team and join us on event day! Get 25 or more of your co-workers, family or friends to register on your team and we'll provide a 10 x 10 meet-up space and pop-up if needed in the Finish Line Festival!

Course Description
Both courses start at the intersection of Marron and Monroe (adjacent to the southwest side of The Shoppes at Carlsbad). From there, the course heads west toward the coast and then south on the historic Highway 101/Carlsbad Boulevard. Both full and half marathoners will experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean for the majority of their journey, traveling out and back along the historic Highway 101/Carlsbad Boulevard. Full marathoners will head south on Carlsbad Boulevard for their first coastal loop. They will turn around at La Costa and head north back to Mountain View Drive at the northern end of the village of Carlsbad where they will turn around and head south for their second coastal loop. They will turn around at Breakwater Road and head north on Carlsbad Boulevard back to the finish. See the course map here. 

Want to learn more or have additional questions? Our website and FAQ page have all the details! We hope to see you at 2023 Carlsbad!