2026 Carlsbad Marathon January 18th
The very popular Carlsbad Marathon takes place this coming Sunday January 18th. This is also the Martin Luther King holiday weekend with the official holiday on Monday the 19th.
The Carlsbad Marathon is a popular world-class event. Plus it’s a qualifying race for the famed Boston Marathon. There are typically lots of runners from other areas of the US participating in this event. The Marathon is limited to 1200 runners.
The Carlsbad Marathon also offers a Double Down Challenge. There are 2 races, first the 5K (3.1 miles) followed by the half marathon, a total of 16.2 miles.
If you haven’t done so already, you can register online here. But don’t delay since online registration typically closes before the event.
Keep in mind there are limits on the number of participants in the Marathon, the Half Marathon, the 5K, as well as the Double Down. At the time this was written there are still spots available.
The Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon are popular with world class as well as amateur runners. And there are lots of appreciative viewers along the race courses. The Carlsbad marathon is a favorite event because of the location, weather and views along the ocean. Who wouldn’t appreciate our Southern California weather in January for a marathon run?!
There are minimal elevation changes in the Carlsbad Marathon’s gently rolling course. A large portion of the run is along the Carlsbad coastline on historic Route 101 (Carlsbad Boulevard).
The marathon and half marathon start and finish at The Shoppes at Carlsbad Mall but follow different courses.
Kids can enjoy the Kids Marathon Mile for all ages and abilities. This event takes place at Legoland Carlsbad on Saturday January 17th. The Marathon Mile is at 7:45 am, before Legoland officially is open to the public. After the walk/run you can also enjoy some time at Legoland if you like!
Carlsbad residents and visitors should be aware there will be significant road closures before and during the marathon and other races. Closures are from approximately 5 am until 2 pm on Sunday.
There are signs around the Village as reminders about this big event and road closures. Carlsbad Boulevard along the ocean from Oceanside to La Costa Avenue is a major closure, since a substantial part of the marathon and half marathon courses follow this road.
Join the fun at the finish line at the Shoppes at Carlsbad with live music, refreshments, and beer garden (21 and older only). Don’t forget to bring your ID. Festivities are from 7 am until 1 pm.
If there are questions, the FAQ section is worth a look for all you want or need to know, whether you are running or spectating!
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