
From the Organizer
Big Sur River Run is a benefit race for two important Big Sur community organizations, Big Sur Health Center and Big Sur Fire. There are two races, a 10k and 5k. Both courses are all flat, black-top road loops alongside Big Sur River, through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's redwood and oak grove campgrounds. The 10k is a certified course. The 5k is a Family Fun Run or Walk. No Bicycles, dogs, strollers, skates, wagons, or other wheeled conveyances (other than wheelchairs) are permitted. Prizes for 10K Race winners and top finishers.
Since 1981 two of Big Sur’s most vital institutions have been supported by the generosity of those who love to run. Most who visit Big Sur revel in the remoteness without taking in the impact it has on emergency services. The local Volunteer Fire Department, Big Sur Fire, and the Big Sur Health Center both rely on donations to provide support for visitors and residents alike. The run’s beneficiaries, Big Sur Fire and the Big Sur Health Center, have never done more to serve and support our community than in recent years. These critical emergency services need our support more than ever and we encourage you to donate to each organization directly. To date over 30,000 runners have joined the cause, supporting these institutions, and basking in the beauty of Big Sur. Will you join us this year?
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
72°
Typical Low
48°
Chance of Rain
14%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Big Sur Stn, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
1,568 ft
Nearest Airport
MRY
Monterey Regional Airport · 25 mi
Major Hub
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport · 78 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Big Sur River Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
138
Days to train
Coming Up
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Big Sur River Run
Oct 24, 2026