By SDCN Staff
Carlsbad, CA–The 36th annual Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K is returning for another year of winter racing on the Southern California oceanfront.
Participants of the event will enjoy winter-racing weather, along with a variety of unique participant perks, including a long-sleeve technical-fabric event branded shirt, a premium technical-fabric 1/4 zip pullover jacket, a souvenir reusable grocery bag, a one-day pass to the invite-only Carlsbad Columbia Sportswear Employee Store, along with the infamous finisher medal, and a mix of local post-race recovery snacks and fuel. Participants of all distances are eligible for these race benefits. Distances offered include the full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), and 5K (3.1 miles). Registration for all distances is currently open.
“Not only does our team focus on providing a one-of-a-kind race course, but also additional participant benefits that expand the runner’s experience past the finish line,” said Christine Adams, co-owner and CEO at In Motion Events, producer of the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. “We love working with local organizations to carry on the race day excitement and memories, and are always looking for fun new ways to expand our race perks year after year.”
All race distances will start at The Shoppes at Carlsbad. The marathon distance features an 18-mile stretch along the Pacific Ocean, the half-marathon will showcase the beachfront for 8 miles, while the 5K runners will journey along a scenic out-and-back route passing the Buena Vista Lagoon. Along the courses and throughout race day, participants will enjoy the North County community charm and with local entertainment. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in the Double Down Challenge, which consists of running both the 5K and the half-marathon on race day, completing a total of 16.2 miles. Those who complete the challenge are awarded three medals, one for each race distance and a third “Double Down” medal to signify their accomplishment. Over 150 participants took part in the 2025 Double Down Challenge.
The weekend of events also featured the Kids Marathon Mile at Legoland California Resort on the Saturday before the marathon. Last year’s event welcomed over 3,000 people, who were able to take part in the event before the resort opened to guests, providing a unique and exclusive opportunity for participants and spectators. A portion of each registration for the Kids Marathon Mile is donated directly to Merlin’s Magic Wand Foundation, the official charity partner of the event. The foundation is a non-profit organization that works globally across all Merlin attractions to create magical experiences for children who need them most through three magical programs.
The Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K is a part of In Motion Events’ SoCal Triple Crown race series, which also includes the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon and 5K in March, and the America’s Finest City Half Marathon and 5K in August.
The races offer a variety of courses and scenery throughout San Diego County, providing athletes with a fun and unique running experience in distinct parts of San Diego and the county. Athletes who participate in each race in the same calendar year, no matter the distance they participate in, are awarded a SoCal Triple Crown medal to celebrate their accomplishment of completing the race series.
The 2026 event is returning after seeing an 18 percent increase in participation in 2025, welcoming over 7,100 participants.
Carlsbad Marathon returns for another year of racing
