Event Description
Carlsbad, California | Sunday, January 18, 2026 | Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K
Join us for a scenic winter race that will take you along miles of ocean views with outstanding course support and entertainment.
Participants also have the opportunity to take on the "Double Down" challenge, where they will participate in both the half marathon and 5K events on race day. Double Down challengers will be awarded three medals, a half marathon medal, 5K medal, and the Carlsbad Double Down Challenge medal.
The Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K is the first race 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. This trio offers a variety of courses and scenery throughout San Diego, providing athletes with a fun and unique running experience in distinct parts of the city and county. Athletes who participate in each race in the same calendar year, no matter the distance they participate in, will be awarded a SoCal Triple Crown medal to celebrate their accomplishment of completing the race series. Runners simply register for all three events separately. No additional registration or fee is required to qualify for the SoCal Triple Crown finisher award!
We offer a 10% military discount to active duty service members. Make sure to answer the questions about military service during registration to receive the discount instructions.
Benefiting the Community
The Carlsbad Marathon offers runners and walkers the ability to participate on behalf of one of the official event charities. All of the official charities will be represented along the course, lending support and guidance to all the athletes. You can find a list of the official charities here.
Packet Pickup
Friday, Jan. 16: Holiday Inn Carlsbad/San Diego 2725 Palomar Airport Road, 12 pm – 4 pm
Saturday, Jan. 17: Holiday Inn Carlsbad/San Diego 2725 Palomar Airport Road, 9 am – 4 pm
Race Times
Sunday, Jan. 18
6:15 a.m.: Full Marathon start time
6:40 a.m.: 5K start time
7:45 a.m.: Half Marathon start time
Participant Perks
Long-sleeve technical-fabric shirt
Premium technical-fabric 1/4 zip pullover
Finishers medal
Finisher food bag featuring refueling foods
Souvenir reusable grocery bag
A one-day pass to the invite-only Carlsbad Columbia Sportswear Employee Store
Complimentary beer in the post-race beer garden
And much more!
Course Amenities
Support stations will be positioned approximately every mile on the full marathon, half marathon, and 5K courses with water and portable toilets. Electrolytes and energy gel will also be available at select stations. More information can be found here.
Awards
Age group and overall awards will be available for pick up on race day. More information can be found here.
Post-Race Celebration
Join us for post-race festivities after your run to celebrate your incredible race! All events finish at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, where finishers can relax, celebrate, and reunite with loved ones. Post-race festivities include a DJ, vendor booths, and a beer garden for participants age 21 and older with proper ID.
Date and Time: On Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:00 - Sun, 18 Jan 2026 12:00
Venue details: The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, California, 92008, United States
Category: Sports / Leisure | Running
Prices:
Marathon Registration: USD 202.27,
Half Marathon Registration: USD 179.67,
5K Registration: USD 73.45
