Join us for the 35th annual
Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Double Down Challenge on
Sunday, January 18, 2026!
Experience the BEST and most scenic winter race with the BEST swag! Enjoy miles and miles of breathtaking ocean views with outstanding course support and entertainment. Turn your Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend into a run-cation! Register now!
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
Marathon
Price changes in 2 months 30 days-
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Register for Marathon$157.07
Price shown includes processing fees
Now registering Mar 10 – Jun 15
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Half Marathon
Price changes in 2 months 30 days-
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Register for Half Marathon$134.47
Price shown includes processing fees
Now registering Mar 10 – Jun 15
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5K
Price changes in 2 months 30 days-
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Register for 5K$56.50
Price shown includes processing fees
Now registering Mar 10 – Jun 15
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Double Down Challenge
Price changes in 2 months 30 days-
The Double Down Challenge includes the 5K + Half Marathon distances.
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Register for Double Down Challenge$168.73
Price shown includes processing fees
Now registering Mar 10 – Jun 15
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Virtual Marathon
Price changes in 2 months 30 days-
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Register for Virtual Marathon$157.07
Price shown includes processing fees
Now registering Mar 10 – Jun 15
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Virtual Half Marathon
Price changes in 2 months 30 days-
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Register for Virtual Half Marathon$134.47
Price shown includes processing fees
Now registering Mar 10 – Jun 15
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Virtual 5K
Price changes in 2 months 30 days-
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Register for Virtual 5K$56.50
Price shown includes processing fees
Now registering Mar 10 – Jun 15
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Virtual Double Down Challenge
Price changes in 2 months 30 days-
The Double Down Challenge includes the 5K + Half Marathon distances, completed virtually.
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Register for Virtual Double Down Challenge$170.34
Price shown includes processing fees
Now registering Mar 10 – Jun 15
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The Details
The marathon, half marathon and 5K start and finish at The Shoppes at Carlsbad located at 2525 El Camino Real. The 5K course is a quick out and back toward the village of Carlsbad along the beautiful Buena Vista Lagoon. The full and half marathon courses are stunning with sweeping Pacific Ocean views for the majority of the run as the course traverses out and back along the historic Highway 101/Carlsbad Boulevard. See the course maps below.
Marathon – The marathon starts at 6:15 AM. 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 6:40 AM. All participants 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 starts in waves at 7:45 AM. 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 6:40, followed by the half marathon at 7:45. Choose the Double Down Challenge during registration to 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 and be eligible for the SoCal Triple Crown but on your own time! Learn more HERE.
Make it a Stay-cation!
Perfectly scheduled over MLK weekend, make your race experience extra special and relaxing by staying at a local Carlsbad hotel! Learn more HERE.
The Perks
This spectacular event offers participants breathtaking coastal views and the best SWAG around. Your registration includes:
- Long-sleeve technical-fabric race shirt
- Premium technical-fabric 1/4-zip pullover
- Complimentary beverage in the beer garden (for those 21 and older)
- Beautiful finisher's medal
- Souvenir In Motion Events Reusable Grocery Bag
- Sanctioned and certified courses (perfect qualifier for Boston Marathon)
- Support stations and entertainment along the course
- First race of the SoCal Triple Crown
- Fun weekend filled with events for everyone, including the Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND
- Post-race refreshments and energetic Finish Line Festival featuring exciting DJ and more!
Team Incentive
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 by 12/31/25, and we'll provide a 10' x 10' meet-up space and pop-up if needed in the Finish Line Festival!
We also offer team scoring for the half marathon only! Teams can be unlimited in size but must have at least ten people and two of each gender to qualify for team scoring.
Team scores are calculated by averaging each team’s top 10 chip times, including at least two of each gender.
The team captain of the top three overall teams will receive an award. Where and when you can pick up your award will be shared in the final event instructions.
Countdown to event
Contact information
- Event contact
- In Motion Events
- info@inmotionevents.com
- Phone
- 760-692-2900
- Website
- Visit website
