Welcome to the BEST and most scenic winter race, The Carlsbad Marathon, Half, & 5K. From the expo to the kid’s race to Sunday’s marathon, half marathon, 5K, and the Double Down Challenge, the Carlsbad Marathon has something for everyone. Expect postcard-worthy ocean views, lively on-course entertainment, and a fun-filled Finish Line Festival. Here’s everything you need to know:

Expo/Packet Pickup

Where & When

The expo will be held on Friday, January 17th, from 12 to 4 PM and Saturday, January 18th, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Holiday Inn Carlsbad/San Diego.

What to Expect:

• Pick up your Packet: First, get your bib number. Along with your bib number, you’ll be provided your one-day pass to the Carlsbad Columbia Sportswear Company Employee Store and a Chick-fil-A Be our Guest Sandwich/Entree Digital Offer Card. Next, present your bib to pick up your shirt and 1/4 zip. 
• Official Race Merch & Vendors: Be sure to grab some official race merch and interact with our expo vendors.
• Photo Ops: Snap that pre-race pic with your bib or running group in front of our photo backdrops.
• Pacers: Meet our pacers and come up with your race-day strategy.

Bring your photo ID and look up your bib number in advance to save time! Pro Tip: If you are picking up a bib/packet for a friend or family member, be sure to have a photo of their ID and look up their bib number in advance as well.

Sunday: Race Day Details

Start Times

• Marathon: 6:15 AM
• 5K: 6:40 AM
• Half Marathon: 7:45 AM

Arrive early! Make sure you give yourself plenty of time before your race begins to find parking, warm up, use the restroom, and get settled at the start line without stress.

Marathon & Half Marathon Highlights

• Breathtaking Views: Enjoy a course that hugs the coastline, offering panoramic ocean vistas.
• Walker-Friendly Half: With an extended course time allowance, the half marathon is perfect for those who prefer to walk or jog at a comfortable pace.

5K & Double Down Challenge

• 5K: Ideal for families, new runners, or anyone looking for a shorter distance.
• Double Down Challenge: Feeling ambitious? Sign up for both the 5K and the Half Marathon. Conquer two distances in one morning and earn exclusive bling. This challenge often sells out, so register as soon as you can!

On-Course Entertainment

• Live Music & DJs: We’ve got some live tunes to keep your spirits high on the course! Check out this list of on-course entertainers and where you’ll find them.
• Spectators: Our spectators come up with the best signs! Keep an eye out for the signs to get a giggle or a boost while you’re running!

Carlsbad Marathon Official Charities

The Carlsbad Marathon partners with various charities to uplift important causes. Below are the charities you’ll find at this year’s event:

AAZK (American Association of Zoo Keepers) – San Diego Chapter
Mission: To promote good relationships among professional zoo keepers and support conservation projects, including public education on the need for preserving our natural resources and wildlife.

International Bipolar Foundation
Mission: Empower individuals living with bipolar disorder (and their caregivers) through advocacy, education, support, and awareness—building a stigma-free world where mental health is acknowledged and treated equitably.

Lab Rescuers
Mission: Provides safe and loving homes for Labradors in need, focusing particularly on dogs requiring the most help.

Merlin’s Magic Wand Foundation
Mission: Make FUN accessible to children everywhere. Through “Magical Days Out,” they provide tickets and travel grants for families to enjoy Merlin Entertainment attractions. They also bring magic directly to children in hospitals and hospices and create special spaces in hospitals and learning centers worldwide.

How to Help: You can donate, fundraise, or volunteer to support these charities. Even a small gesture can make a significant impact.

Finish Line Festival

Celebrate your accomplishment at the fun-filled finish line area:

• Food & Drinks: Refuel with your finisher food bag! Enjoy your Perfect Bar, Partner’s Crackers, Welche’s Fruit Snacks, an organic banana from Jimbos, and chocolate milk from Hollandia Dairy! Need more fuel? Visit our food trucks!
  
• Entertainment: Keep the energy going with music from DJ Laiq!
  
• Photo Ops: Show off your finisher’s medal and capture the moment in front of our photo backdrops.
• Beer Garden: Enjoy one free beer (for participants age 21+ with ID) in our post-race beer garden. 
• Post-Race Massage: Sooth those sore muscles with a post-race massage.

Final Tips for Race Day Success

1. Arrive Early: Give yourself enough time to beat traffic and find parking.
2. Dress in Layers: Mornings near the coast can be cool; you can always shed layers once you warm up. Any clothes discarded on the course will be donated.
3. Stick to What You Know: Avoid trying new foods or gear on race day.
4. Soak in the Scenery: This course is renowned for its ocean views—don’t forget to look around you and enjoy!
5. Celebrate: You’ve trained hard! Enjoy the celebration at the finish line, take pictures, and share your achievement on social media.

Ready to Run Carlsbad?

The Carlsbad Marathon weekend offers something for everyone—whether you’re tackling 26.2 miles, enjoying the walker-friendly half, aiming for the 5K, or testing your limits with the Double Down Challenge. With enthusiastic crowds, a stunning course, on-course bands, and fantastic charities, you’ll have all the motivation you need to cross that finish line.

See you on race day—and good luck! For the most up-to-date details or to learn more about the charities, visit the Carlsbad Marathon website.