FAQ

Friday, January 17

• Noon to 4 PM – Expo/Packet Pickup

Saturday, January 18

• 6:30 AM – 10 AM – Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND
• 10 AM to 4 PM – Expo/Packet Pickup

Sunday, January 19

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

Each participant will receive:

• Long-sleeve, technical-fabric race shirt
• Premium technical-fabric 1/4 zip pullover
• Souvenir In Motion Events reusable grocery bag
• Personalized bib number (registrant’s first name only and must register 30 days before the event)
• Complimentary beer in the post-race beer garden
• Support stations and entertainment along the course
• Beautiful finisher’s medal
• Finisher Food Bag filled with tasty and nutritious refueling foods at the finish line
• Finish line festival with music, refreshments and celebration!

Click the orange Register Now link above for current registration fees. 

If the race has not sold out, registration will be available at the Expo/Packet Pickup event. 

Yes! All race distances are capped with the maximum participant experience and safety in mind! Register before events sell out!

You can find the full marathon, half marathon and 5K course maps here. 

Click here!

Yes! During registration, you can choose to sign up as an individual or join a team. Once a team has been created, it will be available for other participants to join as well. The first person to create the team automatically becomes the team captain. We also offer team scoring, learn more here!

How do I create a team?
How do I add myself to a team after registration?
How do I change my team name?
How do I invite people to join my team? 
How do I view my team roster?

If your team has 25 or more members by the end of December (12/31/24) you qualify for a team booth in our Finish Line Festival! We will contact team captains in December if they qualify.

We offer team scoring for the half marathon only! Teams can be unlimited in size but must have at least ten people, 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. 

Use this tool to see if you have already registered for the event. You can use your first name, last name, or email to search for an existing registration.

• Full marathon – 26.2 miles
• Half marathon – 13.1 miles
• 5K – 3.1 miles
• Double Down – 3.1 + 13.2 = 16.2 miles
• Kids Marathon Mile – 1 mile

The half marathon and 5K are walker-friendly. The full marathon is not. Specific time limit information can be found here.

If you are concerned about maintaining the event time limits, we suggest you register as a virtual participant. More info on the virtual participant category here.

Yes! There is an Official Charities program that provides non-profit organizations with a platform to raise funds and awareness for their causes. Money raised through the program goes directly to the designated charities. Read about this year’s Official Charities here.

Yes. Full marathon participants must maintain the required 13:44 minute-per-mile pace or faster to complete the marathon in 6 hours or less. Half marathon participants must maintain an 18:19 minute-per-mile pace or faster to finish the half marathon in 4 hours or less. 5K participants must maintain a 19:21-minute-per-mile pace or faster to finish the 5K in 1 hour or less.

There will be designated points on the route where participants not maintaining the course time limits will be turned around, thus shortening the race distance completed. Participants will still be allowed to cross the finish line and receive a medal.

All full marathon participants who have not reached mile 7.5 by 8:00 a.m. will be turned around at Breakwater Road and will not be permitted to complete the 3.5-mile loop from Breakwater Road to La Costa Avenue and back. In addition, all full marathon participants not at mile 18 by 10:25 a.m. will be turned around at Cannon Park and not permitted to complete the approximate 4-mile loop from Cannon Park to Breakwater Road and back.

All half marathon participants who have not reached mile 4.5 by 9:30 a.m. will be turned around at Cannon Park and will not be permitted to complete the 3.5-mile loop from Cannon Park to Breakwater Road and back.

In addition, all participants who do not reach Carlsbad Boulevard/Hwy 101 and Carlsbad Village Drive by 11:45 AM, will be redirected to the finish line via an alternate route. These participants will be using the sidewalk and will be considered pedestrians. The diverted route will be marked but not supported. Participants will still be allowed to cross the finish line and receive a medal.

If you are concerned about maintaining the event time limits, we suggest you register as a virtual participant. More info on the virtual participant category here.

All in-person participants must pick up their materials and SWAG at the Expo/Packet Pickup on Friday or Saturday. They will not be mailed. You’ll first pick up your bib number (you must have your photo ID) and will then use your bib number to pick up your SWAG. While we do all we can to ensure you receive the sizes you request, unfortunately, we cannot make any guarantees.

If you’re unable to attend the Expo/Packet Pickup, someone can pick up your items for you. This person must come with a photocopy or electronic copy of your photo ID.

IMPORTANT: If you’re unable to attend the Expo/Packet or send someone in your place to pick up your bib number and race shirt, be sure to add Pre-Purchased Race Day Packet Pick Up ($20) when you register. If you’ve already registered and want to add Pre-Purchased Race Day Packet Pick Up, you can do so here through Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Anyone attempting to pick up their bib number on race day will have to pay $25 for Late Race Day Packet Pick Up (cash only).

Race day bib pickup will be located at the Bib Pick Up Tent in the northeast corner of the Finish Line Festival at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, and will open at the following times:
Full Marathon – 5:30 AM
5K – 6:00 AM
Half Marathon – 6:45 AM 

Virtual participants – learn more here. 

Yes! If you’re unable to attend the expo/packet pickup and are not able to send someone to pick it up for you at the expo/packet pickup, be sure to add Pre-Purchased Race Day Packet Pick Up ($20) when you register.

If you’ve already registered and want to add Pre-Purchased Race Day Packet Pick Up, you can do so here through Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Anyone attempting to pick up their bib number on race day will have to pay $25 for Late Race Day Packet Pick Up (cash only).

Race day bib pickup will be located at the Bib Pick Up Tent in the northeast corner of the Finish Line Festival at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, and will open at the following times:

Full Marathon – 5:30 AM
5K – 6:00 AM
Half Marathon – 6:45 AM 

Get all the details here!

All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to a future or alternate In Motion event. Should you no longer be able to attend the event, we offer the following options:

Race Insurance
Transfer Period
Switch to a Virtual Participant
Paid Deferral

Active duty military members who are unable to participate because they are unexpectedly deployed may choose to either defer their entry to the following year’s race or receive a refund, less a $15 administration fee. Email request with a copy of orders to [email protected] no later than 10 days prior to event day.

Yes! We offer the Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection program through Protecht/FanShield. It can ONLY be purchased during the registration process. See full coverage details here.

The insurance charge is in addition to the cost of your registration and will be billed separately by Protecht/FanShield. If you purchased insurance and need to submit a claim, you will need to contact FanShield here. 

Enhanced Refund Protection cannot be purchased after your registration is complete.

Yes, you can add Pre-Purchased Race Day Packet Pickup to your order here on or before Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Yes, you can purchase the race photo package here on or before Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Yes, you can purchase a gear check locker here on or before Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Transfers are available until January 15, 2025. During this timeframe, you will be able to log into your Race Roster account and transfer your entry to someone else. There is a $20 transfer fee and registered participants are responsible for finding transferees and making sure transfers are completed before the deadline. Transfers must be completed by 11:59 PM on January 15, 2025. 

We offer both race insurance and a transfer period should you not be able to attend the event, but if those options do not work for you, you can choose to defer your entry to the following year for a $50 fee.

If you would like to defer your entry, please fill out this form. All deferrals must be submitted by January 19, 2025.

If you have arranged to defer your entry, you cannot run on event day. Your registration will be canceled and we will not have a bib for you on event day. All deferrals are final.

Support stations will be positioned approximately every mile on the full marathon, half marathon, and 5K courses. Water and portable toilets will be available at or near every support station. In addition, Lemon-Lime Gatorade will be available about every other mile starting at mile 4.

Triberry GU will be available while supplies last for Full Marathoners at miles 8.5, 9.5, 12.5, and 22 and for Half Marathoners at mile 8.5.

Please help us keep the course clean and ensure this event continues for years to come by using the provided trash boxes near the support stations and along the course.

*All mile references are approximate.

Gear Check will be available through Mobile Locker ONLY. Locker rentals give you a secure, convenient storage option for your gear at the event site. You can pre-purchase a locker during registration or on race day.

• Small: 6″x6″x9″ – good for a small layer, keys, wallet, and other small items – $10
• Medium: 11″x6″x18″ – best for small to medium bags – $15
• Large: 12″x12″x18″ – best for larger bags and backpacks – $20

For your safety and the safety of your fellow participants, you are encouraged NOT to use iPods, MP3 players, or similar devices during the race. However, if you choose to use such a device, it is recommended that you keep the volume at a level at which you are aware of your environment, can hear course directions and any emergency situations which may arise.

Since the full and half marathon have different start times and share parts of the same course, and because we implement a wave start for the half marathon, there are no timing clocks or split time callers on the course. If you’re interested in tracking your time on race day, either join a pace group or plan to wear or carry your GPS/timing device on race day.

To ensure a smooth flow on the course, we use a quick, multi-wave start for the half marathon. The first wave starts at 7:45 AM and each wave thereafter is separated by approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Waves are assigned based on the estimated finish time each athlete provided during registration. Your assigned wave number will be printed on your bib number and you must start in your assigned wave.

Runners with strollers must stage at the back of their designated wave.

Everyone, regardless of his or her indicated wave number, must be at the race start line when the gun goes off at 7:45 AM. Any half marathon participant who starts earlier than the 7:45 AM starting time or does not stage in their assigned wave will be disqualified.

To ensure an accurate time, race bibs (with timing tag attached) must be clearly visible on the front of the torso and not covered by outer apparel, unaltered and unmodified (do not fold or wrinkle) and pinned in all four corners. Timing chips WILL NOT register if placed elsewhere on the body.

We use ChronoTrack’s B-Tag. The B-tag is a disposable tag that is mounted on the back of your bib number. Do not remove or tamper with your timing tag from your bib number.

Yes! Gorgeous finisher medals are presented to each marathon, half marathon and 5K finisher upon completion of the race in the finish line chute. Special instructions will be given to Double Down participants.

Yes. Click here to learn about the Carlsbad Marathon official charities.

Yes. The Carlsbad Marathon is a qualifier to Boston. Visit the Boston Marathon page here for more information about qualifying. 

Yes. The Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon are both run on certified and sanctioned courses.

No, there is not currently an elite athlete program or prize money for the Carlsbad Marathon weekend of events. 

Overall
Overall awards will be offered to the first three male, female and non-binary finishers of each race.

Marathon & Half Marathon
Awards will be offered to the first three finishers, male, female, and nonbinary, in the following age groups: 17 & under, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80+.

5K
Awards will be offered to the first three finishers, male, female, and nonbinary, in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80+.

There will not be an award ceremony. Age group awards will be available for pickup from the Information Booth. Those who do not pick up their award on race day will be emailed instructions for picking up their award from our office in San Marcos or having it mailed for a $10 fee. Awards not claimed within two weeks of the event will no longer be available. 

Awards will be based on net chip time and virtual participants are not eligible for age group or overall awards.

Yes. Full marathon participants must be at least 16 years old on race day and all half marathon participants be at least 12 years old on race day. All participants under 18 must have their event waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian. In addition, we recommend everyone under 16 years of age on race day be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian (who is also registered for the event) during his/her participation.

Yes, in the half marathon only. The racing chair and handcycle division starts 5 minutes prior to the half marathon start. The division is limited to 10 athletes and anyone interested in participating must agree to the policy, complete a short questionnaire and receive confirmation of their participation by the race organizer.

Yes, a participant can push another individual in a wheelchair in either the full marathon or the half marathon. Both the participant and the individual being pushed in the wheelchair must be registered for the event they are participating in and be able to complete the course within the established time limit. For the full marathon, the participant pushing the individual in the wheelchair can line up wherever he/she would like at the start line. For the half marathon, the participant must choose an anticipated finish time during the registration process and should line up at the back of the corresponding corral at the start line.

Race day is typically 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit at the start of the marathon, warming 15 to 20 degrees by noon.

Results will be available on race day both online here and at the Results tent in the Finish Line Festival.

Learn more here!

The SoCal Triple Crown is a fun opportunity to recognize dedicated athletes who complete a race at all three of our signature events – Carlsbad, San Diego and Americas Finest City! Learn more here!

Complimentary pace groups will be provided by On Pace. Pace group leaders run a steady pace throughout the race so members of their group are able to finish the full or half marathon in the projected finish time for that group. Pace groups with the following target finish times will be offered on race day:

Half Marathon – 1:25, 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:30, 2:40, 2:50, 3:00, 3:15, 3:30 & 4:00*

Full Marathon – 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15. 5:30, 5:45, 6:00*

Half marathon pace group leaders will be available in their designated corral 30 minutes before the race start for those who are interested in meeting with their pacer before the race. They will be holding their pace signs. To learn more about being a pacer, please send us an email.

*Pace groups are subject to change and will be finalized in the final event instructions. 

Please note: besides the clock at the finish line, there are no additional clocks or timers on the course.

Unofficial pacers, cyclists, skaters or anyone not registered for the race are strictly prohibited.

Yes. Anyone participating with a jogging stroller must stage at the back of their designated wave.

Though we love animals, dogs or pets of any kind except for service animals are not allowed on the race course. 

The half marathon and marathon courses are certified using USA Track & Field course measurement criteria employing the use of an Alan Jones counter. The courses are measured along the shortest distance between the start line and finish line, which entails taking the straight line tangent on all curves. It is virtually impossible for anyone to run the course exactly as measured, even the front runners.

A GPS device measures distance wherever you go during the race. If you go to the side of the road to a water station, the GPS records this extra distance. If you zig-zag around other runners in the first few miles, the GPS measures the extra distance. Wherever you do not run the short line tangent in the road, the additional distance you cover is measured by the GPS. A GPS device, worn in a race, will always record a distance greater than an accurately measured course.

The Kids Marathon Mile takes place in Carlsbad at LEGOLAND® California on Saturday morning the day before the Carlsbad full marathon, half marathon and 5K. This great theme park is located at One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Learn more here.

You can call us at 760.692.2900 or send an email to [email protected].