Get ready to run! The annual Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon, Double Down Challenge, and 5K is just around the corner, taking place Sunday, January 18, 2026. Whether we’ll see you at the start line or cheering from the sidelines, here’s your one-stop guide for race weekend.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, January 16
- Expo/Packet Pickup: 12 – 4 PM
Saturday, January 17
- Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND®: 6:30 AM – 10 AM
- Expo/Packet Pickupt: 9 AM – 4 PM
Sunday, January 18
- Full Marathon Start: 6:15 AM
- 5K Start: 6:40 AM
- Half Marathon Start: 7:45 AM
All Sunday events start and finish in the southwest corner of The Shoppes at Carlsbad parking lot.
Expo/Packet Pickup Info
Location: Holiday Inn Carlsbad – San Diego
2725 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009
2725 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Friday, Jan 16: 12 – 4 PM
Saturday, Jan 17: 9 AM – 4 PM
Saturday, Jan 17: 9 AM – 4 PM
✅ Bring a valid photo ID
✅ You’ll get your bib, long-sleeve race shirt, 1/4-zip pullover, and reusable grocery bag
✅ Free parking available
✅ You’ll get your bib, long-sleeve race shirt, 1/4-zip pullover, and reusable grocery bag
✅ Free parking available
Didn’t pre-purchase Race Day Packet Pickup? You can still pick up your bib near the finish line starting at 5:30 AM for a late fee
️Start Line & Course Info
All races begin and end at The Shoppes at Carlsbad. The marathon and half marathon are both USATF-certified with scenic ocean views along Carlsbad Boulevard.
Timing chips are embedded in your bibs and will share your progress when you cross the timing mats. Share your live tracking link with friends and family so they can follow your progress in real-time.
Finish Line Festival & What’s in Your Finisher Bag
After you cross the finish line, head into the Finish Line Festival for celebration and recovery. Every runner receives:
- Beautiful finisher medal
- Aluminum-bottled natural spring water
- Finisher food bag
What’s in the Finisher Food Bag?
We’re proud to partner with generous local and national brands that help us fuel our runners. Your Finisher Food Bag includes:
- Jimbo’s organic banana
- Partners Crackers
- Welch’s Fruit Snacks
- Solely fruit jerkyy
- Granola protein bar
- Cure electrolyte hydration packet
- Hollandia Dairy chocolate milk
Beer Garden
Celebrate your race with a refreshing beverage in the Beer Garden, located inside the Finish Line Festival. Please note, you must be 21+ with a valid photo ID and race bib to enter.
Food Trucks ☕️
Hot Bevs Coffee & Tea Co. will be on-site at the Finish Line Festival before and after your race with coffee and breakfast items.
Puras Papas and Smashed Avocado Toast will also be on-site, selling breakfast and lunch items.
Best Places to Watch
Spectators are a huge part of what makes the Carlsbad Marathon weekend special! Here’s how you can be part of the fun:
- Top Viewing Spot: Anywhere along Carlsbad Boulevard — you’ll have sweeping ocean views and potentially catch your runner more than once on this out-and-back coastal course. Be sure to review the road closures information when making your plan.
- Finish Line Festival: See your runner cross the finish and celebrate with them! There are designated viewing areas along the finish line so you can cheer on your runners!
Make a Sign! We’ll be on the lookout for fun, creative signs along the course — and might even feature them on our social channels!
Bonus Perks ♻️
- Chick-fil-A is offering each runner a digital coupon for a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit OR Chick-n-Minis
- All runners get a Columbia Employee Store pass for discounted gear.
- Sneaker Recycling: Stop by the Information Booth at the Expo/Packet Pickup or in the Finish Line Festival to pick up a pre-labeled #SNEAKERS4GOOD recycling bag to take home!
Follow & Stay Connected
- Join the Carlsbad Strava Club to log your training and track your race day run.
- Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @inmotionevents
- Use #carlsbadmarathon to tag your weekend adventures — we love seeing your journey!
From all of us at In Motion Events, thank you for being part of the 2026 Carlsbad Marathon weekend of events! We can’t wait to cheer you on!