Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

The 2026 edition (held January 18, 2026) is complete. The 2027 Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is officially announced for Sunday, January 17, 2027, with registration now open. Start times: Full Marathon 6:15 AM, 5K 6:40 AM, Half Marathon 7:45 AM.

• Participants register online through the event's official registration partner, Race Roster, up to the published deadline (typically January 14-15) if the race has not sold out.
• If space remains, limited late registration may be offered at the Expo/Packet Pickup.
• Runners can sign up for the marathon, half marathon, 5K, Double Down Challenge, or virtual options, and may create or join teams.
• Transfers, virtual switches, and deferrals are managed according to the race's published policies.

• Marathon participants must be at least 16 years old on race day.
• Runners must be able to maintain a pace of 13:44 min/mile or faster to finish within the 6-hour time limit.
• All participants under 18 must have their event waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
• It is recommended that participants under 16 running shorter distances be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian.
• Participants must follow race rules regarding course cutoffs, timing, and safety instructions from race officials.

• Government-issued photo ID for bib pickup at the Expo/Packet Pickup (or at race-day packet pickup if that option was purchased).
• Signed event waiver (completed during online registration; a parent/guardian must sign for participants under 18).
• Proof of registration/confirmation email is recommended for check-in.
• International participants are responsible for any required travel/visa documents to enter the United States.

• All entry fees are non-refundable and generally non-transferable to other In Motion Events races. If you can no longer participate, the organizers offer several options subject to deadlines and availability, including:
• Purchasing Enhanced Refund Protection during registration (administered by Protecht/FanShield).
• Using a defined transfer period to transfer your entry to another eligible participant.
• Switching to a virtual participant for the same distance.
• Paid deferral to the following year's race (if offered for that year).
• Active-duty military members who are unexpectedly deployed may request either a deferral to the following year or a partial refund (less an administrative fee) by submitting documentation to the race office by the stated deadline.