Course map

Summary

Distance: 26.2 miles (USATF Certified Marathon Course)

Date: Second Sunday in August

Start Time: 7 AM

Start Location: F street in Eureka betwen 6th and 7th street.

Finish Location: At the foot of C street on the Bay (C street plaza)

Elevation Profile: The start line is about 40 feet above sea level and the first mile is a very gradual climb to a little over 100 feet.  The next three miles are mostly flat with some gentle dips, gaining another few feet to hit the highest point on the course which is near the end of mile 4 at about 140 feet.  Mile 5 has a significant descent and then the course stays pretty flat for about 8 miles.  Mile 13 has the only "hill" on the course climbing about 70 feet in about 1/2 mile.  The next 10 miles are almost perfectly flat and very close to sea level.  Miles 24 and 25 take the course across Humboldt Bay via three low bridges.  Each bridge rises no more than 35 feet above the water, so the climbs are not big, but we know that anything after 23 miles is a challenge.  There's an aid station right before the first bridge and just after the last one.  Mile 26 is partially downhill as it leaves the last bridge and cuts through Old Town Eureka ending just above sea level on the waterfront.

Time Limit: There is a 6.5 hour time limit enforced by a sag vehicle.  Roads must be reopened on schedule, and if you fall behind pace to finish the marathon by 1:30 PM, you will be disqualified.  If you feel that you need more than 6.5 hours, please email the race director to request an early start time.

Aid Stations: Approximately every 2 miles starting at mile 3.1.  Gel pack stations at miles 16 and 21.

Parking: There is a gravel lot at 1st and D, and there is plenty of free and unrestricted street parking and city lots on Sundays.

Gear Drop: We will check bags for runners at the start area and deliver them to the finish area.  

Finisher Medals: Finisher Medals are given to all participants finishing within the allotted time. 

Shirt: High quality tech shirts. 

Certification Number: CA-16003-KY (for Boston Marathon qualification)

Boston Qualifier: Yes.

Age Group Awards: Winners will earn a unique, locally made medal.

Age Groups: Under 16, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, and so on.

Pace Groups: There will be pace groups, for details check out the Pace Group Page.

 Packet Pickup: Available both Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. For details see the Event Schedule page.

Marathon Start and Finish areas:

Interactive course map here:  

If you have additional questions visit our Contact us page.