Which California cities have the most Marathon races?
Oakland (2), Woodside (2), Castro Valley (2), Ventura (2) lead the state for Marathon races. Those give you the most dates to choose from if your schedule is tight.
California · Marathon
Marathon Races in California
Every upcoming Marathon in California, all 25 of them, sorted by date. Dates, entry fees, finish-time stats from past results, and start-line maps.
25 upcoming Marathon races · 17 with finish-time stats
By the numbers
The Biggest and Longest-Running
The California races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
Marathon Races by City
Soonest Marathon Races in California
25 total Sat, Aug 15, 2026Redwood (Summer) Trail Run Oakland, CAFrom $60Details Sat, Aug 29, 2026SPASM Crystal Springs Trail Run Woodside, CAFrom $60Details Sun, Sep 6, 2026Diablo Trail Run Clayton, CAFrom $50Details Sat, Sep 12, 2026The Running Fence Run: A Run of Freedom Bloomfield, CAFrom $45Details Sun, Oct 11, 20262026 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K Weott, CAFrom $50Details Sat, Oct 31, 2026ZombieRunner Halloween San Jose, CAFrom $25Details Sun, Nov 1, 2026Two Cities Marathon Fresno, CAFrom $60Details Sat, Nov 7, 2026Lake Chabot Trail Run Castro Valley, CAFrom $25Details Sat, Jan 9, 2027San Diego 50 & Trail Runs Escondido, CAFrom $15Details Sun, Jan 17, 2027The Redding Marathon Events Redding, CAFrom $20Details Sun, Jan 17, 2027Crystal Springs Trail Run Woodside, CAFrom $60Details Sat, Feb 6, 2027Golden Gate Trail Run Sausalito, CAFrom $60Details
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Jul 27, 2026.
Common Questions About Running a Marathon in California
When are most Marathon races held in California?
April is the busiest month for Marathon races in California, with 6 of the 25, followed by February with 4. If you are flexible on the date, that is the quickest way to narrow things down.
How much do California Marathon races cost?
Entry fees for Marathon races here run from $15 to about $130, depending on the event and how early you register.
How early should I register for a Marathon in California?
19 of the 25 Marathon races in California already have a price increase scheduled, so entry gets more expensive the longer you leave it. Race pricing almost always steps up as the date approaches, and signing up early is usually the cheapest option.
Are California Marathon races beginner-friendly?
Yes, for the most part. Across the 17 Marathon races in California with published results, the typical median finish is around 5:22:49, which means half of every one of those fields came in slower than that. Recreational runners and walk-runners are the bulk of these fields, not the exception.
Are there trail Marathon races in California?
Yes, 13 races around California get you off the pavement: 13 are trail races. Surfaces are not always published, so it is worth checking a specific race before you register.