More marathons across California and the West

From the redwoods to the sea, here are some more marathons to test your mettle

March 1, 2016 8 AM PT

If you’re looking for an encore to your L.A. Marathon, opportunities abound in some of the most picturesque locations in California and the West. There are races along the coast, the desert or through giant redwoods. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, and your tax refund is burning a hole in your fanny pack, challenge yourself to a run along the Great Wall of China on May 21.

Meanwhile, among some of the interesting options, here and afar:

Big Sur International Marathon, among the most beautiful races in the world, this year’s race has sold out. But charity registrations are still available, as well as shorter distances. April 24. www.bsim.org

Avenue of the Giants, a marathon and half marathon through Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Northern California. May 1. Info: www.theave.org

Wild Wild West Marathon, lovable Lone Pine stages this race from the base of the Sierra through the Alabama Hills. May 7. Info: www.WildWildWestMarathon.com

Kona Marathon, will start and finish at the Waikoloa Bowl on the Kohala Coast. June 26. Info: www.konamarathon.com

San Francisco Marathon, starts at Ferry Building, includes Golden Gate and AT&T Park before returning to Ferry Building. July 31. Info: thesfmarathon.com

Salinas Valley Half Marathon, runs through vineyards and fields of lettuce, Aug. 6. Info: www.bsim.org

Hayden Lake Marathon, near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the height of fall. Oct. 15. Info: Haydenlakemarathon.org

Half Marathon on Monterey Bay, if you missed out on Big Sur, check out this photogenic 13-miler. Nov. 13. Info: www.bsim.org

Pasadena Half Marathon, a popular post-holiday run that finishes on the field at the Rose Bowl. Jan. 22, 2017. Info: www.halfmarathons.net/california-rose-bowl-half-marathon-10k-5k/

Surf City Marathon and Half Marathon, mostly flat course bathed with ocean breezes. Feb. 5, 2017. Info: runsurfcity.com

More info: There are dozens of marathon and half marathons a month in California alone. For a more complete list, go to www.halfmarathonsearch.com/#!half-marathons-california/cin9

ALSO:

100 best hikes in America’s national parks revealed in new book from Backpacker magazine

Savor sea-to-table salmon (caught by you) on your next Alaska cruise

16 hotels in California, 5 in Las Vegas earn 2016 five-star Forbes awards

Like us on Facebook

chris.erskine@latimes.com

Twitter: @erskinetimes

Travel & Experiences

Chris Erskine

Chris Erskine is a nationally known humor columnist and editor who retired from the Los Angeles Times in 2020. Previously he wrote for the Sports, Travel and Saturday sections and edited with the paper’s features staff. As an editor, he has been a part of two Pulitzer Prize-winning teams at The Times (for his graphics work on the Northridge quake and the North Hollywood bank robbery). He is best known to readers for his weekly humor pieces on life in suburban Los Angeles. His latest book, “Daditude,” released in 2018, is a collection of his favorite Times columns on fatherhood. He has written two other books, “Man of the House” and “Surviving Suburbia,” which reached the Los Angeles Times bestseller list. The Chicago native has also worked for papers in New Orleans and Miami.

From the redwoods to the sea, here are some more marathons to test your mettle

More From the Los Angeles Times