
The SLO Marathon is a point-to-point course. The race starts at San Luis Obispo High School and finishes at the iconic Madonna Inn, in between highlighting the incredible beauty of the green hills and open spaces of the Edna Valley. The course starts fast with a loop around the tree-lined historic downtown, passing the neoned Fremont Theater and City Courthouse, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and turn-of-the-century architecture before heading into the hills, vineyards and farmland of the Edna Valley with scenic Morro views.
Upon return, participants head back into the town center to the spectator friendly finish line at the basin of Cerro San Luis Obispo Morro, Madonna Inn and The SLO Life Expo. The Marathon race starts at 250 ft. above sea level then covers 2 to 3 hill climbs before hitting a few rollers in the Edna Valley only as high as 375 ft. above sea level and finishes flat and downhill at 175 ft. above sea level. Check out our COURSE VIDEO.
With registration, Marathon participants receive:
NOTE - If you are not an Official Finisher, you will not be guaranteed a medal or race result
In order to qualify as an Official Finisher, you must finish within the 8-hour course limit. Runners/ Walkers must maintain a 18:00 minute per mile pace as the course will be closed on a mile-by-mile rolling basis. If you are unable to run/walk within the allotted time, you will either be picked up and driven to the finish area or asked to move onto the sidewalk. Once you are on the sidewalk, you must follow all traffic laws deemed by the City and County of San Luis Obispo. The course will be re-opened to traffic and aid stations may be closed. Sag Wagons will be provided should you be unable to complete the race. Minimum age to compete in the Marathon is 15 years of age.
The course will be equipped and staffed for your safety and well-being. There will be:
Train with the Official Sports Drink of the San Luis Obispo Marathon + Half. Enter the code RUNSLO and get 15% off any purchase.