Carmel Marathon

Carmel Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Carmel Marathon is a full marathon held in Carmel, United States of America, scheduled for Sunday 31 May 2026. The course is run on road surface with 86m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 267m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Carmel Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

This is a very flat course with only 86m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 226m to 267m above sea level — a 41m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 11°C and 26°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a low chance of rain (3%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Road

Carmel Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.

How Difficult Is Carmel Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Carmel Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Carmel Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.