HalfRuns
HB

Humboldt Bay Marathon

The Humboldt Bay Marathon offers a fast, flat course with a strong community feel.

Race Date

Aug 9, 2026

Location

Eureka, CA

Standout78

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location
Eureka, California
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
1,140

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell OrganizedGreat Swag

Course

Fast FlatWell Marked

The Experience

First run in 2018, the Humboldt Bay Marathon is now in its 8th edition, drawing runners from across the country to Eureka, California. This USATF-certified course is renowned for its flat profile, making it a prime location for achieving personal bests. The race is a nonprofit affiliate of the Road Runners Club of America, dedicated to promoting fitness and outdoor recreation in Humboldt County.

With a median field size of around 142 finishers, the event boasts a growing trend and a loyal following, with approximately 22% of participants returning in subsequent years. Runners can expect typical race-day temperatures between 53–65°F, contributing to a comfortable racing environment. The event also includes a half marathon and a Beer Mile, catering to a variety of running interests.

The Humboldt Bay Marathon aims to provide a uniquely beautiful running experience, whether you're chasing a new record or simply enjoying the scenery. Its focus on community and outdoor activity makes it a standout event for runners seeking a well-organized and scenic race.

Race-provided description

--> Register Home --> Home Race Information --> Race Information Marathon Half Marathon High School Runners Volunteer Information Volunteers (Adult) Volunteers (Student) Pace Team Event Schedule Road Closures Perfect Weather Lodging Transportation Sponsors About Us Artwork Board of Directors Contact Us Our Title Sponsor 2026 Humboldt Bay Marathon Races August 9, 2026 - Join us for the 11th Running! Click Here to Register! Humboldt Bay Marathon is a nonprofit affiliate of the Road Runners Club of America. Our goals are to promote fitness, outdoor recreation and trails in Humboldt County. Whether you are striving for another personal record or just looking for a uniquely beautiful place to run, the Humboldt Bay Marathon, Half Marathon and BeerMile races are exactly what you're looking for! 2

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

Eureka, CA

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Coastal, Lake River

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.3%

Also Offers

26.2M

USATF Certified Course

CA25023TEB · 2025 Humboldt Bay Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Standout78
Methodology
Heritage16/20

8 years running

Size11/15

~142 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

22% returning runners

Course & details15/15

USATF certified · 3 timing sources · 6 photos

National draw0/10

runners from 1 state

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:16:33

Weather8/10

typical high 65°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

53°

Afternoon (High)

65°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.0"

Precipitation

8 mph

Wind

90%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 1,140 finishers actually crossed the line across 8 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

1,140

Median time

2:05:05

Latest turnout

142

States

20

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:104:35

Turnout by year

20152025

'15'16'17'18'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Humboldt Bay Marathon?

The Humboldt Bay Marathon is held on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Where does the Humboldt Bay Marathon take place?

It takes place in Eureka, California.

What distances does the Humboldt Bay Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M.

Is the Humboldt Bay Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Humboldt Bay Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Humboldt Bay Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 1,140 runners who have completed the Humboldt Bay Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

Explore More Journeys

Can't make it to Eureka? Discover other experiences that match your running style.

Search All Races

Nearby States