Modesto Marathon
The Modesto Marathon offers a flat, fast course with a unique Graffiti Classic Car theme and community focus.
Race Date
Apr 4, 2027
Location
Modesto, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, April 4, 2027
- Location
- Modesto, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 10K, 5K, 13.1 Miles, 26.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 13,400
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Modesto Marathon, now in its 14th year, is a popular Northern California race known for its flat and fast certified course, making it a prime spot for personal bests and Boston Marathon qualifying attempts. Runners can expect a short drive from major hubs like San Francisco and Sacramento, with recent editions seeing around 700 finishers, a growing field size, and a loyal following with about 24% of participants returning.
This event also stands out with its annual Graffiti Classic Car theme, promising a unique atmosphere with added cars and entertainment. Beyond the race itself, the Modesto Marathon supports the Teens Run Modesto program, aiming to inspire local youth through goal-setting, character development, and physical fitness.
Runners can choose from a marathon, half marathon, 10K, or 5K, all designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering a competitive challenge. The typical race-day weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to 70°F, ideal for racing.
Race-provided description
2026 here we come! The Grafitti Classic Car theme will be back again with more cars and more entertainment. Visit our website for event details. Our Cause Proceeds benefit the Teens Run Modesto program, which challenges area youth, especially those at-risk, to experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring, and improved physical fitness through a structured training program culminating in the running and completion of the Modesto Marathon.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, April 4, 2027
Start Time
7:00 AM
Start Location
M St. and 11th St., Modesto, CA, 95354
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.7%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
CA23020DT · Modesto Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8114 years running
~636 finishers a year
growing or steady
24% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:13:02
typical high 70°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
46°
Afternoon (High)
70°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.0"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
60%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 13,400 finishers actually crossed the line across 14 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
13,400
Median time
2:16:53
Latest turnout
701
States
13
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Modesto Marathon?
The Modesto Marathon is held on Sunday, April 4, 2027, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Modesto Marathon take place?
It takes place in Modesto, California.
What distances does the Modesto Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 10K, 5K, 13.1 Miles, 26.1 Miles.
Is the Modesto Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Modesto Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Modesto Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 13,400 runners who have completed the Modesto Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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