2026 Monterey Bay Mapathon and Half
The 2026 Monterey Bay Mapathon takes place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Jewell Park Picnic Area in Pacific Grove, California. Participants can expect typical spring coastal weather for Pacific Grove, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit and a moderate chance of morning fog or light drizzle clearing to partly cloudy skies by afternoon. This mixed-terrain navigation adventure, organized by Terraloco, invites teams of one to five to explore the Monterey Peninsula using a custom 1:15,000 scale map to locate checkpoints and answer multiple-choice questions, blending orienteering-style challenges with scenic highlights like Cannery Row and the Pacific Grove coastline.
What is the event format?
The Monterey Bay Mapathon is a navigation-based adventure where teams of 1–5 use a custom map to find checkpoints marked with circles. At each checkpoint, participants answer a simple multiple-choice question before moving on. It is not a traditional race but a mapathon combining orienteering-style navigation with exploration of the Monterey Peninsula’s historical and scenic sites.
What distances and divisions are available?
- →Full Mapathon: 26.2 miles with approximately two dozen checkpoints
- →Half Mapathon: 13.1 miles with approximately one dozen checkpoints
Format divisions: Foot only, or Bike + Foot (Marathon only)
Gender divisions: Women, Men, Mixed
Age divisions: Junior, Open, Masters (average age 40+), Family
Are e-bikes allowed?
E-bikes are permitted in the Bike division, but results will be separated into two categories: regular bikes and electric-assist bikes.
What are the course details?
The course uses a custom 1:15,000 scale map. Checkpoints are indicated by circles, and participants must navigate to the center of each circle to answer a multiple-choice question. There is one aid station along the route. For the Foot+Bike division, not all checkpoints are accessible by bike, so bringing a locking device is recommended.
What is the event schedule?
- →09:00 AM — Check-in opens, maps available
- →09:45 AM — Event briefing
- →10:00 AM — Start
- →05:30 PM — Courses close
Post-event: Snacks, drinks, and socializing at the finish
What are the entry fees?
- →Full Mapathon (26.2 miles): $100 regular / $50 students & juniors
- →Half Mapathon (13.1 miles): $67 regular / $34 students & juniors
Day-of registration is available.
What gear is recommended?
- →Closed-toed shoes
- →Hat and sunblock
- →Rain gear (event runs rain or shine)
- →Bike lock (if joining the Foot+Bike division)
What is included in registration?
Registration includes a custom map, access to the course with checkpoints, one aid station, and post-event snacks and drinks.
Are there awards or prizes?
Awards are typically given for top placements in gender, age, and format divisions. Specific prize details are not provided in the event information.
What facilities are available at the venue?
The event venue is the Jewell Park Picnic Area in Pacific Grove, which offers open space for check-in, start, and finish activities. Post-event socializing occurs at the picnic area.
What should participants know about weather?
The event runs rain or shine. Participants should prepare for variable spring coastal weather in Pacific Grove, including potential morning fog or drizzle, by bringing appropriate layers and rain gear.