The Avenue of the Giants Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K

Amazing location, and great route. This run is located on Highway 254 in Northern California, otherwise known as the Avenue of the Giants, due to its location in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The half and marathon share half of the route, while the marathon has an additional out-and-back. You run along the 2-lane highway, with towering redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens and Sequoiadendron giganteum) on either side. The run is usually in the spring or fall, which can lead to very misty (and possibly rainy) starts, which adds to the beauty. The organizers themselves (Six Rivers Running Club in Humboldt) put on a very nice, low-key event. The start/finish line is near a sandbar where a lot of people park, though you can also park at the nearby campgrounds. Pre-covid they offered orange slices and water/electrolytes along the run; this year (2021) they just had water/electrolytes. Overall, it's an incredible experience, and I highly recommend it. I also recommend staying somewhere like Garberville (30 minutes south), there are a couple really pleasant inns there, and some nice restaurants to get a nice pre-race dinner in.