This is a MUST DO, bucket list marathon!

The scenery is top notch, unlike any other race I've done. It is a point to point marathon that mostly runs along scenic CA highway 1.

Some key points about Big Sur:
- It is HILLY! With approximately 2,500’ elevation loss and ~2,200’ elevation gain, with a 2.2 mile uphill climb at mile 10 (this is the infamous Hurricane Point).
- EARLY A.M. START since you must be driven by bus to the start. Most bus pick ups are in the 4:00-4:30 a.m. range.
The TaikoDrummers at mile 10 are a great send-off as you begin your ascent up Hurricane Point (2.2 mile climb). You can hear them as you approach/leave that section, and it puts some much needed pep in your step.
- There are many rolling hills in last four miles with some steep climbs, and you will feel it.
- VERY limited CELL COVERAGE throughout the race; almost non-existent until the last few miles. Have friends/family track you as you won’t be able to contact them until late in race. The tracked markers are: miles 5, 9.8, 13.1, 15.6, 17, 22, 24, and the finish.
- FINISHER MEDALLION – is awesome; handcrafted by the same individual (Kathleen Kelly) since Big Sur Marathon’s inception 31 years ago. Composed of clay, they are breakable, so be careful!
- AID STATIONS: There are only 11 aid stations, which is fewer than some other marathons. There are porta-potties at each of these stations (plus where the relay exchanges occur). You may want to consider bringing your own hydration storage (vest, belt)!
- Note, the marathon only had three corrals (A/B/C), with first corral starting at 6:45 a.m., and then each corral five minutes apart.
- SIGHTSEEING: I do recommend driving Hwy 1 the day prior to the race if possible. It is beautiful, and it gives you a better sense of what you’re “in for” on race day. There are many places to stop, and see along the drive. However, Big Sur is becoming increasingly popular; get out EARLY if you want to see these two great destinations: McWay Falls @ Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Pfeiffer Beach where you can see purple sand!
- Race EXPO: Fairly compact, but nice with lots of race merchandise. We went on both Friday and Saturday, and Saturday was much more crowded. Plenty of official merchandise remained on Saturday, but last minute race needs (GU, blocks, etc.) were scarce.
- The official RACE HOTEL, Portola Hotel, is very nice, and if I run BIg Sur again, I likely will book there. It is centrally located in Monterey, where you can walk to shops and restaurants, and easily walk to the bus for race transportation. The race expo is in the adjacent Monterey Conference Center. It is more expensive, and sells out fairly quickly, so move fast if you plan to book there.
- RACE LOGISTICS: While the race is exceptional in so many ways, you must know this is NOT an event where friends or family will be able to watch you on the course. The vast majority of the course is closed, leaving only the finish to race watch. Yet, the finish line also is not exactly easily accessible either, due to limited parking options. If family/friends want to see you finish, advise them to leave with ample time to find parking.

IMPORTANT: My last tip is to remember to take photos!! TURN AROUND and look what’s behind you – you’d be amazed, especially when you get to peaks of a climb!

Lastly, this is not a marathon you can skimp on training, or you can, if you’re agreeable to having a very uncomfortable race!

I hope you have the opportunity to run at Big Sur! Keep in mind if you don't want to do the marathon, there are other race options (marathon relay, 5K, 12K, 11 miler and 21 miler)!