Big Sur International Marathon

Big Sur International Marathon

Big Sur International Marathon

( 33 reviews )
96% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Carmel,
    California,
    United States
  • April
  • 10 miles, 26.2 miles/Marathon, Relay, Other
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Brenda Morris

Massachusetts, United States
59 56
2019
"The Most Beautiful Road Marathon in the U.S. ; Big Sur International Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Brenda Morris's thoughts:

My 3rd time running Big Sur Marathon, and its always as sweet as the last time. I have to pinch myself at the beautiful views! It's hard to explain and pictures just don't do justice, you have to experience this one for yourself. Every runner should put this one on their list. What's wonderful is there's so many distances and relay to choose from.
I arrived Thursday and participated in the Fleet Feet Pub Run, which was so much fun. I met up with other runners and we tried the new GU products, had a nice run and walked over to the Brewery where we enjoyed a free drink of choice, pizza and ice cream. It was great to socialize with other enthusiastic runners.
Friday I went to the Expo which is always a great time. I also went to the Run Tech Happy Hour and met up with more people, and learned about some new running apps. Bib and T-shirt pickup was quick and easy. I walk over, but there's plenty of parking on the street and in lots.
Saturday I participated in the Shake Out Run, so much fun. Afterwards, oatmeal and coffee at Fleet Feet again. I returned to the Expo to attend the 1:00 & 2:00 Seminars, both amazing and inspirational. There's so much fun all weekend long, plus gorgeous views and other activities to do with family and friends.

Sunday Funday, I was up at 2:30 to get the 3:00am bus to the start line. All went smoothly, the start was nice and comfortable, previous years much colder. You wait about 1.5 hours to start, but its fun. There's coffee, bagels, fruit, and plenty of porta johns. Although, it was unorganized and it took 40 minutes.

The course: OH My God! SO many photos! LOL Every time I say, I won't take so many photos, but its such a beautiful and fun run. Weather was perfect for me. In the 40's-50's without sun.

There are 11 aid stations on the course. All stations feature Gatorade Endurance first, then water. Refill stations for those with their own bottles are located at the end of every other station. Fruit at all stations starting at mile 10.4. GU located at the stations near mile 12 and near mile 18. There was bins for energy gel packets and cups at each station. There was portable toilets located at each aid station. Each station also had medical personnel with minor first aid supplies.

Post PARTY! I went right to the Hoka tent for the Normatec boots! Whenever I see them, I wait in line. If you haven't tried them yet, you should. Amazing! Then off to the Minestrone Soup. I didn't eat anything in the box of food they gave me, the soup was perfect. I also didn't have any free post beer, I went into Starbucks for a nice hot tea and changed my clothes and on to the bus. I had plans for post cookout with friends.
I can't say enough about this wonderful event!
If I had to find a negative thing, it would be to have the porto johns more organized, with ropes or volunteers to have individual lines vs. the chaotic long lines that didn't make sense. Also, I was a little disappointed in the shirt quality/color/style and heard a bunch of other runners say that, but you can never please everyone. I think it's compared to the previous Asics quality.

I HIGHLY recommend this race to everyone! Bring the family, friends or go solo and meet new friends... There's so much so see and do in Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur.

#BSIMBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #BSIM #marathon

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