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

Jennifer

Chicago, Illinois, United States
3 4
2017
"The Most Beautiful Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Jennifer 's thoughts:

I am in love with this race! The scenery is unbelievable. I would love to go back if I get the chance.

The Expo is tight - I would get there early. Also don't forget to pick up your ticket for the start line bus while you are there. (This wasn't clear in emails leading up to race day.)

We drove the course the day beforehand and I was glad to get some pictures so I wouldn't feel like I had to stop during the race. We also spent some time at the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, which I recommend! We missed 17 Mile Drive - a scenic drive that's on my list for next time! We had a great pre-race dinner at Palucca Trattoria in Monterrey.

Race Day! We had perfect weather - 60s and sunny, but I know this isn't always the case. The bus to the start area is early but if you're coming from the Central or Eastern time zones, it's not that bad. I had heard that waiting around at the start would be cold and miserable, but you can wait until the last minute to toss throwaways and/or toss your bag into the gear check truck, so it was fine. There is a staggered start based on pace - the waves are not assigned ahead of time, so look for the pace signs. I didn't realize this and missed out on running with/near a pace group. The first 5 - 6 miles are fairly flat and then it just gets hillier and hillier from there :) There are definitely not as many spectators as big city races, but the great aid station volunteers and musicians, not to mention the scenery, are enough to keep you motivated! Although not as long as the hills in the first half of the race, the hills in the last 6 miles were the toughest for me, so don't let your guard down too soon. You'll also start coming up on the 10.6 Mile runners and walkers - I had to do a little bit more weaving than my tired legs were up for at that point in the race. Other than that, the race is incredible.

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