I signed up for the Big Sur because a friend invited me to run with them, and then they did not run it. I had no idea of all of … MORE
I signed up for the Big Sur because a friend invited me to run with them, and then they did not run it. I had no idea of all of the beauty and charm that I was in for. The race was awesome, the hills were intense, the heat was a factor, and at times I was very cold. All that said, it was for sure one of the top 10 marathons I have done. The piano player out on the course was pretty crazy!
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Big Sur is as beautiful as they say!
I signed up for the Big Sur because a friend invited me to run with them, and then they did not run it. I had no idea of all of … MORE
I signed up for the Big Sur because a friend invited me to run with them, and then they did not run it. I had no idea of all of the beauty and charm that I was in for. The race was awesome, the hills were intense, the heat was a factor, and at times I was very cold. All that said, it was for sure one of the top 10 marathons I have done. The piano player out on the course was pretty crazy!
Unrelentingly beautiful and difficult!
I did the Big Sur Marathon as part of the Boston 2 Big Sur challenge. It was quite pricey to do it, but I figured it was a once in … MORE
I did the Big Sur Marathon as part of the Boston 2 Big Sur challenge. It was quite pricey to do it, but I figured it was a once in a lifetime thing and Big Sur was my bucket list marathon. If I was going to train for a spring marathon in the Wisconsin winter then I might as well run two of them.
Logistics for the race are a big rough, with the super early morning shuttle (3:30 am). I was staying in Pacific Grove and there was a shuttle location at a nearby mall that was more convenient than the downtown shuttle. Pacific Grove is a wonderful place to stay if you don’t want to be downtown, a lot of cute restaurants and there is a beautiful beach and a walking path.
Make sure you get a shuttle ticket at packet pickup, if you don’t have it they will make you wait until the last shuttle and you will only be allowed on if there is room. It sounded like there was an issue with tickets running out for certain shuttle locations but I was not affected by that.
So you’re dumped off at the start of the race, in a park and in the dark well before race start. I had picked up a blanket at a thrift store and I lay down on a garbage bag to wait for the start of the race. About an hour before the race start I lined up to use the porta potties. The lines were crazy and not organized. I almost missed the race start! There were people opting to use the woods, which they had not recommended due to poison ivy.
The first part of the race was in the woods, then you are along the coast for most of the rest of the race. It was crazy windy on the day of the race, up to 30 mph winds at Hurricane point. Aptly named. I had decided to take my time, take photos, and just enjoy the race. My left knee started hurting, which has never happened to me while running. I suspect it may have been due to the camber of the road.
The race has great energy, nice volunteers, a lot of entertainment on the course as well as the spectacular scenery. So hilly! It’s definitely a challenge and I would recommend the race for anyone that wants a tough marathon. 🙂 The Boston 2 Big Sur swag was okay, not great. The jacket was very thin, it’s a Rabbit brand jacket so it’s decent quality. Just seemed a little on the flimsy side for a “celebration” jacket.
Incredible scenery; blustery winds
I took part in the 2023 BSIM in the Boston-2-Big Sur Challenge. Several other runners from my hometown also came out to this race, so it was a fabulous weekend. … MORE
I took part in the 2023 BSIM in the Boston-2-Big Sur Challenge. Several other runners from my hometown also came out to this race, so it was a fabulous weekend. Logistics were handled well, meaning we could walk from our hotel to the shuttle pick-up area to take us to the start of the race.
As soon as we hit the ocean views on Hwy 1, winds of 20+ mph hit us in the face with stronger gusts seeming to come at aptly-named Hurricane Point. It was a challenge to get through to the end but it was all the sweeter to finish and conquer marathons on two coasts within two weeks of each other!
100% worth it
Run this race. Although the rolling hills are killer, the views, the production, and everything in between make this race worth it. Keep in mind that the race is A … MORE
Run this race. Although the rolling hills are killer, the views, the production, and everything in between make this race worth it.
Keep in mind that the race is A to B so you are required to board a bus to the start line at about 4:45am.
If you haven't, you must!
You have to go into this for fun! It's a fairly tough course, with hills and guaranteed headwinds! The entertainment, camaraderie and amazing volunteers make you wanting it to be … MORE
You have to go into this for fun! It’s a fairly tough course, with hills and guaranteed headwinds! The entertainment, camaraderie and amazing volunteers make you wanting it to be another 5 miles or so! Probably no other marathon I have run has as much ‘friendship’ and support from the runners. Every aspect from Expo, preparation, to post run food/entertainment is first class! Second time was even more enjoyable than first….
Definitely will run it again
The most impressive race in my life, especially the mile 10-12, thanks for the scenery view and strong wind at Hurricane Point!!! Definitely will run it again. I am now … MORE
The most impressive race in my life, especially the mile 10-12, thanks for the scenery view and strong wind at Hurricane Point!!!
Definitely will run it again. I am now considering to run Boston to Big Sur, a very special combined courses.
Look at my vlog of the full marathon course in Youtube https://youtu.be/Ygb52Rx7GU4
Beautiful race with wonderful volunteers
Not for the faint of heart - waking up at 3:30 to get the bus, huddling with other runners in the dark at the start in the cold and fog, … MORE
Not for the faint of heart – waking up at 3:30 to get the bus, huddling with other runners in the dark at the start in the cold and fog, the hills but even more than the hills, the vicious cant of the road that makes your IT band scream, the 30 mph headwind… but all of it worth it for those insanely beautiful views, the taiko drummers, piano at Bixby bridge, and the sweet volunteers all along the way! And really well organized especially given the remoteness of the event and the number of runners. Every year I swear i’ll never do it again and then by a week later I can’t wait for the next one!
Fresh MT. Air
After running few city marathons it was a pleasant change of scenery running alongside the beautiful western coastline. It was nice to see all the spectacles; drummers, piano man, and … MORE
After running few city marathons it was a pleasant change of scenery running alongside the beautiful western coastline.
It was nice to see all the spectacles; drummers, piano man, and all the volunteers and cheering…. Not to mention fresh fruits.
Difficult Race with Incredible Views
Big Sur was my first marathon I’ve ever run and it was both challenging yet unreal. The race was incredibly well run and I was blown away especially by the … MORE
Big Sur was my first marathon I’ve ever run and it was both challenging yet unreal. The race was incredibly well run and I was blown away especially by the amount of aid stations that were along the race. This is a major bucket list item and I hope to do this again soon!
Bucket list marathon
Every turn of this race had me gasping at the sheer beauty. I felt extremely grateful and privileged to be able to run this beautiful course. Hands down the most … MORE
Every turn of this race had me gasping at the sheer beauty. I felt extremely grateful and privileged to be able to run this beautiful course. Hands down the most challenging course I’ve ever raced, but worth it!
Wow 21miler
So spectacular!! Just be aware of the early start, potential headwind, and climbs. Nicely supported and gorgeous! I’d love to do this again and enter the marathon lottery MORE
So spectacular!! Just be aware of the early start, potential headwind, and climbs. Nicely supported and gorgeous! I’d love to do this again and enter the marathon lottery
Beautiful, tough, some logistical issues
The start sucks, but it’s worth it. They could really use better organization, especially for portapotties, during the 2 hr wait at the start. It’s gorgeous, but definitely something to … MORE
The start sucks, but it’s worth it. They could really use better organization, especially for portapotties, during the 2 hr wait at the start. It’s gorgeous, but definitely something to take slow and enjoy vs PR! Swag was a bit disappointing for me. My shirt has a misprint and the fit is quite weird as someone who usually doesn’t have fit issues.
Bucket List Race
This is an amazingly beautiful course with lots of hills!! About 2200 ft of vertical climbing over the course so be ready for hills. I was ready for the hills … MORE
This is an amazingly beautiful course with lots of hills!! About 2200 ft of vertical climbing over the course so be ready for hills. I was ready for the hills but, the wind was another story, 30mph headwinds from about mile 5 to mile 16. The wind was relentless!!!! Up hills wind in your face, down hills wind in your face, flat sections wind in your face WOW. This was one to get done and survive. If you can PR on this race more power to you. This was one of my slowest finish times but one of the most enjoyed marathons ever!!! I will def do it again to try to redeem myself 😉
A must do
The most beautiful race I've ever done! Organization, pick up expo, transportation (to the finish line and back to Monterey), finish line area, aid stations along the course, mile marker, … MORE
The most beautiful race I’ve ever done!
Organization, pick up expo, transportation (to the finish line and back to Monterey), finish line area, aid stations along the course, mile marker, all atractions along the course, the scenic venue, enthusiasm of staff…Every little detail is driven to a great experience.
I definitely will return and I highly recommend this race.
A Magical Experience
This was my first marathon and it has skewed my expectations for all other marathons. This marathon is absolutely breathtaking in its scenery, and being out on the road with … MORE
This was my first marathon and it has skewed my expectations for all other marathons. This marathon is absolutely breathtaking in its scenery, and being out on the road with just other runners and the views is perfect. The wind is vicious, and the hills are daunting, but they just enhance this entire experience. It is truly unique.
The aid stations are well run and the volunteers are so kind. Everything was very well organized, and the communication leading up to race day was very clear and informative. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to participate in this race, and for it to be my first marathon. I will be raving about this experience for the foreseeable future.
First time running this race
Outstanding race day logistics Plentiful aid stations along course Most scenic of any race I've done Knowledgeable staff of volunteers/very friendly MORE
Outstanding race day logistics
Plentiful aid stations along course
Most scenic of any race I’ve done
Knowledgeable staff of volunteers/very friendly
unforgettable course
big sur was everything i could have asked for for my first marathon!!! (except maybe all of the hills) the views were incredible the entire route and i loved all … MORE
big sur was everything i could have asked for for my first marathon!!! (except maybe all of the hills) the views were incredible the entire route and i loved all of the unique aspects throughout the race, like the piano @ the halfway point. the overall experience of running the big sur marathon was unforgettable
Very Disappointing
Overrated. They cater to those who pay for VIP experience. Chaotic start area, can't use bathroom. View the scenery in a car, and avoid this race. MORE
Overrated. They cater to those who pay for VIP experience. Chaotic start area, can’t use bathroom. View the scenery in a car, and avoid this race.
I think this might become a tradition…
So beautiful and peaceful. The course isn’t as hard as you think (I did the 11 miler). Very well organized, no hiccups on the race day that I noticed. There … MORE
So beautiful and peaceful. The course isn’t as hard as you think (I did the 11 miler). Very well organized, no hiccups on the race day that I noticed. There was infinite amount of fruit for the runners, amazing entertainment (drummers, guitarists, cheerleaders, multiple bands). Will be doing the marathon next year.
First of Many
This was my first Big Sur Marathon and I loved the entire experience. When I first began preparing for it, I didn't have much of a reason other than to … MORE
This was my first Big Sur Marathon and I loved the entire experience. When I first began preparing for it, I didn’t have much of a reason other than to check it off my bucket list. A few months into the prep, I was invited to be a part of the Relay For Rachael team in order to help fundraise for her care costs for the year. Rachael is a paraplegic that hosts fundraising events through the year to help pay for her costs of living and caregiving. This was a huge motivator for me, it gave me a bigger purpose for running other than just checking a race off my bucket list. It was such a pleasure to participate in the entire event. The harsh part for me was that J injured my achilles the Monday before the race, it was a week of healing and icing. The Saturday before the race I woke up sick with sore throat and coughing, this was not going to stop me, I prepared for too long to stop and not complete what I promised Rachael I would do. I ran it sick and with an injured achilles, which luckily didn’t bother me until mile 21, and the most important part, I had a blast running the most beautiful highway in the west coast ! I am super excited to prepare for it again next year !!