BSIM was my first marathon on the west coast and I enjoyed every moment (hills included!). It was special for me, as it was my first in-person marathon since 2014. … MORE
BSIM was my first marathon on the west coast and I enjoyed every moment (hills included!). It was special for me, as it was my first in-person marathon since 2014. I’ve completed a few virtual marathons during the pandemic, but it does compare to live races. Considering BSIM hasn’t been in-person in over 1000 days, honestly you couldn’t tell. It was well organized from the expo, the race logistics, and the post race village. Mostly importantly, the scenery throughout the race is absolutely amazing! If you’re like me, you’ll have a slower time from all the photos along the way. Needless to say I highly recommend running Big Sur!
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Big Sur Is A Must!
BSIM was my first marathon on the west coast and I enjoyed every moment (hills included!). It was special for me, as it was my first in-person marathon since 2014. … MORE
BSIM was my first marathon on the west coast and I enjoyed every moment (hills included!). It was special for me, as it was my first in-person marathon since 2014. I’ve completed a few virtual marathons during the pandemic, but it does compare to live races. Considering BSIM hasn’t been in-person in over 1000 days, honestly you couldn’t tell. It was well organized from the expo, the race logistics, and the post race village. Mostly importantly, the scenery throughout the race is absolutely amazing! If you’re like me, you’ll have a slower time from all the photos along the way. Needless to say I highly recommend running Big Sur!
Big Hills + Big Beauty = Big Sur!
The word “epic” can get over-used, but the Big Sur International Marathon? EPIC! Epic hills, epic beauty, an epic, unforgettable run. Expo / pick-up: -The expo and packet pick-up was … MORE
The word “epic” can get over-used, but the Big Sur International Marathon? EPIC! Epic hills, epic beauty, an epic, unforgettable run.
Expo / pick-up:
-The expo and packet pick-up was conveniently located at the Monterey Conference Center in downtown Monterey, just across the street from the Monterey Marriott, and a block or two away from Fisherman’s Wharf. Masks were required upon entry, and the organizers handed out free N95 masks at the entrance. Very nice. Race bibs and shuttle bus tickets were distributed in one ballroom, while shirt pick-up and merch sales were in a larger, adjoining conference hall. If you pre-ordered merch online (*raises hand*), there was a separate table just for that, helping you avoid the LONG check-out lines. If you visit the expo on Saturday, there’s also a series of race clinics providing tips on racing the course, health/nutrition, and running in general.
Parking/drop-off:
-Highway 1 is closed to all traffic the morning of the marathon, so all racers were required to take free shuttle buses to reach the start line, with scheduled departures between 3:30 am and 4 am (!). My 3:45 shuttle departure time from Downtown Monterey meant a super early morning alarm and breakfast. Oof! 😅 Masks were required for the bus trip, and volunteers were once again handing out free masks at the pick-up point. Once you’re aboard, everyone pretty much settles in for a snooze—there’s not much else to see or do during the hour-long, pitch-black trip down Highway 1 to the Big Sur Station start area.
Pre-race:
-The Starting Area at Big Sur Station was a crowded, no-frills setup. Water (hot and not) and coffee were available, but no snacks or bananas if you’re counting on that. Seating was also very limited. I ended up sitting my behind on the cold pavement in the parking lot for a few hours. The number of porta-potties was just barely enough, but the lines got VERY long as we got closer to the start time, and the cramped space meant the lines would tangle confusingly. Given the cold morning weather, almost every racer took advantage of gear check. Gear check was available at two separate locations, one closer to the parking lot, and one closer to the VIP area. It felt like the entire start area was more cramped than it needed to be, especially with the number of racers that morning, but it ultimately wasn’t a big deal. The announcers did a good job of getting us hyped as we approached the scheduled start time.
Course:
-Emoji course review: 🙂🌲🌊😍⛰🥁😣🌉🎹😄🌊😍😓⛰😣🍓☺⛰😖😐😨⛰😒😤🏃♂️🏁🎖😂😃
Miles 1-5: The exciting burst out of the Big Sur Station starting chute is immediately followed by an easygoing downhill ramble north on Highway 1. The crowds don’t disperse as quickly as they might in other races because Highway 1’s two lanes are narrower. It’s a pleasant run among tall redwood trees. The morning air is crisp and the constant shade gives you a gentle chance to get used to the tight groups of runners. There aren’t the usual huge crowds of roadside supporters, but as you pass by campgrounds, gas stations, and schools, the locals do show up to cheer you on.
Miles 5-10: A little past Mile 5, grassy fields emerge with cows grazing warily, hefty green hills rise on your right, and you begin to catch sight of the Pacific Ocean on your left. With no more trees to shield you, the wind picks up. A series of rolling hills kick in, pushing you upwards, and it feels like the real race is finally beginning! The impressive Point Sur Lighthouse, sitting atop a giant lump of rock, is quite eye-catching at around Mile 9. But it’s nothing compared to the sight of Hurricane Point, looming in the distance. Hurricane Point is one of the most infamous landmarks of the Big Sur Marathon, and what’s intimidating is that Highway 1 approaches the monstrous hill from a perpendicular angle, so you can see the shadowy ascent in all its glory from miles away. Then the course swerves right for a downhill dip at Mile 9.5, giving you a half mile reprieve so you can anticipate the big hill that’s just about to come. It’s the anticipation that builds dread.
Miles 10-15: The climb! Hurricane Point is tough! 500 feet of elevation over 2 miles is no joke! And it can feel slightly overwhelming. But because every former runner and every race review mentions it, and because you’ve already been eyeing that hill for more than 10 minutes, you somehow feel mentally prepared. Halfway up, the sound of taiko drums is a welcome encouragement, and help you kick into another gear. You gotta really keep pushing to reach the peak at Mile 12, but conquering that hill feels wonderful! It’s an exhilarating downhill run for almost 2 miles after as you leave behind the dark shadows of Hurricane Point. Your legs feel good, sunlight returns, and the ocean views are spectacular. You have to stop for selfies with the iconic Bixby Bridge at around Mile 13, then enjoy the playful tunes of the Piano Man and his shiny Yamaha piano right after crossing the bridge. 🎹
Miles 15-20: The breathtaking scenery just doesn’t end. You get mile after mile of rocky cliffs, crashing waves, and blue-gray waters as far as the eye can see. The rugged terrain of Garrapata State Park accompanies you on your left and right. You just might zone out and achieve quiet serenity. It’s a blur of beauty, but all that comes at a cost of rolling hills: ups and downs, ups and downs, relentlessly sapping your energy. Your eyes are happy, but your legs are heavy.
Miles 20-25: The course slowly veers away from the water and winds back towards civilization. Houses sprout up here and there. You enter the Carmel Highlands and its extremely banked roads, giving your feet another tricky obstacle to conquer. At this point, you’re tired of the constant changes in verticality, so why not throw in some lateral challenges as well! Local crowd support ticks up around here, thankfully. You’ll need all the help you can get as you continue tackling hills like the ones near Yankee Point near Mile 22. All the minor elevation gains around here take a tough toll on your quads and feet, and this stretch might be the toughest of the course. It’s for this reason that the Dole strawberries around Mile 23 are the sweetest, most delicious strawberries you’ll ever taste in your life. I swear they’re juicy red drops of pure heaven just when you think you’re on death’s doorstep. These babies zapped my leg cramps and gave me a better boost than any Gu packet ever has!
Miles 25-Finish: Looking at the course elevation map, I knew there were a series of hills towards the end of the race. The problem is that there are so many that you lose track of when the next big one kicks in. Just when I thought I was clear, the final hill at Mile 25 seemed to emerge out of nowhere. With a gain of less than 100 feet, the hill is a small fraction of bigger hills earlier in the course, but its location is masterfully designed to crush what remaining legs and spirit you have left. This is the first time I’ve ever audibly groaned in frustration during any race. I glanced at the hill, then at my watch, did some quick math, and saw my goal time slipping away. 😫 It takes an exhausting push to make it to the top, and I coasted on the downhill momentum for quite a bit. And then… the finish line! The end of the course came sooner than expected, and I love when you can see the finish line and hear cheering crowds from a distance. After so many miles on a quiet race, the sound of rowdy cheering is so rewarding. It gave me a huge mental boost and propelled me into a strong final sprint!
Scenery/Weather/Support:
-Highway 1 is renowned for its gorgeous coastal scenery, and getting to experience it on foot is an amazing experience. Yes, the hills are grueling, and the support crowds are minimal, but the course is so magnificent that nothing else matters. I didn’t even notice that I forgot to turn on my headphones until Mile 14—that’s how overwhelming it is. I also liked the hand-painted mile-markers featuring locals, sponsors, and random characters. It added a quirky, home-made feel to the race! The course is notoriously windy, and there were certainly moderate to strong gusts, but it was manageable. Temperatures began in the low 50s at the Big Sur Station start, and reached around 60 F at the Carmel Crossroads finish.
Having only run prior marathons with 20+ stations, I was initially worried about the course only having 11 aid stations, but this was just the right amount given race day conditions. There was plenty of water and Gatorade Endurance, as well as Gu and fruit at later stations. This year, the race organizers also partnered with HydraPak to promote a cup-less race for those willing to participate. The first 4,000 runners pledging to race cup-less were given reusable HydraPak SpeedCups at the expo to use instead of single-use paper cups at each aid station. I was worried how this would work in practice, but there were multiple volunteers at each aid station with wide-mouth pitchers ready to refill your cups. For a race like Big Sur, this is a fantastic way to reduce paper waste and encourage sustainability.
Post-race:
-After you cross the finish line, celebrate with your awesome medal and smile for the MarathonFoto photographers ready to snap your picture. The immediate finishing chute provides you with water, Gatorade, and bananas for a quick refreshment. Once you navigate into the finisher tent, you can pick up a cardboard tray filled with a bagel, chocolate milk, banana, apple, orange, potato chips, and an oatmeal cookie. Delicious! I love it when races pre-package the snacks and give you something to hold all those snacks. Of course there’s also a beer garden, hot soup, and merchandise for sale at the finish festival. I love that the finish area is set in the Crossroads Carmel shopping center. It means there are plenty of lunch options, and also plenty of parking for friends and family.
Swag:
-The marathon race shirt was a long-sleeve tech shirt in light olive/sea foam green. It featured the race logo on the back, accompanied by a whale. I believe the other race distances (21-miler, 11-miler, etc.) had similar shirts, but featuring different animals (dolphin, otter, etc.). The finisher medal is quite unique! Instead of the typical shiny metal disc, the Big Sur Marathon medal is made of baked clay, with what looks like a wooden carving of a sunset across the Bixby Bridge. All the medals are apparently hand-made, and the Big Sur logo is hand-painted in blue. The medal is then looped with a leather cord. I love this medal so much, and it perfectly matches the nature-first vibes of the marathon. I have no experience with clay medals, so I do worry about durability against scratches and falls, but I’m doing my best to cherish it!
The Bottom Line:
-The Big Sur Marathon is epic beyond belief. It’s a grand, gorgeous, and memorable. It’s a special, special race. Run it if you get a chance—I still can’t believe that I got to do this!
Stunning course, plenty of hills!
I've run most of the other distances on this course, and know that it is super stunning! This was my first marathon here, and I was participating in the Boston … MORE
I’ve run most of the other distances on this course, and know that it is super stunning! This was my first marathon here, and I was participating in the Boston to Big Sur challenge. The expo was great, very organized. Easy pickup of bibs, swag and bus passes. I thought getting on a bus at 4 am for a 630 start was a bit too early. Even with the drive down Hwy 1, there was a longer wait time at the start than I would have liked. The waiting area at the start was, honestly, a disaster. Way too many runners in a small space, completely disorganized. There were lots of Portos, but no way to tell who was lined up for which one. Hot coffee was available (did not know that ahead of time), but finding it and getting to it was like being in a mosh pit at a concert. There were no tents or areas to stay warm, so you had to bring extra “disposable” clothing in order not to freeze. Everything else was perfect! Start line, announcing, mile markers, aid stations! Amazing volunteers, excited runners, fantastical views. Finish line area was nice, plenty of water and snacks. B2B tent was wonderful with hot food and cold drinks. Ceramic medals are my favorite! (I have 7 or 8 now!).
Gorgeous course; fantastic production
The views along this course are unbeatable. The elevation gain offered a bit of a challenge, but the entertainment along the way and the aid stations every 2 miles made … MORE
The views along this course are unbeatable. The elevation gain offered a bit of a challenge, but the entertainment along the way and the aid stations every 2 miles made the 26.2 miles go by so quickly. I enjoyed every minute of this course. What a great community!
I loved this race and was very well orga
The drive up there in the morning is beautiful you don't see anything until you start actually you have to start the run and where they start the run it's … MORE
The drive up there in the morning is beautiful you don’t see anything until you start actually you have to start the run and where they start the run it’s just as beautiful and the people are very very nice.Everybody’s really friendly and ready to go and then you keep pushing through and then you see the Bixby bridge and you know you’re halfway there quit there and And it’s very difficult but it is so worth to do the training and the time. The volunteers who come out are amazing that share you on there’s such positive light and one thing I really love is the signs. They’re so whimsical and they’re so practical as they hit each mile.. I recurged everybody to try this race You’ll find it it’s amazing thing to do. And the people in Monterey could not be more helpful and more considered of this race they get up they spend time with you it’s well organized
Dare I say--a perfect race
I had very high expectations for this race. Those expectations were vastly exceeded. Nearly two weeks later, I'm still savoring my own mental mile-by-mile review of the race. Whenever I … MORE
I had very high expectations for this race. Those expectations were vastly exceeded. Nearly two weeks later, I’m still savoring my own mental mile-by-mile review of the race. Whenever I see an automobile ad and some car is zipping over the Bixby Bridge, I feel a pang of joy and longing. A perfect day, and the perfect race.
Exhilarating! A true classic.
After 2 years of anticipation, this marathon was well worth the wait! It's not every day you get to have the opportunity to run on Highway 1. This is a … MORE
After 2 years of anticipation, this marathon was well worth the wait! It’s not every day you get to have the opportunity to run on Highway 1. This is a challenging marathon given the relentless hills and the overall elevation gain but worth the effort as the views of the ocean and the natural beauty of Big Sur are awe inspiring and stay with you long after the race is done. It was a surreal experience to be running with several thousand other runners on Highway 1 with live classical music drifting on the wind as you approach Bixby Bridge. This is definitely a marathon that you experience rather than focusing on getting to the finish line.
Also, this is a very well organized race. There are frequent e-mails about what to plan for and what to expect on race weekend so that you are well informed prior to arriving in Monterey. Transportation to the start of the race on race day also went smoothly. Dress warm as it gets cold at that time of the morning in Big Sur! I recommend gloves and/or dressing in a plastic garbage bag. Also, it can get quite windy when you approach the ocean, so much so that it can feel like aqua jogging.
In essence, this is a fantastic, beautiful and challenging marathon and I would run it every year if I could. Well worth it!
Tough yet serene, and bring a poncho
I will try to do this race again in my lifetime, two more times if I'm lucky. It is so beautiful - I took lots of pictures and they don’t … MORE
I will try to do this race again in my lifetime, two more times if I’m lucky. It is so beautiful – I took lots of pictures and they don’t do it justice. As such, I did not pay attention to how fast I was going – that burned me big time. After by 6 miles you’re out of the forest and get blasted by the wind, and then double-whammy with the hills in the middle. Make sure you include hills in your training! The finisher’s medal is really nice, but swag otherwise was a big letdown: the long sleeve technical shirt was a light seagreen color and I wished it were a ‘safer’ color, like the blue of the shirt I ended up buying for $40 shirt. Also, I got a running cap for $43 after tax, which is crazy. The branding of Big Sur is expensive for the longer distances, hence my race swag score is very low. Plenty of ‘clearance’ items for the shorter distances. Other lessons learned: (1) aside from a hotel, book a restaurant reservation months out if you’re staying in Carmel – Carmel is not designed to house and feed thousands of extra people. They do their best, but reservations fill quick. We had to do delivery. (2) wear two additional layers plus a poncho to the start; it will be up to two hours after you arrive for the race to start. And if it rains…could be miserable, unless you camp in a port-a-potty! Haha! As such, you don’t need to be on the very first bus, but do show up on time. (3) hill training is essential (4) fly out two days before the race – getting from SFO can take longer than you may think (5) confirm where you stay has adequate parking – the Pine Inn did not
Beautiful and challenging course!
The course along the California coast was gorgeous. Definitely had plenty of breathtaking views throughout to keep you going. It was challenging with a lot of elevation changes and periods … MORE
The course along the California coast was gorgeous. Definitely had plenty of breathtaking views throughout to keep you going. It was challenging with a lot of elevation changes and periods of high wind and mist. Overall I enjoyed the race. It was fun to be able to see breathtaking views of the ocean from an iconic coastal road.
In order to get to the start, you have to leave Monterey before 4 in the morning by bus and travel to Big Sur 45 minutes away. Long line to get on the bus, so waited in line for at least 30 minutes before our bus time of 4 AM. There is a very small area for the start, and the bathrooms are highly condensed. Runners were packed in tight, so you had to step over some that were sleeping or sitting on the ground. It was very difficult to tell where any lines were for the bathrooms because of the crush of people. Ran out of coffee by the time I got through the bathroom line. They tried a reusable cup opt in to avoid wasting a lot of paper cups. I commend the effort, but there was only one person with a pitcher to fill the cup at two mile interval water stops. I missed the second one, so I started taking paper cups because I did not want to miss out on water. There must be a VIP option because we saw some runners with special VIP bags and swag and a whole tent just for VIP’s. It seems like the regular P’s were a bit of an afterthought.
Love the views!
Road was angled/slanted so my IT band and quads took most of the weight. Lots and lots of hills! So do a lot of hill training! Gets super windy and … MORE
Road was angled/slanted so my IT band and quads took most of the weight. Lots and lots of hills! So do a lot of hill training! Gets super windy and cold make sure u have something warm! But love the views! Had to stop and take lots of photos!
Stunning views and hills galore
This race is hands down one of the most scenic races you may ever experience in your lifetime. The race director is very approachable in regards to questions pertaining to … MORE
This race is hands down one of the most scenic races you may ever experience in your lifetime. The race director is very approachable in regards to questions pertaining to the race, and I have seen him out on the course cheering us on in past years. The volunteers are fantastic and help keep the race weekend running smoothly from everything pertaining to the expo, bus pickup, and the race itself. The views along the course are breathtaking and harder to appreciate when driving past in the car. It’s not often that Highway 1 will get shut down for runners to use. From the sounds of the Taiko drummers as you make the ascent up Hurricane point, to the soothing notes of Michael Martinez as he plays on the baby grand as you approach the infamous Bixby Bridge, and to some of the most delicious strawberries you will ever eat at mile 23.5, there are many miles of memories to be made on this spectacular course. Although the hills may seem relentless in the second half of this course and especially in the Carmel Highlands region, the pain is definitely worth it. I hope to return to run this marathon again the next chance I get.
Beautiful Run
This run has world class beauty. It would not be safe or desirable (breathing car fumes) to run the course on any other day of the year. Entering the race … MORE
This run has world class beauty. It would not be safe or desirable (breathing car fumes) to run the course on any other day of the year. Entering the race is the only way to enjoy the pleasure of running this 26.2 miles. It has been held for so many years that it consistently runs smoothly and supports the runners well.
Great Race!!!
One of my bucket list race. I grew up in California and have visited Big Sur many times. Being able to run a race at Big Sur is much different. … MORE
One of my bucket list race. I grew up in California and have visited Big Sur many times. Being able to run a race at Big Sur is much different. Enjoy the scenery and the time zoom by quickly.
Absolute Must-do!
If you do one marathon in your lifetime, do Big Sur! I don't repeat full marathons, but this was my second Big Sur and certainly not my last. Every detail … MORE
If you do one marathon in your lifetime, do Big Sur! I don’t repeat full marathons, but this was my second Big Sur and certainly not my last. Every detail is absolute perfection. The event is run like a well-oiled machine, the volunteers are among the best in the biz and the scenery….oh, the scenery! I have done 35+ marathons and no course comes close to the beauty of Big Sur! I love, love, love this race! Super unique medals and serious bragging rights for any finisher.
Amazing experience!
The most beautiful run with breathtaking views all along the way. Race entertainment is very intentional and well thought out. Very organized event. There are a lot of hills so … MORE
The most beautiful run with breathtaking views all along the way. Race entertainment is very intentional and well thought out. Very organized event. There are a lot of hills so make sure you train!
Big Sur is a major must!!
This race is tough, but so worth it!! And it’s totally PR-able, no matter what anyone tells you! This was my 3rd marathon and I PR’d by 13 mins!! The … MORE
This race is tough, but so worth it!! And it’s totally PR-able, no matter what anyone tells you! This was my 3rd marathon and I PR’d by 13 mins!! The view is breathtaking! This was the most organized race I’ve ever taken part in!!
Best Race Logistics besides the Scenery
Big Sur Marathon is known for its world class scenery. However, I was amazed by their race logistics. They have one of the best race logistics I've ever had besides … MORE
Big Sur Marathon is known for its world class scenery. However, I was amazed by their race logistics. They have one of the best race logistics I’ve ever had besides the well-known highway 1 scenery.
Big Sur Marathon deserves its reputation because of the following reasons:
1. Ample shuttle bus pickup locations on the race day. Regardless where you stay, you’ll probably get a shuttle bus pickup location within 10 mins of walking distance.
2. You can have your clothes on until the last min. Due to the chilly weather in CA in 4am morning time, you’ll probably need some clothes to warm yourself. And you are allowed to drop your gear check bag right before the race starts.
3. Ample fruity fruits available before/during/after the races. Besides bananas, you’ll also get oranges, apples, and even strawberries to support your nutritions. I’ve never seen these many fruits available for racers before!
4. Call your name when you enter the finish line. They will call your name JUST at the time when you pass the finish line. It’s amazing!
5. Super cute mile markers on every mile. You won’t get bored because of these mile markers!
Most Scenic Marathon I Ever Ran
Marathon was super scenic and was very well run. Weather was great but be prepared for some serious wind. 10/10 would definitely recommend. Buy swag early since they run out MORE
Marathon was super scenic and was very well run. Weather was great but be prepared for some serious wind. 10/10 would definitely recommend. Buy swag early since they run out quick.
Toughest time & the most beautiful time
Train with hills or rolling terrain. Second half is the toughest… Otherwise, enjoy the most amazing experience running the Ragged Edge of the western World MORE
Train with hills or rolling terrain. Second half is the toughest…
Otherwise, enjoy the most amazing experience running the Ragged Edge of the western World
Best Marathon Experience
Breathtaking views on scenic highway 1, Enchanted Taiko drummers, live Piano recital at Bixby Bridge, and festivity at the finish line were the highlights of my first Big Sur Marathon. MORE
Breathtaking views on scenic highway 1, Enchanted Taiko drummers, live Piano recital at Bixby Bridge, and festivity at the finish line were the highlights of my first Big Sur Marathon.