Monterey Bay Half Marathon
Monterey, CA
- Half Marathon, 5K, 3K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is an out-and-back course beginning in historic downtown Monterey, running along Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, and next to the beautiful Pacific Grove shoreline. The course features scenic views of waves crashing on rocky beaches, beautiful Victorian-era homes, and frequent sightings of aquatic life (whales, dolphins, sea … MORE
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Cream of the crop absolutely!
I would do this race as long as life allows me! Its just a perfectly executed race event. They have the entire thing dialed in and down to a science … MORE
I would do this race as long as life allows me! Its just a perfectly executed race event. They have the entire thing dialed in and down to a science so there is never an issue. The expo and packet pick-up is in the convention center not far from the wharf so you could spend a few hours in that area. Expo and shopping area is pretty big. I don’t think this year they had the big poster with everyone’s name on it, but they have in previous years and thats always fun to find your name.
Race morning, plenty of portapotties and good amount of space to warm-up. Its usually pretty cold but just bring a throw-away jacket.
The course is beautiful!! You run through Downtown Monterey, the tunnel with the dinosaur and music, Cannery Row, along the Asilomar coast, and the rec trail where this year we saw lots of sea lions. There is one big hill around mile 4, but its an equal drop in mile 5. Theres a sharp uphill in mile 11 or 12 coming back up from Cannery Row to the rec trail but its short and over quickly. Other than that, very minor elevation changes so the course is still PR-friendly. The crowd support is nice too! They have GU gels at one or maybe two spots on the course.
The finish line you get a box of snacks, and the ceramic medal is so unique and hand-painted! Theres photo spots and just a lot of room in general to meet back up with your family and hang out. Theres a beer garden (the line gets long the longer you wait), a PR bell, hot minestrone soup, and some merch. Finishing at the pier is just overall an amazing vibe and great for pictures and hanging out. I do not know how they could make this race any better, I think its perfect!
Beautiful and Simple Route!
The route along the oceanfront is just beautiful! Very easy all around with very little elevation change and awesome support along the entire route. MORE
The route along the oceanfront is just beautiful! Very easy all around with very little elevation change and awesome support along the entire route.
Jaw dropping views & perfect climate
As a first time half marathon runner I wanted to run in a beautiful place, Monterey Bay Half Marathon exceeded my expectations. The weather was 10/10, the views 12/10, the … MORE
As a first time half marathon runner I wanted to run in a beautiful place, Monterey Bay Half Marathon exceeded my expectations. The weather was 10/10, the views 12/10, the event organizers 10/10! I can’t recommend this race enough.
Beautiful
Such gorgeous views on the out and back course. The aid stations are spaced Well and well staffed by volunteers. The beginning of race staging area had plenty of porta … MORE
Such gorgeous views on the out and back course. The aid stations are spaced Well and well staffed by volunteers. The beginning of race staging area had plenty of porta potties. Hand washing stations or sanitizer would have been nice
Beautiful, well organized race
Ocean views for most of the race, run through a tunnel, down cannery row and finish near fisherman's wharf. Nice box of snacks at the finish line. So much to … MORE
Ocean views for most of the race, run through a tunnel, down cannery row and finish near fisherman’s wharf. Nice box of snacks at the finish line. So much to do for the entire race weekend. Very well organized, great medals for both the 5k and half marathon. Pretty easy race but beware of a couple of hills, one in Pacific Grove and one leading up to the turn around point. Nicely organized corrals with gear check boxes at each corral. A bit of congestion getting to the corrals with people standing everywhere. 100% recommend and will be doing again.
Beautiful course!
The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is an excellent race for novices and experienced runners alike. Its location by the ocean and the time of year makes for great racing conditions … MORE
The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is an excellent race for novices and experienced runners alike. Its location by the ocean and the time of year makes for great racing conditions in that its temperature is cool enough to avoid any overheating or hydration issues. It’s a well-run event, with helpful, supportive people all along the way. This is my second time running it, and I intend to make it an annual event for me.
The most scenic 13.1
One of the most beautiful races as you run along the Monterey Bay with seals, sea lions and otters cheering you on from the water. This is my second time … MORE
One of the most beautiful races as you run along the Monterey Bay with seals, sea lions and otters cheering you on from the water. This is my second time running it and it was as amazing as I remembered it the first time. Very organized race, plenty of aid/water stations along the route, and beautiful weather both years. Highly recommend it!
Fun run on easy flat course
beautiful scenery, perfect running weather, fun, flat course with tons of entertainment, hydration, and support. Great option for a first half marathon. MORE
beautiful scenery, perfect running weather, fun, flat course with tons of entertainment, hydration, and support. Great option for a first half marathon.
Great first time course!
The scenery is stunning! Ran through cute downtown Monterey and Pacific Grove to start then tons of coastline. Well-organized race all around abs free beer at the finish! MORE
The scenery is stunning! Ran through cute downtown Monterey and Pacific Grove to start then tons of coastline. Well-organized race all around abs free beer at the finish!
Great First Race
This is a beautiful course filled with amazing volunteers that made my first half marathon experience super special. There are a few hills but nothing too brutal and the scenery … MORE
This is a beautiful course filled with amazing volunteers that made my first half marathon experience super special. There are a few hills but nothing too brutal and the scenery was a great distraction. My only criticism would be that the information runners are given about race day logistics could be more detailed. Shuttles are provided leaving from two different locations that morning but the description of where to find the shuttles is quite vague. As someone who grew up in the area it wasn’t a huge problem but I can see where it would be confusing for those traveling to Monterey for the race. Once arriving at the start line, everything was super well organized and the energy was fantastic!
Fantastic race! Great views!
Great half marathon, pretty flat course. Can't beat the views. Well organized event. From picking up the bib, race start, during the race, and after race all easy to find … MORE
Great half marathon, pretty flat course. Can’t beat the views. Well organized event. From picking up the bib, race start, during the race, and after race all easy to find and follow where to go.
We had perfect weather, was a little chilly before the sun came put but all to be expected.
Amazing views and very well organized!
This was a beautiful and very well organized race! Pretty flat, so I set a personal best. There were ample amounts of water stations and bathrooms along the course. The … MORE
This was a beautiful and very well organized race! Pretty flat, so I set a personal best. There were ample amounts of water stations and bathrooms along the course. The race expo was really well organized as well, and Monterey is a great town to spend a weekend 🙂 Highly recommend this race, I would love to do it again.
So worth it
Running around the corner of the Monterey peninsula with ocean crashing nearby, beautiful homes, and seals barking made me want to run for the beauty of the scenery. MORE
Running around the corner of the Monterey peninsula with ocean crashing nearby, beautiful homes, and seals barking made me want to run for the beauty of the scenery.
Beautiful Scenery and Good Energy
The views while running are spectacular, the post race snacks are great too! Along the route people played music, cheered and genuinely wished you well! Parking was easy but we … MORE
The views while running are spectacular, the post race snacks are great too! Along the route people played music, cheered and genuinely wished you well! Parking was easy but we got there over an hour early.
Love This Run!!
For me it’s all about the course and this is such a beautiful one. Love Monterey and love Pacific Grove so it’s just a happy place and makes for a … MORE
For me it’s all about the course and this is such a beautiful one. Love Monterey and love Pacific Grove so it’s just a happy place and makes for a perfect race!
Best half marathon - bucket list
This was the 4th time I've run this race and I will continue to run it for as long as my legs will allow! It's a beautiful run along a … MORE
This was the 4th time I’ve run this race and I will continue to run it for as long as my legs will allow! It’s a beautiful run along a stunning coastline. The volunteers and Foundation are top notch. The swag is great, with a really cool, coastal and hand crafted medal. I just can’t say enough. Oh, and there are some hills…just some.
The best half marathon in California
Gorgeous flat route along the ocean; very professional production; great expo; lots of food immediately post run; great band at post-race party MORE
Gorgeous flat route along the ocean; very professional production; great expo; lots of food immediately post run; great band at post-race party
Best Half Marathon In California!
The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is a great race. It has a stunning view and it's pretty solid. Here are some highlights/add ons: - I did the Ocean View Challenge … MORE
The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is a great race. It has a stunning view and it’s pretty solid. Here are some highlights/add ons:
– I did the Ocean View Challenge (5K on Saturday and Half on Sunday) and you can get up to 3 medals doing that (5K finisher, Half finisher, and Ocean View Challenge finisher)
– Pretty good for beginners. It’s an easy race to follow and there’s alot of people around. Lots of areas to stop too and not too much traffic.
– Only thing about it that I disliked was the sun. It gets really bright about 30 minutes into the start of the race and you run with your face in the sun the entire time running back
– Offers lots of drink stops and sports goo
The PERFECT race weekend
Wow! What started off as an itch in my brain to see if I could run a half marathon at the ripe 'ol age of 57, turned into the best … MORE
Wow! What started off as an itch in my brain to see if I could run a half marathon at the ripe ‘ol age of 57, turned into the best girls weekend imaginable. Fate created a space where the race fell on November 10th. For those uninitiated into the meaning of this hallowed date, it is the Marine Corps Birthday (Nov 10, 1775). Seven other women Marines with whom I had trained 35 years earlier thought it an auspicious date for us to get together as well. They came from all parts of the country – New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Colorado – to join me in my Monterey hometown. While not as young, with leaky bladders, screws in our knees, cancers in remission, and menopausal weight gain, we encouraged and supported each other through our virtual training sessions in the months leading up to the race. Those who could run or walk without further damaging our bodies, did so. The others chased us throughout the course and cheered us on. We had an absolute blast. The distance was harder than I had hoped, but I did better than I thought I would, and was so grateful for minimal hills. The entertainment and crowds along the course was motivating and encouraging. The homemade signs cracked me up, even when my knees were screaming at me. This is a great race – well organized with plenty of runner support. I thought that might be the first and last time I run this race, but now that the stiffness has dissipated, I’m thinking I might have a few more left in me…only if my fellow Marine buddies run it again with me, though. Thank you Monterey Bay half marathon organizers. You helped these old lady Marines have new stories to tell well into the next 35 years!
Beautiful and professional
I would recommend this race to friends. Not an impossible course, but you can push your pace for difficulty. The Marathon was put on very professionally and smoothly. Beautiful course … MORE
I would recommend this race to friends. Not an impossible course, but you can push your pace for difficulty. The Marathon was put on very professionally and smoothly. Beautiful course as well along the coast of Monterey Bay.