Monterey Bay Half Marathon
Monterey, CA
- Ocean View Challenge, 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
Local Historical Weather (Nov 07):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 67 | 70 | 62 | 58 | 61 |
| L (°F) | 50 | 50 | 50 | 48 | 47 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Very pretty course
Very nice run along a picturesque coast. I made a long weekend out of it and there are some cool areas to explore - Santa Cruz is close, Carmel - … MORE
Very nice run along a picturesque coast. I made a long weekend out of it and there are some cool areas to explore – Santa Cruz is close, Carmel – just some of the best scenery CA has to offer. The medal was very unique and cool looking. Lots of crowds – it seems this is a big event the locals look forward to each yr and take pride in organizing. Good vibes, happy runners.
This was a beautiful race!
The scenery was lovely. The course was well-stocked with water and nutrition. The course was challenging in parts, but not so challenging that I couldn't finish. This was my first … MORE
The scenery was lovely. The course was well-stocked with water and nutrition. The course was challenging in parts, but not so challenging that I couldn’t finish. This was my first race back after a major surgery at the beginning of the year and I’d love to do it again. The expo was kind of small, but I have done a lot of large races in the past, and this was a more mid-sized and manageable race.
Great scenery
The best aspect of the event is its location. The ocean views are top-notch. I ran the trail along the road route after the race to get even better views. … MORE
The best aspect of the event is its location. The ocean views are top-notch. I ran the trail along the road route after the race to get even better views. It easily could have been extended into a full marathon if they’d gone six or so more miles and taken a southern turn at the corner of the bay. There is the pier, the aquarium, Cannery Row, and museums right by the expo.
Impressed by how quickly the results came out at the race tent.
Beware that there are some hills at mile four and rolling ones along the entire route. It’s 450 feet plus gain, even though the start and end elevation show otherwise.
Fun and energetic race!!
This race was really fun and there were a lot of spectators and live music along the course! Everything was planned really well and you cannot beat those views! Also … MORE
This race was really fun and there were a lot of spectators and live music along the course! Everything was planned really well and you cannot beat those views! Also the post race food was excellent!
beautiful course
It’s a gorgeous course that hugs the coast for around 2/3s of the time. It’s debatably “hilly” although manageable for someone training in CA. I found the two trickiest elements … MORE
It’s a gorgeous course that hugs the coast for around 2/3s of the time. It’s debatably “hilly” although manageable for someone training in CA. I found the two trickiest elements to be the lack of shade for the middle portion (it was the warmest race day in 5+ years and unseasonable), and the position of the turnaround which is around the 8 mile marker. That was mentally a bit tougher than expected, given you run opposite the faster runners for quite a while before turning & can’t see the point due to curves. The course is also longer than 13.1 (of the 5 people I know who ran, we all logged 13.3+) which threw off pacing a touch, but I’d just factor that in for future runs. At a view points, there was a course marshall on a bike riding upstream through runners and I had to jump out of the way once. Post run snacks and beers are pretty good and gear check was easy. The swag is OK; just a shirt, but it’s one of the better I have received. I would do it again for sure, it’s overall well run and aided, with decent amounts of spectators and stunning views.
WhatsUpChknButt's Third Time
Participating in the Monterey Bay Half Marathon is indeed a memorable experience! The event is well organized, with ample porta-potties and hydration stations, ensuring runners stay comfortable throughout the race. … MORE
Participating in the Monterey Bay Half Marathon is indeed a memorable experience! The event is well organized, with ample porta-potties and hydration stations, ensuring runners stay comfortable throughout the race. One of the highlights is undoubtedly the stunning ocean views that accompany the course. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-timer, the combination of scenic beauty and top-notch organization makes this event truly special.
Best first race ever!
I'm so glad I chose this for my first half marathon. The energy & atmosphere was amazing. I was looking for whales and seals throughout. The music & scenery helped … MORE
I’m so glad I chose this for my first half marathon. The energy & atmosphere was amazing. I was looking for whales and seals throughout. The music & scenery helped distract me from the pain! Great hydrating stations too.
Beautiful scenery and well organized
This was a great race. Very smooth and well executed. The packet pick up was smooth. Lots of water stations. Lots of crowd support and good race festival. The whole … MORE
This was a great race. Very smooth and well executed. The packet pick up was smooth. Lots of water stations. Lots of crowd support and good race festival. The whole operation was really smooth. I liked the race shirt. The medal was unique. I liked the 5K medal and shirt a lot this year. There were more hills than I realized and then the sun was out so very bright! But they have everything down well and I liked being able to refill my water bottle. Shuttle options were great too. Definitely recommend.
Great First Endurance Race!
This race is great for beginners who have never raced anything past 10k. This race is also great for those looking for a course with beautiful scenery and awesome race … MORE
This race is great for beginners who have never raced anything past 10k. This race is also great for those looking for a course with beautiful scenery and awesome race production. The medal they give to finishers feels special as it is not a basic metal medal but instead made of clay and comes with a leather strap. The aid stations were well placed and volunteers were helpful throughout the weekend. If you’re looking for a race to set a new PR/PB or simply looking for a highly enjoyable course, then this race is for you!
WELL-RUN (pun intended)
Extremely well organized race by BSIM, everything from the expo, gear check, corral setup, pacers, and volunteers was perfect. Running through historic cannery row along the stunning coast in perfect … MORE
Extremely well organized race by BSIM, everything from the expo, gear check, corral setup, pacers, and volunteers was perfect. Running through historic cannery row along the stunning coast in perfect November weather was a dream. Really grateful for all the smiling volunteers handing out water, electrolytes, and gu’s at the aid stations. Great crowd support as well! As someone who has grown up in this town, I couldn’t be happier with how BSIM has represented Monterey to everyone racing. Definitely recommend and hope to run again next year!
What an incredible venue!
First timer for this race. I have have to say this was one of the smoother productions I've participated in over 100 races I've participated in. Easy parking in the … MORE
First timer for this race. I have have to say this was one of the smoother productions I’ve participated in over 100 races I’ve participated in. Easy parking in the morning with a short walk to the start line, one of my favorite places to visit, beautiful and yet challenging course. Expo was well run as well. I’d definitely return for this one!
Half marathon & halfway thru pregnancy
Yes, I am that crazy person who ran a half marathon while pregnant. Yes, I am that crazy person who was also smiling the entire time. This was my first … MORE
Yes, I am that crazy person who ran a half marathon while pregnant. Yes, I am that crazy person who was also smiling the entire time.
This was my first race ever & my first half marathon ever. I signed up before I knew I was pregnant, but decided to do it anyways. I guess I like pain haha
I don’t have anything to compare this race to, but the vibe and atmosphere were on FIRE. Everything felt very organized and all the workers were so welcoming. I loved the little surprises throughout the race, whether it was a cheerleading squad, a bagpipe, a drumline, or that awesome tunnel we ran thru that was lined with lights and felt like a rave. And of course, I can’t forget to mention the SCENERY! So stinking beautiful. I could stare at the coast forever.
The only thing that was off, was the description stating it was mostly flat. That was a lie lol Yes, there were no crazy, steep inclines, but I felt like I was either on an uphill or downhill 90% of the time. Aside from that, everything was perfection.
10/10 would do it again!
My new favorite run!
This was probably my favorite half marathon that I’ve done. It was very well organized with lots of course entertainment, great spectators, and amazing scenery. There were over 8k runners … MORE
This was probably my favorite half marathon that I’ve done. It was very well organized with lots of course entertainment, great spectators, and amazing scenery. There were over 8k runners who participated in the half, and I was worried that it would be overly congested. However, people actually lined up in their assigned corrals (which is not always the case at races) and that helped eliminate overcrowding and bottlenecking that typically happens when slower runners start towards the front. The course was busy the entire length of the run, but it never felt overwhelming.
There is a decent size hill around mile 4, and the entire course is ran through gently rolling hills, which did wear me out a bit by the end of the run (I live in a flat area and don’t train on hills). There is limited shade on the course, and we had full sun for this run. It wasn’t overly hot, but definitely on the warm side. There are plenty of water stations along the course.
There was a good variety of post run goodies, including chips, apples, a banana, chocolate milk, a cookie, minestrone soup, and a beer. The post run celebration was crowded, but again did not feel super overwhelming and lines moved quickly.
The expo was also nice. The run merchandise is a little on the expensive side (compared to other runs), but I found a couple items in my price range I couldn’t pass up. They had a fun happy hour at the expo as well where I got to meet some other runners.
Overall, it was a great experience, and I would gladly do it again!
Stunning! 🌊 ☀️
BSIM is so dialed in! The beautiful coastal scenery and perfect weather of early November in Monterey, CA is definitely the highlight, but the easy, effortless (for the runner) race … MORE
BSIM is so dialed in! The beautiful coastal scenery and perfect weather of early November in Monterey, CA is definitely the highlight, but the easy, effortless (for the runner) race production is the icing on the cake. As a third time runner of the Monterey Half, everything from the expo on Friday and Saturday, the gear check, to the corral starts and pacers, everything is executed seamlessly l, with an experienced precision I have come to expect from all BSIM events.
Best Half Marathon View in the Country
The Monterey Half Marathon is one of the best half marathon races in the country. You get to run through historic cannery row and along the beautiful coast. This years' … MORE
The Monterey Half Marathon is one of the best half marathon races in the country. You get to run through historic cannery row and along the beautiful coast. This years’ race was sunny and cool and the production is top notch. Definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for their next half.
Great Race
Greatly organized. The scenery was amazing. Thankful for all the supportive volunteers handing out waters, electrolytes, Gu, and aid stations. The support from the crowd along the race was amazing … MORE
Greatly organized. The scenery was amazing. Thankful for all the supportive volunteers handing out waters, electrolytes, Gu, and aid stations. The support from the crowd along the race was amazing as well.
Great Organization
The start of the race was easily accessible by multiple options (2 race sponsored shuttle locations, drive and park, or get dropped off). There were plenty of porta-potties at the … MORE
The start of the race was easily accessible by multiple options (2 race sponsored shuttle locations, drive and park, or get dropped off). There were plenty of porta-potties at the start so the lines moved. There was also a good number of porta-potties along the course. The gear check was a massive bonus! It was super chilly at 6AM when it was dark and it was getting warmer by the 7AM start as the sun was shining. It was nice to not leave my clothes behind for someone to clean up to donate, and it was super easy to pick up the gear bag at the end of the race. The course and aid stations were well marked with lots of volunteers. There were many medical personnel. The course was accessible to friends and family for spectating and cheering. There were a few spots of entertainment. The music and colored lights in the tunnel were a fun touch. Finally, it was pretty awesome to run through an iconic area like Cannery Row, and spend most of the run with the Pacific Ocean roaring in the background!
Came for the views
As scenic as they come!!! Overall, very well organized race, with frequent and well stocked aid stations. Post-race nosh: chocolate milk, cookies, potato chips were all a nice change/addition to … MORE
As scenic as they come!!! Overall, very well organized race, with frequent and well stocked aid stations. Post-race nosh: chocolate milk, cookies, potato chips were all a nice change/addition to the usual banana. Would recommend this race to friends, and run it again 😀!
New Fave Half!
This race was SO FUN! There’s a lot of support along the whole course. Lots of bathroom options and lots of water and electrolytes. The scenery is nuts. And being … MORE
This race was SO FUN! There’s a lot of support along the whole course. Lots of bathroom options and lots of water and electrolytes. The scenery is nuts. And being at sea level is amazing.
Love, love, LOVE this race
The location is spectacular, the race music is inspirational, and the volunteers are the best. The corrals were well spaced allowing the last person to cross within 25 minutes of … MORE
The location is spectacular, the race music is inspirational, and the volunteers are the best. The corrals were well spaced allowing the last person to cross within 25 minutes of the first wave. This is my 5th race and I’m doing it again!