First time ever in Monterey and I’m so happy I got to explore more of the charming city as I ran the half marathon. Every moment on the course is … MORE
First time ever in Monterey and I’m so happy I got to explore more of the charming city as I ran the half marathon. Every moment on the course is just so full of energy and beauty. My boyfriend spectated the race and enjoyed the coastal views too! He mentioned it was pretty simple to get around the course to cheer me on. The course is pretty simple if you’re use to some minor incline. There was some wind at the turn around point but the views really take your mind off of that. The race goodies are so nice and I love how BSIM stood by their eco-friendly spirit. The medal is beautifully crafted and makes this half marathon even more special.
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Otterly picturesque!
First time ever in Monterey and I’m so happy I got to explore more of the charming city as I ran the half marathon. Every moment on the course is … MORE
First time ever in Monterey and I’m so happy I got to explore more of the charming city as I ran the half marathon. Every moment on the course is just so full of energy and beauty. My boyfriend spectated the race and enjoyed the coastal views too! He mentioned it was pretty simple to get around the course to cheer me on. The course is pretty simple if you’re use to some minor incline. There was some wind at the turn around point but the views really take your mind off of that. The race goodies are so nice and I love how BSIM stood by their eco-friendly spirit. The medal is beautifully crafted and makes this half marathon even more special.
Great first timer experience
This was my first ever half. Prior to this I had run a couple 5ks and a 10k. Truth be told, I'm not much of a runner. But running a … MORE
This was my first ever half. Prior to this I had run a couple 5ks and a 10k. Truth be told, I’m not much of a runner. But running a half was a goal of mine. And I’m very glad Monterey Bay was the one I chose! Very well organized, really beautiful scenery, plenty of entertainment and encouragers along the course, friendly fellow runners. Planning on running this course again.
Monterey swooped me away
Monterey Bay Half Marathon was the best half I’ve ever completed. I never found myself bored on course. There was a lit up tunnel, dancing dinosaur, music throughout, people dressed … MORE
Monterey Bay Half Marathon was the best half I’ve ever completed. I never found myself bored on course. There was a lit up tunnel, dancing dinosaur, music throughout, people dressed in costume, and beating drums. Not to mention running through Montereys history starting in cannery row off through pacific grove and back around. Most scenic with beautiful jagged sea coastlines. I ran my personal best at this course thanks to its friendly terrain only a couple hills but they were worth the climb let me tell you!
Fantastic destination race!
Of my well over 100+ half marathons, this one is now my favorite! The course was perfect-with the right amount of climb, descent, course support and scenery to keep your … MORE
Of my well over 100+ half marathons, this one is now my favorite! The course was perfect-with the right amount of climb, descent, course support and scenery to keep your mind off the miles. The volunteers were outstanding, the logistics were flawless, and the communication of the race staff was second to none. I am excited to run Monterey again next year!
Loved it!
Very well organized, great scenery, awesome course. Do the 5k/half marathon combo deal if you can, both are great races! Expensive, but well worth it! MORE
Very well organized, great scenery, awesome course. Do the 5k/half marathon combo deal if you can, both are great races! Expensive, but well worth it!
Nice destination race
This was a enjoyable well run race. The start was easy to navigate with plenty of toilets. The course was senic with quite a few turns at the beginning. It … MORE
This was a enjoyable well run race. The start was easy to navigate with plenty of toilets. The course was senic with quite a few turns at the beginning. It surprisingly had more inclines than I expected. The finishers medal and post race nutrition was very good. I would definitely recommend this race as a great destination run.
Favorite Half Marathon Race
Great hometown feel to this race. Well organized, great crowds and the BEST scenery every. I can't recommend this race enough. Run it. You won't regret it! MORE
Great hometown feel to this race. Well organized, great crowds and the BEST scenery every. I can’t recommend this race enough. Run it. You won’t regret it!
Most beautiful half ever!
This was probably the most beautiful run I’ve ever done!!! The views of the ocean were unbelievable. The course was relatively easy the hills were small and few. I will … MORE
This was probably the most beautiful run I’ve ever done!!! The views of the ocean were unbelievable. The course was relatively easy the hills were small and few. I will definitely be running this race again. Next year I’ll get my PR!
5 Star Race. Beautiful & Organized Race!
The beauty running along the water with friends just can’t be beat. Breathtaking and fun race filled with grateful and happy runners all taking in the scenery as we ran … MORE
The beauty running along the water with friends just can’t be beat. Breathtaking and fun race filled with grateful and happy runners all taking in the scenery as we ran and then put our feet in the bay after. This race was absolutely one of my favorite and I’ve completed close to 40 1/2 marathons! I’ll definitely be back.
Beautiful Coastal Views!
This was my first half marathon outside of the Southern California area. The course was fairly flat, and the coastal views were spectacular. I'm not a fast runner, and this … MORE
This was my first half marathon outside of the Southern California area. The course was fairly flat, and the coastal views were spectacular. I’m not a fast runner, and this year was further complicated for me by an injury over the summer that I’m still recovering from. I bring this up because I noticed the water and GU stations were fully staffed, even for the slower participants on the course. That’s huge, because I’ve participated in too many races where I’ve seen the support disappear for slower runners who maybe need it even more than the faster participants. Kudos to the organizers for being there for everybody!
Beautiful place for a run!
There were aid stations provided throughout the race with water and Gatorade. A couple stations also provided goo packs. This was a beautiful race through Monterey and along the ocean. … MORE
There were aid stations provided throughout the race with water and Gatorade. A couple stations also provided goo packs. This was a beautiful race through Monterey and along the ocean. It is an all paved race course with a few small to moderate hills. Overall, the course is mostly flat.
Beautiful, scenic course
Well organized, plenty of bathrooms, high quality race shirt, custom finisher medal. Partially out and back course allows runners to see the elite runners - absolutely breathtaking and inspiring! MORE
Well organized, plenty of bathrooms, high quality race shirt, custom finisher medal. Partially out and back course allows runners to see the elite runners – absolutely breathtaking and inspiring!
Gorgeous scenery and a PR!
The scenery is spectacular! It is my absolute favorite half marathon! The expo is laid out nicely and I never felt crowded. Volunteers and community support is at it's finest … MORE
The scenery is spectacular! It is my absolute favorite half marathon! The expo is laid out nicely and I never felt crowded. Volunteers and community support is at it’s finest through Monterey and Pacific Grove. The placement of the aid stations are perfect. Entertainment on the course is fun and gets you pumped to keep running! The course being up and back provides a great opportunity to watch the elite runners head back towards the finish. And they are incredible to watch! The medal is unique and beautiful. Finishers village is a lot of fun and don’t skip the post race minestrone….great recovery!! 2019 provided perfect running weather and I PRd by 4:30 minutes! I never thought at 56 I would be capable of PRs! I think it is because the Monterey peninsula is truly my happy place!
This is the one!
From the moment you go to the expo, pick up your bib and get in the start line is all a wonderful experience! the course is THE BEST, the support … MORE
From the moment you go to the expo, pick up your bib and get in the start line is all a wonderful experience! the course is THE BEST, the support on the course and the beautiful breath taking views are like a dream, when you finally get to the finish line you will have a one of a kind medal waiting for you saying ” You made it , half marathon finisher”
Another race lost to history
The former March half marathon at CSUMB / Ft. Ord. This race no longer exists, but has been replaced by the November half. Need to add more characters to complete … MORE
The former March half marathon at CSUMB / Ft. Ord.
This race no longer exists, but has been replaced by the November half.
Need to add more characters to complete this section and save the race!
Amazing Race!
I absolutely fell in love when I first did this race and have returned, and will continue to do so, many times. I also recommend it to anyone looking for … MORE
I absolutely fell in love when I first did this race and have returned, and will continue to do so, many times. I also recommend it to anyone looking for a race. I have trained several of my friends with this as their first race and they are always a little let down by subsequent race destinations. MBHM is simply hard to compete with – great destination race with the scenery to match. Throw in awesome fan support, music and swag it’s a win every time!
One of the best scenic races you’ll ever
Overall, this race is exceptional, from the incredible views of Pacific Grove and Monterey Bay, to the outside organization which runs this race. If you are trying for a PR … MORE
Overall, this race is exceptional, from the incredible views of Pacific Grove and Monterey Bay, to the outside organization which runs this race. If you are trying for a PR or BQ, this race is about as good as it gets to take you there. Can’t wait to do it again for years to come.
Beautiful Course, Creeper Hills
I was looking forward to this run and it didn't disappoint. Surprised at the number of musicians on the route, great entertainment and enthusiastic community out to support the runners. … MORE
I was looking forward to this run and it didn’t disappoint. Surprised at the number of musicians on the route, great entertainment and enthusiastic community out to support the runners.
The course itself was beautiful. It was a little crowded at some areas, but everyone was friendly.
The hills weren’t obvious at some areas, but they creep up on you. I trained with hills and unfortunately a lot of the hills are latter in the race, so I didn’t prepare as best as I could. Still did a PR.
I highly recommend this race and will definitely be running it again next year.
My favorite half
Such a beautiful place to run. The race is put together well and I really enjoyed it. The musical artists throughout the race are amazing and kept me moving to … MORE
Such a beautiful place to run. The race is put together well and I really enjoyed it. The musical artists throughout the race are amazing and kept me moving to see who I would hear next.
Favorite race so far!
I participated in the ocean view challenge where I ran the 5k on Saturday and the Half on Sunday. The Expo was nice not too big but with lots of … MORE
I participated in the ocean view challenge where I ran the 5k on Saturday and the Half on Sunday. The Expo was nice not too big but with lots of free goodies and lots of people to answer question about the event morning. Additionally, in your swag bag you were provided with a magazine with all the information you could want. There was easy and free shuttling to (and from) the start the morning of the half from multiple location. Every corral had its own gear check so you could keep your coat until it was time to start the race. There were LOTS of port-o-potties so the lines were outrageously long. During the 5K we got reusable water cups that we could use the following day which I thought was great if you weren’t super concerned about taking a bit of extra time to fill it. You got gels twice along the course which was really nice! Great music along the way, including DJs, bag pipes, and drummers etc. The scenery was beautiful and the temp was perfect. The general organization of the race was well thought out. Upon finishing the race you get the killer medal that not actually metal but maybe ceramic and has a handmade vibe to it; it’s really beautiful! You’re ushered along and provide ample post-race snacks in a box so you’re aren’t trying to clumsily carry stuff in your arms. Gear check folks were on point and had my stuff even before I asked. I didn’t spend much time in the finishers area but there was beer and soup. My only complaint is that it was unclear were to go after the race for the shuttle. After you exited there was no clear signage or person directing where to go but we were quickly able to track a volunteer down. This was an amazing race and I will DEFINITELY be making it a tradition!