Overall Rating
Overall Rating (101 Reviews)
4.8
(101 Ratings) 🏆 (101 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.9
SCENERY
5
PRODUCTION
4.7
SWAG
4.2
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 11):
  2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
 
H (°F)  57  75  56  70  71
L (°F)  39  53  44  46  43
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Recent reviews

    krowmaticprime FIRST-TIMER '22

    Love this race it was so well organized and the city was great in incorporating the event into its downtown area. The course was great with beautiful views. Lots of … MORE

    Love this race it was so well organized and the city was great in incorporating the event into its downtown area. The course was great with beautiful views. Lots of water stations and people were so insprational and helpful.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    byou66 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Drink the Gatorade they offer, it works. It’s a lot of fun, you will see people on the sides of the course including cheerleaders and people that will call you … MORE

    Drink the Gatorade they offer, it works. It’s a lot of fun, you will see people on the sides of the course including cheerleaders and people that will call you by your name as they cheer you on because it’s on your bib:):):)

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    2

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    aaminian FIRST-TIMER '22

    This was an amazing half marathon! The view was beautiful, the production was outstanding ( I have never attended a better produced production), and the people city was inspiring! I … MORE

    This was an amazing half marathon! The view was beautiful, the production was outstanding ( I have never attended a better produced production), and the people city was inspiring! I will definitely do this one again!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    Profile photo of Darlenne Guerra
    darlennegee FIRST-TIMER '22

    I’ve been running for about three years and this was my first official run. 100% worth it, such a rewarding feeling to cross the line. Trail was smooth and the … MORE

    I’ve been running for about three years and this was my first official run. 100% worth it, such a rewarding feeling to cross the line.
    Trail was smooth and the view was amazing. The side lines support was great to see, from clubs to schools!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    elsie95051 FIRST-TIMER '22

    This is such beautiful run that I would highly recommend. Everything was so smooth from the beginning. I was impressed with how easy/organized the bib pick up and gear check/ … MORE

    This is such beautiful run that I would highly recommend.
    Everything was so smooth from the beginning.
    I was impressed with how easy/organized the bib pick up and gear check/ pick up was.
    The designated Parking with plenty of shuttles was great. Would definitely recommend this one!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Sumsum FIRST-TIMER '22

    Well organised for the event. Gear check next to each corral but remember check your gear before 6:30 am. Plenty of shuttle bus. There were plenty of water and energy … MORE

    Well organised for the event. Gear check next to each corral but remember check your gear before 6:30 am. Plenty of shuttle bus. There were plenty of water and energy gel/chew stations. Gorgeous view and lots of spectators came out. You won’t get boring during your run. Yummy snack box after finish the race. Recommend for first time half marathon runner.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    Profile photo of Ashly Castelanelli
    ashlylouise83 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    The closest to the ocean with amazing views! Music around every corner, lots of spectators the whole way to cheer you on! Aid stations placed perfectly when you need them! … MORE

    The closest to the ocean with amazing views! Music around every corner, lots of spectators the whole way to cheer you on! Aid stations placed perfectly when you need them! This is my favorite!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    The scenery is absolutely beautiful! The course is challenging enough to make you work, but also not too difficult for first-timers. Very well organized. The whole town comes out to … MORE

    The scenery is absolutely beautiful! The course is challenging enough to make you work, but also not too difficult for first-timers. Very well organized. The whole town comes out to support and it’s an overall fun atmosphere!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Profile photo of Misty Utter
    princessmama2003 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    This race is one of my absolute favorites and my fastest half marathon time! The ocean view challenge is worth the time because the 5k is completely by the ocean. … MORE

    This race is one of my absolute favorites and my fastest half marathon time! The ocean view challenge is worth the time because the 5k is completely by the ocean. The half has a few hills in pacific Grove, but the time cutoff is generous for walkers. The whole 13 miles are filled with a beautiful view, fun, music, and awesome spectators! You almost forget you’re running a half marathon! The expo was very fun, and all the volunteers are friendly.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    My Report
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    jamac29 FIRST-TIMER '22

    This race had it all! Stunning scenery, awesome crowd support, stocked aid stations at convenient intervals, a great course route, and a yummy pair race snack box. Everything was meticulously … MORE

    This race had it all! Stunning scenery, awesome crowd support, stocked aid stations at convenient intervals, a great course route, and a yummy pair race snack box. Everything was meticulously organized for the race expo to the starting line up to the runner village post race. If you are local, I highly recommend joining the Fleet Feet Monterey training program and VIP program! I 10/10 recommended this race and hope to do it many more times!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    badveligvh REPEAT RUNNER '22

    This has to be the most gorgeous, picturesque run! With the sunrise at the start and then at our backs for the first half the views are breathtaking! The aid … MORE

    This has to be the most gorgeous, picturesque run! With the sunrise at the start and then at our backs for the first half the views are breathtaking! The aid stations are perfectly placed with plenty to fuel and keep you hydrated. Loved the reusable cups and fantastic music throughout! The drums were awesome! Made me pick up my pace! Ocean view combo was beautiful! Great medals & swag and the after-party is a blast! LOTS of friendly people to meet & celebrate with!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    Charrapp FIRST-TIMER '22

    This is a gorgeous race course. They are striving to be very environmentally sustainable. There are lots of runners. Gear check is easy and well organized. The start corrals began … MORE

    This is a gorgeous race course. They are striving to be very environmentally sustainable. There are lots of runners. Gear check is easy and well organized. The start corrals began organized and then kind of disappeared. I would recommend this lovely race! It is smooth but I was glad I did hill training.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    lilmpetersen FIRST-TIMER '22

    This was my first half marathon and holy cow did it get me hooked!! It was so much fun and they did an amazing job putting it on. Now I’m … MORE

    This was my first half marathon and holy cow did it get me hooked!! It was so much fun and they did an amazing job putting it on. Now I’m trying to find my next one and I’m worried it won’t live up to this one. 10/10 would recommend.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    christineb3an FIRST-TIMER '22

    I finally ran this race after 4 years of deferring due to smoke from Campfire which resulted in the race being canceled. They were nice to give everyone the choice … MORE

    I finally ran this race after 4 years of deferring due to smoke from Campfire which resulted in the race being canceled. They were nice to give everyone the choice to defer (and continue to defer!) if they chose.

    As for race day, other than maybe a 7 min delay in starting, everything was perfect. The amazing scenery, the clean bathrooms at the start and throughout the course, the organization of the bag check and retrieval, the cheering crowd, the post race snacks! Not to mention, I did not train for this race but somehow PR’d (SF half marathon is way more hilly).

    Would 100% recommend!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Ali6184 FIRST-TIMER '22

    The aid stations were awesome because the volunteers assisting me with my questions about refilling my water bottle. The most unique aspect about the race was the view by the … MORE

    The aid stations were awesome because the volunteers assisting me with my questions about refilling my water bottle. The most unique aspect about the race was the view by the Pacific Ocean, and that course was mostly flat. The race could be improved with more choices of food for nutrition. The race is recommended by me to others because of the course.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    rstrand REPEAT RUNNER '22

    The scenery, views, and weather (usually) are awesome. Some gentle rolling hills. Very well organized, plenty of water and fuel along the route. Decent crowd of spectators along the course. … MORE

    The scenery, views, and weather (usually) are awesome. Some gentle rolling hills. Very well organized, plenty of water and fuel along the route. Decent crowd of spectators along the course. I love this race.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    pgbum255 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K is a slice of coastal heaven with a slight incline -- ideal for runners of all levels. I ran the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in 2017, … MORE

    Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K is a slice of coastal heaven with a slight incline — ideal for runners of all levels. I ran the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in 2017, while my husband ran it this year (2022); it was gorgeous weather all around! I ran the PG Lighthouse 5K this year since I’m recovering from injuries; plus, I experienced serious FOMO after signing my hubs up for the half! PG Lighthouse 5K is a fun race with amazing views — a can’t-miss destination 5K, for sure!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

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    suzannehig FIRST-TIMER '22

    Fairly flat, large race with paces for all. Only pacers for every 15 minutes. Lots of music. Aid stations are appropriate. You will have to wait a little for the … MORE

    Fairly flat, large race with paces for all. Only pacers for every 15 minutes. Lots of music. Aid stations are appropriate. You will have to wait a little for the elite runners to start.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3
    My Media

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    vboz FIRST-TIMER '22

    Stunning scenery and good crowd support, well stocked stations, and a memorable course route. Well-organized through and through. I highly recommend it! MORE

    Stunning scenery and good crowd support, well stocked stations, and a memorable course route. Well-organized through and through. I highly recommend it!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    zipsman33 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    This race is top notch when it comes to half marathons. The scenery is amazing. The course is well laid out where you can get a taste of the city … MORE

    This race is top notch when it comes to half marathons. The scenery is amazing. The course is well laid out where you can get a taste of the city but also get fully engulfed in the costal views. The field is usually very good for runners trying to push themselves and compete. This race location was my first back in 2019 and continues to be my favorite course and place to run to this day.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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  1. Races
  2. Monterey Bay Half Marathon