Overall Rating
Overall Rating (21 Reviews)
4.4
(21 Ratings)  (21 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3.4
SCENERY
4.4
PRODUCTION
4.4
SWAG
4.3
EVENT DISCONTINUED. From race website: “Salinas Valley Half Marathon Discontinued After Nine-Year Run. Thank you for your interest in the Salinas Valley Half Marathon. On January 2, 2019, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation announced that the Salinas Valley Half Marathon will no longer be held due to declining participation. The … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Aug 04):
  2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
 
H (°F)  88  77  67  76  79
L (°F)  50  64  55  55  59
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Recent reviews

    jzande REPEAT RUNNER '18

    The Beast of Eden hill is about a mile long and is a killer! Wish it was within the first few miles to get it over with. Also, this can … MORE

    The Beast of Eden hill is about a mile long and is a killer! Wish it was within the first few miles to get it over with. Also, this can be a rough, hot course if the sun comes out early.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    2
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3
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    Profile photo of Greg Braggin
    gregbraggin FIRST-TIMER '18

    Be prepared for more hills than you would think! Despite the occasional downhills, your body will likely not completely recover. Miles 6-8 are the toughest, and if you go into … MORE

    Be prepared for more hills than you would think! Despite the occasional downhills, your body will likely not completely recover. Miles 6-8 are the toughest, and if you go into oxygen debt after those, it is very tough to push through the rest of the race due to fatigue. Prepare for a significant mental battle. One good thing is that you can see the finish line from about 0.75 miles away, making it easier to muster the adrenaline needed to move your body across the line, after 12.4 miles of exertion!

    If I were to train for this race again, I would incorporate a lot of hill repeats with short recovery. This will have allowed my body to get used to the fatigue from the hills, making is less difficult for my pace to vary as much. Overall a scenic and fun race!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    amlynch FIRST-TIMER '18

    Ran smoothly! Organizers were great and friendly. Wish there was a medal though for the 5k. But I enjoyed all the post race treats and wine! I also loved the … MORE

    Ran smoothly! Organizers were great and friendly. Wish there was a medal though for the 5k. But I enjoyed all the post race treats and wine! I also loved the fresh strawberries at the turn around point.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    MontereyFan REPEAT RUNNER '18

    Great tour of the Salinas Valley with both wineries and vegetable fields. Sweeping vistas. Great course. Great finishers medal that can be used as a wine stopper. Age group placers … MORE

    Great tour of the Salinas Valley with both wineries and vegetable fields. Sweeping vistas. Great course. Great finishers medal that can be used as a wine stopper. Age group placers get wine awards. Very “homey” and friendly race.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    kiaramedina REPEAT RUNNER '18

    This year's race wasn't like 2017. The course felt harder due to being bored. There needed to be more entertainment on the side, instead of just the last 6 miles. … MORE

    This year’s race wasn’t like 2017. The course felt harder due to being bored. There needed to be more entertainment on the side, instead of just the last 6 miles. Also they ran out of beer at the end, which didn’t affect me because I don’t drink it. But many other finishers were extremely disappointed.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    2

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    machine16 REPEAT RUNNER '17

    This race offers a taste of the Salinas Valley with the food, wine, and view. The course contains rolling hills with 2 challenging hills. The food and wine at the … MORE

    This race offers a taste of the Salinas Valley with the food, wine, and view.
    The course contains rolling hills with 2 challenging hills.
    The food and wine at the finish line are excellent.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Primadawn FIRST-TIMER '17

    Some of the vistas are awe-inspiring, though so different from the coastal views of the other BSM courses. Passing Row crops studded with old barns as the morning fog hung … MORE

    Some of the vistas are awe-inspiring, though so different from the coastal views of the other BSM courses. Passing Row crops studded with old barns as the morning fog hung over the hills put me in a serene, reflective mood. There were markers on the crops, “feeding the world Romaine,” for example which impressed the value of this place. The course also had references and quotes from John Steinbeck throughout, which I thought offered a neat literary grounding. My favorite was that Beast of Eden Hill! For me, it was a contemplative run. No record-breaking for me on this day, just another race accomplished. Gotta give a shout-out about the strawberries 🍓! My epiphany came at that mile 10 aid station: there is absolutely no food more delicious than Salinas strawberries!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    janetmelac REPEAT RUNNER '17

    Fun, challenging course. Not crowded with rolling hills. Weather usually cool fog to start and sunny at the finish. Super volunteers at abundant aid stations. Finish includes wine tasting, beer, … MORE

    Fun, challenging course. Not crowded with rolling hills. Weather usually cool fog to start and sunny at the finish. Super volunteers at abundant aid stations. Finish includes wine tasting, beer, and a barbecue. The age group prizes are engraved bottles of wine!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    CRod75 REPEAT RUNNER '17

    runners should know that the 5th mile they will be running a steep hill so conserve your energy before that mark. At around the 9th mile things start getting tough … MORE

    runners should know that the 5th mile they will be running a steep hill so conserve your energy before that mark. At around the 9th mile things start getting tough again as you make your way up and down more hills just before making it to the finish line.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    Profile photo of Jumay Hipolito
    jumay.hipolito FIRST-TIMER '17

    Loved this race, being it's right at home. It was a great race following my 50k trail run a month prior. I literally signed up 2 days before the Salinas … MORE

    Loved this race, being it’s right at home. It was a great race following my 50k trail run a month prior. I literally signed up 2 days before the Salinas Half Marathon. Spur of the moment run, and it was totally worth it. Oh and P
    post race food and swag were on point! Loved it!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    Profile photo of Holly Blackwell
    hollysitko REPEAT RUNNER '17

    It's has hills so don't go in thinking it's all flat. Not a lot of spectators until finish. Fog in am but may break out in sunshine so be prepared. … MORE

    It’s has hills so don’t go in thinking it’s all flat. Not a lot of spectators until finish. Fog in am but may break out in sunshine so be prepared. Good bag retrieval at the end if you bag up stuff to avoid taking on the course. If you love to drink wine it’s a race for you. I don’t drink but like the massage and runners rest areas and food they have.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    Timothy007ish FIRST-TIMER '17

    The scenery is amazing with rolling hills and vineyards. My first race ever so no basis of comparison but, everything went smoothly and seemed well organized. I enjoyed it very … MORE

    The scenery is amazing with rolling hills and vineyards. My first race ever so no basis of comparison but, everything went smoothly and seemed well organized. I enjoyed it very much and am planning to run it again.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    California REPEAT RUNNER '17

    This still small and humble run begins at a piece of history, the Soledad Mission, steeped in fog from the central valley farmland surrounding the monument. The race takes off … MORE

    This still small and humble run begins at a piece of history, the Soledad Mission, steeped in fog from the central valley farmland surrounding the monument. The race takes off and heads to the foothills. Pass strawberries, lettuce, watermelon, broccoli, cactus and many other fields. As you make your way through the first few miles you can hear the faint sounds of the Taiko drums. Quotes from Steinbeck inspire you along the course. As you get to the second half of the course you begin questioning who has a tougher day ahead, you or the farmworkers picking the produce in the now hot sun. Multiple DJ’s cheer you on and you welcome delicious fresh strawberries at one of the water stations. After crossing the finish line you receive a unique medal that doubles as a cork stopper. The course finish line festival features a beautiful winery where you can sample reds, whites, and even beer! You leave the race with a better appreciation for where your food comes from, the people who harvest it and the land where it grows.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    Primadawn Aug 19, 2017 at 10:24am

    Great review! I had a similar reaction to this race; it was more than just a run, it was an immersive experience of place and time. I only missed the… MORE

    Great review! I had a similar reaction to this race; it was more than just a run, it was an immersive experience of place and time. I only missed the wine tasting! I'll look forward to that next year! LESS

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    M_Sohaskey Aug 18, 2017 at 11:53am

    Wow, great review Rose! Love the imagery of Salinas Valley, from Steinbeck to strawberries. And so glad to hear the race left such a favorable impression. Congrats on getting it… MORE

    Wow, great review Rose! Love the imagery of Salinas Valley, from Steinbeck to strawberries. And so glad to hear the race left such a favorable impression. Congrats on getting it done despite the sun, and thanks for the awesome recap! LESS

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    Dress for the warm weather. Drink plenty of fluids, the aid stations are great. Great Wine tasting at the finish. The race start could have been better organized for starting … MORE

    Dress for the warm weather.
    Drink plenty of fluids, the aid stations are great.
    Great Wine tasting at the finish.
    The race start could have been better organized for starting on time.
    The Pace team from Treadmill was great

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    josebaldo FIRST-TIMER '17

    Decent amount of hills, but it is a beautiful course. I will definitely run it again the following year and I will prepare better for the hills. Weather was really … MORE

    Decent amount of hills, but it is a beautiful course.

    I will definitely run it again the following year and I will prepare better for the hills. Weather was really nice, just the right amount of cool breeze.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Profile photo of Sam Robinson
    sam.jack.kyle REPEAT RUNNER '17

    It gets hot if you take more than 2 hours. Best to have someone drop you at start so you don't have to wait for the shuttle from the finish MORE

    It gets hot if you take more than 2 hours. Best to have someone drop you at start so you don’t have to wait for the shuttle from the finish area.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    2

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    Profile photo of Sean Curry
    seancurry REPEAT RUNNER '17

    Although it runs through Salinas Valley, the course is NOT flat Scenic point to point course starts at Soledad Mission and finishes at Pessagno Winery Great local training program at … MORE

    Although it runs through Salinas Valley, the course is NOT flat
    Scenic point to point course starts at Soledad Mission and finishes at Pessagno Winery
    Great local training program at Hartnell College with Salinas Valley Elite running club

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    victortsi2 FIRST-TIMER '17

    13.19 miles with 446ft of elevation gain. I was the 1:45 pacer so I was running at a very comfortable pace. Plenty of aid stations serving electrolytes and water. Two … MORE

    13.19 miles with 446ft of elevation gain. I was the 1:45 pacer so I was running at a very comfortable pace. Plenty of aid stations serving electrolytes and water. Two aid stations had GU gels and some had strawberries:) Some entertainment on course. Porta potties at start parking lot, at bib pick up area, finish line and shuttle bus area!!! Course well marked. Very good race.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

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    MontereyFan REPEAT RUNNER '14

    This race has it all. Wonderful rolling course through wine and vegetable region of the Santa Lucia Foothills between Soledad and Gonzales. Very pretty. Finishes in the grapes at Pessagno … MORE

    This race has it all. Wonderful rolling course through wine and vegetable region of the Santa Lucia Foothills between Soledad and Gonzales. Very pretty. Finishes in the grapes at Pessagno Winery. Several wineries pouring and tasting. Finishers medal is a wine-stopper as well. Weather has been perfect the first 5 years of the race. Very friendly. Pacers, elites, great volunteers. Everything you want in a race at a reasonable price.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

    2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

    Primadawn May 03, 2017 at 5:06pm

    I can't wait to finally run this! Last year was cancelled because of the Big Sur fire/poor air quality. But I appreciate that our registration could be carried over to… MORE

    I can't wait to finally run this! Last year was cancelled because of the Big Sur fire/poor air quality. But I appreciate that our registration could be carried over to this year. LESS

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    lancenull REPEAT RUNNER '11

    Mostly flat (except the Beast of Eden) course through Salinas Valley Wine Country. Point to Point Course from Soledad Mission to Pessagno Winery. Wine tasting in addition to good post … MORE

    Mostly flat (except the Beast of Eden) course through Salinas Valley Wine Country.
    Point to Point Course from Soledad Mission to Pessagno Winery.
    Wine tasting in addition to good post race food and drink.
    Nice long sleeve shirts.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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