Overall Rating
Overall Rating (186 Reviews)
4.8
(186 Ratings) 🏆 (186 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 09):
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H (°F)  62  56  70  58  65
L (°F)  43  45  56  39  48
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Recent reviews

    framos0135 FIRST-TIMER '23

    First time running the Monterey Bay Half Marathon and it was GREAT! The course was scenic, it was very organized, and it honored military and veterans. I will be returning … MORE

    First time running the Monterey Bay Half Marathon and it was GREAT! The course was scenic, it was very organized, and it honored military and veterans. I will be returning in 2024.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    bskurtun REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This is my second time running the half, and the first time I did the ocean view challenge. The half was great, my only complaint about the 5k was the … MORE

    This is my second time running the half, and the first time I did the ocean view challenge. The half was great, my only complaint about the 5k was the start location being about 2 miles from the start of the half. Logistics were a little tough, but overall it was a great experience. I’ll be doing the half again next year, probably not the 5k.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    4
    My Report
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    chandrachud FIRST-TIMER '23

    The scenery and views are amazing, the best half-marathon I've run so far on this aspect. I found the fees and the photo pictures much more expensive than in Europe … MORE

    The scenery and views are amazing, the best half-marathon I’ve run so far on this aspect. I found the fees and the photo pictures much more expensive than in Europe though.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    biophile REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This my second time doing Monterey Bay Half Marathon. It’s the only organized run I have done. (To many it’s a race. For me it’s a concrete goal in my … MORE

    This my second time doing Monterey Bay Half Marathon. It’s the only organized run I have done. (To many it’s a race. For me it’s a concrete goal in my fitness journey.) The coastal scenery is beautiful. The streets of the towns are mostly quaint and pretty. Although I live only about ten miles away the course is much less hilly than where I train.

    The people who organize and produce the event have it down. It appeared flawless to my inexperienced eyes.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    airjoshb FIRST-TIMER '23

    Come for the views, but fight for a PR on the rollers along the ocean. I’d put up our hometown race against any big half marathon. We bring the good … MORE

    Come for the views, but fight for a PR on the rollers along the ocean. I’d put up our hometown race against any big half marathon. We bring the good vibes and fast times.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    Csiada2 FIRST-TIMER '23

    This was a relatively flat race with rolling hills on the coastal portion of the race. It was easy to get a faster time. The ocean views were spectacular. There … MORE

    This was a relatively flat race with rolling hills on the coastal portion of the race. It was easy to get a faster time. The ocean views were spectacular. There were plenty of water stations that had great volunteers. The expo was really nice with lots of merchandise to buy. This was my 133rd half marathon and I would definitely rank this race in my top 10. The only negative was the race shirt. It was a very boring yellow tinged white shirt with one very small race logo on the front. Please do better on the shirt next year as I would love to do the race again.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    2

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    haylar REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Have fun and enjoy the scenery! It’s crowded especially in the beginning so stick to the sides! Talk to other runners, there are people from all over that come to … MORE

    Have fun and enjoy the scenery! It’s crowded especially in the beginning so stick to the sides! Talk to other runners, there are people from all over that come to run this race. It’s a fun, diverse run that I will come back to do again!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    darrell.stanaford REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Most scenic course imaginable? Undulating, plenty of gradual turns for taking in the views About 6,000 people make for the perfect size - great buzz without a crushing # of … MORE

    Most scenic course imaginable?
    Undulating, plenty of gradual turns for taking in the views
    About 6,000 people make for the perfect size – great buzz without a crushing # of people. Smooooth and friendly organization

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    jazdingo FIRST-TIMER '23

    Beyond the spectacular scenery, the course starts and ends downtown, and opens into a lovely, flat out-and-back along the Monterey Bay coast with a turnaround sometime between miles 7 and … MORE

    Beyond the spectacular scenery, the course starts and ends downtown, and opens into a lovely, flat out-and-back along the Monterey Bay coast with a turnaround sometime between miles 7 and 8. A great PR opportunity…sometimes I forgot to look up from the feet around me and runners jockeying for position to marvel at the beauty of the bay! Hot minestrone soup at the finish line was AMAZING, and the unique stone (?) medal is very Monterey and unlike any other race medal I’ve gotten!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    alyson REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Would recommend this half to anyone - as a first half, as a destination half.. Great energy throughout, astounding beauty around every curve.. Simply wonderful. It is my running partner … MORE

    Would recommend this half to anyone – as a first half, as a destination half.. Great energy throughout, astounding beauty around every curve.. Simply wonderful. It is my running partner and my favorite race. We sign up for the next one as soon as we finish, and I hope we have many, many more here.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    ltunes REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This is the best, most supported race I have done. So many volunteers, music, people on the course. Great aid stations staffed with very helpful people of all ages. The … MORE

    This is the best, most supported race I have done. So many volunteers, music, people on the course. Great aid stations staffed with very helpful people of all ages. The race organization/director and community hits this race out of the park. A must do event!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    austinf726 FIRST-TIMER '23

    This was my first race I ever traveled for. Beyond impressed on how well this race was run! From pack it pick up to the amount of volunteers throughout the … MORE

    This was my first race I ever traveled for. Beyond impressed on how well this race was run! From pack it pick up to the amount of volunteers throughout the course! It is also one of the most gorgeous runs I have ever done! Will be back next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    ddennler REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This is my favorite half marathon. I have ran it 4 times. It is well organized with plenty of volunteers. The scenery is beautiful and I love that there are … MORE

    This is my favorite half marathon. I have ran it 4 times. It is well organized with plenty of volunteers. The scenery is beautiful and I love that there are thousands of runners. There is such a fun and positive vibe at the race.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    bmandrade01 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    I've been doing this race since 2013 and everytime I enjoy it so much! The ocean vies are amazing, the vibes are positive and the finish at the wharf is … MORE

    I’ve been doing this race since 2013 and everytime I enjoy it so much! The ocean vies are amazing, the vibes are positive and the finish at the wharf is the best!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    michaela.martz FIRST-TIMER '23

    Very well organized and fun race. Parking and shuttles were a breeze. Plenty of bathrooms. Beautiful views of the coastline and tons of opportunities for support and cheer along the … MORE

    Very well organized and fun race. Parking and shuttles were a breeze. Plenty of bathrooms. Beautiful views of the coastline and tons of opportunities for support and cheer along the way. Dry Bag check was the smoothest I have ever experienced! Volunteers were great. It was a fantastic event and I look forward to running it again!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    The scenery was beautiful. The vibe was so chill. the after race festivities were great! The volunteers were wonderful. The porta potty situation was excellent! They had a plenty of … MORE

    The scenery was beautiful. The vibe was so chill. the after race festivities were great! The volunteers were wonderful. The porta potty situation was excellent! They had a plenty of fuel and hydration on course.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    This was my first half marathon and didn’t disappoint. There are plenty of water stations available and the event was well organized. I loved the scenery and the people around … MORE

    This was my first half marathon and didn’t disappoint. There are plenty of water stations available and the event was well organized. I loved the scenery and the people around who cheer you on!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    Such an amazing experience! The race course is stunning, the race was so well organized with great aid station, and the community support is absolutely unbelievable. I love, Monterey and … MORE

    Such an amazing experience! The race course is stunning, the race was so well organized with great aid station, and the community support is absolutely unbelievable. I love, Monterey and the people of Monterey. We will definitely do this race again.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    lizap.ocat REPEAT RUNNER '23

    The Monterey Bay Half Marathon was my very first race in 2017. It wasn't by choice--my brother signed me up. I didn't do well during that race because I didn't … MORE

    The Monterey Bay Half Marathon was my very first race in 2017. It wasn’t by choice–my brother signed me up. I didn’t do well during that race because I didn’t train adequately, but what carried me through to the finish was everything else other than my personal condition and preparation. The weather was perfect, the scenery is gorgeous and provided much needed distraction when my legs were in pain, the course is very well-supported and the people of Monterey are incredible. I’ve ran this half marathon (and the 5K the day before) every single year since then–except only for those years when the race was cancelled. And this has become an annual event not just for me but for my entire family. Our kids run the 3K, the adult run the 5K and those of us runners take on the half marathon. This is by far my favorite running event and every year, there is always a friend or two coming.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    BGraney FIRST-TIMER '23

    Absolutely beautiful course through Monterey and along the peninsula coast line. Race day was expertly executed - the start line process was so easy to navigate and gear check process … MORE

    Absolutely beautiful course through Monterey and along the peninsula coast line. Race day was expertly executed – the start line process was so easy to navigate and gear check process start to finish was seamless. Info leading up to race weekend was a tad bit sparse and relied on heavily navigating around the website. An app with info about tracking, timing and post-race weekend events could be helpful but ultimately not necessary. Can’t wait to run this course again, I had an amazing time!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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