Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Pretty much the most spectacular scenery of any US marathon.
Don’t be deceived by the opening 5 mile downhill. Relentless 5 percent grade miles 19-12 and punishing rolling hills the second half of the race. Monterey Fish House a must.
Portola Hotel in Monterey is the place to be, NOT the Marriott.
I really like the challenge to a foot race on a hard surface and clear of roots, rocks, and debris. Traffic control was great and no car whizzing by. They had pacers. The organizers did a good job of not sugar coated the hills. Great run for me and realize on Pikes Peak but left feeling a sense of accomplishment.
I understand we were lucky with weather and not to cold, not much rain, and a big plus no wind to speak about. Just watch weather before you come to best prep for the standing by around before race.
I wish the cost was at max $150.00 instead of the $324.00 I paid. If not in California, I would go again next year but traveling there and staying for the race was expensive for me.
I would recommend to anyone that has run a marathon.
Can’t tell a person how to train or pace yourself but my HRE for the race was around 5-6 for most of the race and approached 7-8 for the finish. Not stellar time and held back not knowing my hill limits. Finished in 5:08:11.
We stayed in BB not too far from pickup point. Easy in Vendage Carmel Hotel and parking bus stop G.
The race was well put on, stunningly beautiful with great support. Definitely not a BQ race, but a bucket list one for sure.
OK, lets get this out of the way, the elevation chart on the race's web page is a lie. The course is much hiller than it shows. There is no less than 9 large hills to climb in the second half of the race, with a number of smaller ones. The official elevation chart makes the course seem A LOT easier than it is. And once you get into the Highlands, the road is very banked and hard to run on. It would be best to drive the course the day before so you can see the course.
Also note that the buses that bring you to the start are the yellow cheese wagons, don't expect charter buses. I only stay this because i heard someone complaining about it. But some people are never happy i guess.
I would arrive on Thursday or Friday at the latest. The town is wonderful. Make sure to do a shakeout run around the Cannery and Lovers Point. Plenty of wildlife, from Sea otters to harbor seals.
BSIM 2018 was an excellent race. I credit the race organizers who communicated effectively with applicants and runners throughout the registration process. The expo was very well organized. Race day was flawless.
Bring an extra layer to the start, even after you check your bag. It was cold in 2018. BSIM donates any clothing left along the side of the road to local organizations. In 2018, I ditched a pair of trousers that my wife had been asking me to get rid of for years. I showed my appreciation for her meeting me at the finish by announcing that she'd never have to see those trousers again!
Arrive on Friday or, if you can manage it, on Thursday. There are a lot of fun things to see and do in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. I suggest driving the course early on Friday or Saturday morning to get a glimpse of the hills you'll be cursing on Sunday.
Epic scenery. Begins in Redwood Forest, continues along Pacific coast point to point.
Train for hills.
Spectacular Course with incredible views.
Initial 10 miles consists of flats and rolling hills. Mile 10-12 is a steady uphill climb (Hurricane Point) Final 4 miles - rolling hills.
Beautiful course. Friendly supportive volunteers. Well organized. Wonderful events.
Absolutely the best views of any marathon, hands down. Starting off and passing through the narrow tree lined road early in the morning then working your way to incredible ocean views of the Pacific Coast, Bixby Bridge, and then on into Carmel, this marathon has it all. Gorgeous!
Difficult with all the hills, and oh yes- Hurricane Point at mile 10 is two miles up, up, up. But with Taiko drum beats to get you started up the hill and music from a baby grand (yes, it is actually there on the side of the road perched high above the Pacific Ocean) to welcome you to the top, you'll make it.
If you are traveling, get there on Friday and spend all of Saturday in incredible Monterey. But don't overdo it because the buses to the start are leaving earrrrllyyyyy (yes, like in 3:00 am) to get to the start. Take something warm to wear while waiting to start your journey and . . . enjoy.
Challenging yet breathtaking course, with great crowd and course support!
This race is more for the experience than for time. Take time to let the scenery sink in, the views are amazing! The course is very hilly but with training you can be sure to finish within the 6 hour strict cut off time.
This is a must bucket-list marathon. If the views don't blow you away, the headwinds (literally) will. Point-to-point marathon that is very challenging. In addition to fighting head-winds, there is the 2-mile climb up Deja-Vu to Hurricane Point that will test you. Then you run down to the bridge with the famous grand piano playing. Views of the ocean are spectacular.
Make sure you can deal with hills. This is not a first-time marathon - experienced marathoners only. Regardless, definitely worth it, if you can make it through the lottery.
You'll need to get up around 2 AM to catch the bus ride to start line. Once you get there, you will wait for a couple of hours in very cold conditions - make sure you bring a jacket to keep warm, prior to the start.
The course is VERY hilly; expect some serious climbs towards the end of the race; expect strong (head-)winds; very scenic course.
You have to wake up very early, buses to start go around 3:30 a.m.
Liked everything about it! The views were amazing.
Slow and steady and keep some energy for the hills!
Stay in Monterey
The most beautiful Marathon in the world!!!
Hills!!! The view is much more beautiful than what you are bring told!
Book your hotel in The marathon's web page.
Gorgeous but challenging course. You will never run a course like this. Ocean to your left, hills and redwoods to your right. Four years later, I'm still talking about it.
Hills for breakfast! this has rolling hills and a section of camber in the road at the last four miles. It's tough but worth it. Don't run it for a PR, run it for the experience.
Big Sur team has thought of everything on the website. I would go there.
I first ran Big Sur in 2010; 6 days after running the Boston Marathon. I was obviously tired from Boston, but I was BLOWN away by the beauty of this course. I could not stop smiling. It was amazing. The pre and post race festivities were very well done. Loved the expo as well as the post race party for B2BS runners. Ran it again in 2011. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Train for those hills. LOTS of hills; especially near the end. Hurricane Point is long (2 miles up and 2 miles down), but you also have to be prepared for the hills in the Carmel Highlands near the end of the race when you are very, very tired. Also - ENJOY the VIEW!!!!!
Loved Hofsas House hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea . Small little motel within walking distance to countless shops and restaurants. Forge in the Forest, Casanova, Katy's - so many incredible places to eat. You can walk down Ocean Ave to Carmel Beach or explore 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. Make a vacation of it!
1st the negative a very early bus ride to the start the positives everything from the unmatched scenery to the great bands and incredible volunteers and oh yeah and this year Sierra Nevada beer. The one Marathon you should not miss.