This was my third running of the Big Sur Marathon. 2011 was my first ever marathon and I chose Big Sur. I mentioned to a friend it wasn’t a PR course. He responded, “It will be for you.”

The reason it isn’t a PR course for most of us, is that it is a tough race with unpredictable weather and hills that will make one’s calves cry for mercy. That said, every windy, hilly inch of the course it worth it.
I’ve competed in 44 races in the eight years I’ve been running. Big Sur is hands down the best organized and supported of them all.

The morning starts with an early bus ride from Monterey to Big Sur. The ride can be over an hour depending on which bus you’re on. The later you get the bus, the longer you’re sitting on it because there is a queue to get off. Once you’ve de-bused, you take a short walk to the start area where there is an abundance of port-o-potties, coffee, tea, water, fruit, and bagels. The communication is clear and everyone knows where to go and what they’re supposed to do.

The race starts in waves spread five minutes apart. We started with Wave Two. It’s an easy downhill for a while. There are occasional gentle ups and downs and flats. At this point we’re not in the wind. After a few miles, we run out into the open, no longer shielded by the majestic redwoods. The wind begins. I was patient and knew it may be windy. I was here to have fun, not to win. The moment I was okay with whatever time I got, I was free to fully enjoy the experience.

Big Sur will take one’s breath away. The scenery cannot be beat… Period.

The powerful ocean waves crashing into the cliffs far below, the turbulent sky and rolling hills. I say rolling and should clarify there are hills that are 100 yards long and hills that are 2 miles long. At the top of the 2 mile hill is Hurricane Point. The wind was so strong that I stumbled when the wind took me. From there it’s all downhill… to the halfway point. So, that’s 1.1 mile of downhill and then a whole lot of up and down the last 13.1 to the finish.

This is all part of the appeal. We share this space and this accomplishment with people from every state of the union and many countries around the world. It is an event of unity among runners. Every mile there is a humorous mile marker and every aid station has water, Gatorade, medical supplies, and most after mile five have fruit or GU.

There are bands and pianists and Taiko drummers… It is truly energizing and one can’t help but smile.
Crossing that finish line is a guaranteed moment of pride and joy.

Happy racing!

Side notes:
I recommend one takes advantage of the clinics and speakers at the expo as well as the free samples, and discounts to apparel and events.

It is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Come a few days early or stay a couple days after. It will be worth your time.