This is a long time coming, but I wanted to run more marathons for comparison before commenting. The BSIM organization was great, especially considering the logistics. The more than friendly attitude of everyone I met from the expo to the finish line made this a fantastic experience. For the next 1st timers, don't let Hurricane Point scare you, it's in the first half and is easily conquerable. Just be sure to save some energy for the off-camber rollers beginning around mile 22. Enjoy the beautiful scenery to keep your spirits up. Not only was this a special experience and the beginning of a 50 State chase, but as an added bonus it's my 1st marathon so it's a PR!!!

This was my second marathon. It was a beautiful course with lots of hills and scenic views. Absolutely loved it! One suggestion would be to have more water stations and facilities. Other than that, great organization. After this race, I've decided Big Sur is one of my top ten favorite vacation spots! Spectacular!

Record heat, endless hills and beautiful views at every step. I am slow so by the time I reached some of the later water tables much of the volunteers' enthusiasm had greatly abated. In a couple of places the volunteers actually got in the way of the runners. I did finish in time to get a medal (just). They were not kidding about the strict cut off time to finish!!!!

Wow!! A beautiful course, top-notch organization, and first-rate volunteers!! Running gets no better than this. Thanks to all involved, and I will run Big Sur again!!!

What an incredible experience!!! Thanks to all involved. Big Sur truly is the finest marathon in the world.

Everyone who runs owes it to themselves to run this race course.

Spectacular views, cool music, great volunteers, a tough challenge, rolling hills, and barking seals.
I've done 25 marathons and this ranks up there with Boston as my favorite, but for completely different reasons.

A beautiful setting for a marathon that was blessed with some great weather. Thanks to the volunteers and performers as they did a terrific job in making the race enjoyable. The start area was well organized and I appreciated the extras at the aid stations (oranges, bananas and GU). I couldn't agree more with the comments about allowing more runners and fewer walkers.

This was my fourth Big Sur Marathon. The weather was warm this year, but is usually cool. The course is outstandingly beautiful, with waves crashing and seals barking in the surf nearby. The race is small - no crowds to contend with, except at relay points, and an abundance of walkers near the end. Very well organized. Race clinics are very useful; Jeff Galloway has regularly led clinics. Lots of music - Taiko drummers, choirs, orchestras, and a grand piano. Plenty of aid stations, plenty of food at the end. A hard course - four Big Sur's and my four slowest marathon times. Still my favorite.

This was my first marathon. It was as spectacular as it was tough. Hardest thing I've ever done.

If you love marathons, this has to be on the must run list. The course was spectacular, and the unusual off-shore breeze made the course clear versus the typical headwinds and potential foggy conditions. The miles went very fast as you listened to an eclectic group of bands. At one point, you could hear the seals barking from the rocks - very cool. The hills are tough, especially the long rollers in the last 8 miles. If you train well, you can PR as I did for my second marathon.

Organization was flawless, the volunteers were cheerful and absolutely committed to making your race a pleasure. The power walkers disrupted the pace at times. Spectators are few, but terrific. Finish area was very crowded, but organized. If you're coming from out of town, book hotels early!