1. The expo was nice, but the directions provided in the 'last minute' info packet were not very easy to follow for an out-of-towner (even one that has been to Monterey several times).

2. Very nice Asics Coolmax long-sleeve shirts for the marathon tee.

3. No goodies in the goody bags - kind of disappointing for a $90.00 entry fee.

4. Bus directions - again, confusing (if you are unfamiliar with the area, you may want to drive around and find the Monterey Peninsula College the night before so you don't miss the bus in the morning at 3:45 a.m.)!!

5. Starting area - VERY well organized. Hot coffee, plenty of port-a-potties, good organization. Nicely done.

6. Course. You would think that Hurricane Point would be the part of the race that kills you. Not true - it's a good two-mile descent to the halfway point and then moderately hilly until 18 - then the rolling (and sometimes steep) hills begin. I found the last 6 miles the most challenging - especially at Carmel Highlands.

Plenty of water and Gatorade support, but I only found one person handing out GU gels. Bananas and oranges along the way helped, too.

Be sure to bring a throw away camera and take some pictures of the most idyllic setting for a marathon anywhere.

There was a southerly wind this year - great for not having a headwind, but very warm. A few wind switches provided welcome cool breeze off the ocean. Hydrate well (two days) in advance of this one - the dry air and intense sun will get you otherwise. Be sure to use plenty of sunblock.

Finish area was well-coordinated, but confusing with two separate areas for marathon finishers and relay finishers.

All in all, a great race - and one you will be proud of yourself for finishing. Very unique and cool finisher's medal.

This marathon is run on a spectacular course in what is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. It is hilly, but with the proper training and outlook, this challenge can add to the enjoyment. More than hills the slanted roadway is a more difficult obstacle and there is little that can be done to overcome that. Organization is absolutely first-rate.

A number of years ago, a book by the name of 'The Ultimate Guide to Marathons' was published, ranking Big Sur the #1 US Marathon. Having run many other marathons, I would agree that Big Sur WAS #1. Not any more. They have added a series of walking events which make it unnecessarily annoying for runners who have to dodge walkers through much of the race. Not personally opposed to walkers, but I don't consider an event in which walkers interfere with runners to such a large degree the best marathon in the country.

There is another issue with this and many marathons that is getting out of hand. That is registration costs. Like so many others, the number of participants for all of these events has increased substantially over the years. As a result, if the marathon is well managed, incremental costs per participant should come down. The opposite is occurring. Registration costs are multiplying at ridiculous rates. This and many other marathons are getting far too expensive. It's nice to have excess budget money to distribute throughout the community but runners are already bringing tourist dollars into the area and then additionally being gouged with excessive entrance fees. Much of the cost of staging these events are sponsor-paid, and the staffing, volunteer. It's time to look at ways of containing costs and giving the runners a break.

Overall, would highly recommend running this at least once. A great marathon - yes. #1 - not any more. Time to update that book because I could give about 10 US marathons that overall are better, even considering the biggest thing that Big Sur has going for it - geographic location.

All elements were first-rate, including the weather. The course is beautiful, though not fast, and really challenging. Check-in, expo, shuttles, start, stations, etc are all topnotch. Only changes I'd recommend would be to eliminate relays (disruptive to full marathon), and should be able to receive race packet in the mail.

Since I haven't seen it anywhere else, I have to give huge credit to the massage tent! They organize it so you sign up after you finish and then they tell you roughly how long it will be so you don't have to stand in line the whole time. GREAT IDEA!!

Beyond that, I agree with what everyone else has said. I thought the hills in the second half were way worse than Hurricane Point (but maybe that's because I was really prepared for that one), the race staff and volunteers were WONDERFUL, and the scenery was, of course, gorgeous.

Most of the race had few spectators, but I gave a five-star rating for spectators because the fewer the spectators the better along this scenic course. Everything about the race was first-rate. The central California coast is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Very challenging course - not one for a PR. Hurricane Point is not the problem; it is the hills afterwards that will get you. The banked highway is also tough. Spectators are few and far between, but who needs spectators when you can spend all your time looking at the surroundings? Great race to run if you bring a camera and stop frequently to admire the scenery. Very well organized, but it would be nice if we were bused out a little later. It is cold at the start, so bring warm clothes (but the hot coffee was great!). Thanks for the garbage bags at the start to keep us warm. A big thanks to all those who provided the entertainment, especially the school bands. The piano at Bixby Bridge was a great energy booster. I can still taste those fresh strawberries. Lots of nice food at the finish. Water stops were well staffed and organized.

We had a gorgeous day this year for BSIM -- sunny with light breezes. I felt really lucky to have gotten the run in on such a good day (if anything, it was a bit on the hot side).

The course is really tough, as billed. In particular, be prepared for rolling hills in the final 5 miles which really take their toll.

Organization is excellent, although I'm a bit perplexed by why they couldn't bus people out to the start an hour later since we literally sat out there from 4am to 7am.

Here's one piece of added advice which I didn't pick up here previously: It's really really cold out at the start that time in the morning. Make sure to bring a hat, sweats, and whatever you need to stay warm for 2-3 hours in 35-50 degree conditions. I was underprepared for that, and I wish the organizers would have provided more warning.

This marathon is the best organized marathon that I have ever ran in. The April 2003 event was my third time running BSIM. I was every much as impressed in this event as I was in the 1997 and 1990 BSIM's that I ran in previously. The race leadership and volunteers really take care of you in this event. Service is awesome! The scenary is out of this world! Tough? Yes, the course is very challenging, and your legs will take a pounding by the end from all of the hills. Don't expect a PR here, but expect an awesome experience. Spectators are lined up at several areas of the course; however, most of the course is in-accessible to spectators. The spectators were awesome and very encouraging to the runners! Music and other special performances along course were entergizing. The aid stations were the best stocked I have ever seen. As for the big hill (Hurricane Point)--don't let it worry you. As long as you do hill training as part of your regular weekly training, you will succeed in tackling this hill (and the many other medium and small hills that preceed and follow the big one). The view at the top of Hurricane Point is very much worth grinding up the two mile long hill. Recommend this marathon to everyone! Serious training before hand is a must, however!

If you want to run a good time, here's some info: 1)the course is relatively flat for the first 9 miles; 2) the course has steady rolling hills for the second half; 3) Hurricane Point isn't the only hill-- there's one before and one after-- look harder at the course profile. All in all, a tough course to run negative splits on. Do lots of hill training, drink lots of water, and you should do fine. Take the time to enjoy the spectacular views, too.

I'd done London and New York before this run, but enjoyed Big Sur much more. The course is hilly but the scenery is spectacular. The entertainment along the way was topnotch. The belly dancers at mile 25 were great fun! The organization could not be faulted and I was touched to see the race organizers at the finish line to shake my hand and thank me for running this race. A marvellous experience.

If anyone SCUBA dives I can also recommend that activity in this area for some post-race relaxation. I saw beautiful kelp and harbour seals. Bring your PADI card or the equivalent.