Get to the expo when it starts, that way you will get a later bus ticket. I was on the Customs Parking Ramp 4:15 am bus and had just enough time to get to a port a potty and get lined up for the start at 6:45. Wear extra throw away clothes, because waiting around in Big Sur National Park at 4:30 am in the dark can be kind of chilly. I think it was in the Mid 40's when we started. I ditched my sweat, but kept my Walgreen's Gloves and my mock turtleneck for the first half of the race. If you can handle carrying a disposable camera with you, do it. There will be sights that you will want to remember. Overall, there is no way to be disappointed. If you train for it, the views will get you the rest of the way.

I loved this run the first time; the views were the same and so worth seeing again. Well organized, with a great expo (thanks, Jeff Galloway :)). I wish that the start/finish shuttles were logistically easier. And yes, there is poison ivy to the side of the road at the start.

I ran in 2006; we had almost perfect weather - a bit warm at the end though. This, along with the fact that walkers, walking 4 or more abreast, and talking so that they were unaware of runners coming up behind them, and the camber of the road, made the last few miles very difficult and frustrating. Yes, there are hills, but there is as much downhill running as there is uphill, and this was my PR.

I signed up for this marathon after reading some of the comments about how spectacular the course is, and flew across the country just for the race. I was a bit apprehensive about two things: the hills (I trained all flat in Florida), and the fact that I had to wake up at 2:30 to drive out to the buses that take you to Big Sur (they leave from Monterey between 3:30 and 4:30. I had no reason to fear. For such a huge operation of busing thousands of runners, it went incredibly smooth, and it was actually a fun experience to be in that situation with so many other good-natured people. There was an awesome energy in the air, and everyone volunteering and working was extremely kind and accommodating. There were more than enough water stops, and every other stop had oranges and bananas, as well as some GU. But the best thing about this marathon by far is the view you are treated to the entire 26.2 miles... there are not enough superlatives to describe it. At mile 23, I was dying but decided I was going to run out the rest of the race no matter what - making it up the hill on mile 25 and then finishing strong made the whole thing a top experience of my life. I ended up beating my first marathon time from West Palm Beach by 16 minutes (I also have run the Miami half). This blew the other marathons away in every respect. I highly recommend this race and will be doing it again.

This is a first-class marathon! The course was beautiful and the race was very well organized.

If you're thinking about running/walking this race, then you have to do it. It is an extremely well organized race, with several different lengths (marathon, 21 mile, other shorter distances) allowing everyone to participate and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. The ascent to Hurricane Point wasn't as difficult as I expected, although the smaller hills in the Carmel Highlands (miles 21-finish) were surprisingly rough. Make sure to save energy for this section. Also, don't expect much crowd support for the first 1/2 of the race, but then again it isn't necessary. There's something almost spirtual about being surrounded by this rugged coastline and hearing the rhythmic pounding of your fellow race participants.

Other posters have complained about the walkers getting in the way. Since the walkers get a head start, runners will constantly be catching up to walkers. However, I found the walkers to be courteous and very supportive of the runners.

I enjoyed the music along the course (local orchestras, a pianist playing a grand piano, drumming groups for several of the difficult ascents).

If I were to nitpick, the expo could be expanded, although I did enjoy listening to the invited speakers (Jeff Galloway and Dean Karnazes). Also the bus ride to the start is very early and it seems to take forever, which can be psychologically intimidating.

But overall, this is by far my favorite marathon experience. Definitely recommended.

This race was worth the 8-hour drive to Monterey and the 3:45 a.m. bus ride to Big Sur. The organization is A+ and the course is breathtaking.

Great post-race food and I would like thank all the volunteers who did a fantastic job.

This was my first marathon. I didn't read the reviews at this site until the week prior. I was apprehensive after reading how tough the hills were; if someone who has done 61 marathons said the hills were hell, how tough were they going to be on a rookie?

They were tough, but not insurmountable. I did a 18 week training program, but did not train for hills at all. The last few miles were a series of rolling hills that had me begging for the finish line. There was a nice lady at the base of the last hill telling everyone it was the last one... a great boost for my finishing kick!!

The walkers were fairly considerate and most stayed to the left.

I brought a throw-away sweater for the standing around at the start, but forgot pants; the weather was decent, but it did get pretty chilly. The sweats bag process is very well organized; use it!!

Marshals, cops, and medics on bikes were great!

The scenery was FANTASTIC and my fellow runners were very motivational.

It was a great experience and I will do it again!!

What a great race! Organization and the course were spectacular like every one says. The expo was fine. I just grabbed my bib and left. I stayed in Big Sur so didn't need the buses. Race start was a little crowded. I didn't get my bag into the truck but organizers said to leave it at the side and they would get it, which they did. The course was fine for 13 miles, but the hills thereafter really take their toll on your legs. The last hill at mile 25 was sheer agony with the finish line so close. Food was wonderful at the finish. Thank you Taiko drummers and samba dancers! Good luck to all reading; you won't regret running Big Sur.

The most beautiful, most challenging course out there. The hills are mountains... 26.2 miles on the ragged edge of the west coast - fabulous! Not for the wimpy! Just be careful not to trip over your own feet while ogling the beauty of the scenery.

The course was extremely well manned; this race is well directed. I couldn't ask for a better experience.

The Hostelling International youth hostel in Monterey was also a great experience!