Big Sur is awesome. It is the most beautiful marathon you will ever run. But, it is also going to be your toughest. Don't expect a PR. Savor the views, the camaraderie, and the great support. Although the uphill is challenging, the downhill will be just as tough because your muscles will ache and cramp. The views, the people, and the support will all make it worthwhile. This is one that you will cherish, and will want to come back to again and again.

Big Sur lived up to the hype: The scenery was as fabulous as advertised, the race organization was top- notch, and my wife and I really enjoyed visiting Monterey/Carmel. Driving the course the day beforehand was a little demoralizing, but I'm glad I did, since the scenery is a lot more enjoyable when you're not racing.

I thought this course was much tougher than Boston (even 2007), although part of that was due to 20 mph headwinds during the middle two-thirds of the race. So the importance of preparation and pacing is magnified here compared to other races-- if you run out of gas before the last couple of hills, it'll be a much longer day. The hills at miles 16, 19, 22, 25 don't look like much on the elevation profile compared to Hurricane Point, but in any other race they would be considered substantial.

So as long as you don't mind adding 5% to your usual time, this race can be extremely satisfying. Much like many first-time mothers two days after childbirth, I'm inclined to say "once was enough; never again," but I'm hoping that time erases the more unpleasant memories (miles 5-25.5).

I just finished running this course over the weekend. The race organization is superb! Excellent support. The view is amazing.

The course is tough with lots of hills. I enjoyed the view and appreciated the race organizers and volunteers.

I completed my 27th marathon at the Big Sur Marathon yesterday. WOW! I picked this race because it was recommended as a once-in-a-lifetime race. It sure was!

It was the most difficult race I have run: Hills and wind were expected, and I was mentally prepared for both, but the race's beauty far outweighed its difficulty. However, the slant of the road for some 20 miles really did damage to my entire left side: my left foot went numb, and I had knee problems as well as an agonizing hip. In fact, I thought I wouldn't be running after I finished, thinking a major injury had set in. If you are prone to injuries, do not run this race.

The organization was perfect, there was easy transportation to and from the start/finish, the finish was great, the support and volunteers were wonderful, and there were great race updates.

The starting village needs improvement: there were too many people for such a small holding area. I began to panic that I would never start the race waiting for the porta-potty!


I'm so glad I did this race: it is one that every runner should add to their list of must-dos.

The 2009 edition was my 2nd Big Sur Marathon. Like the first one, it was the best marathon I have run (10 total). You won't find a more well-organized race. The logistics of this race are very complex, but they pull it off beautifully.

Pros:
1. Great course. So beautiful.
2. Very well organized.
3. Aid workers are great.
4. Start area fantastic (despite the cold).
5. Great medals, great finisher's shirts (long-sleeve, tech material).
6. Expo speakers were fantastic.
7. Finish area food were plentiful and had good variety.
8. Yes, the course is very hilly, but it has so many turns that it makes it feel like you can focus on the race in segments and get excited for what is around the next turn

Cons:
1. If you don't like hills, do this course anyway; it's well worth it.
2. VERY early start. Must get to the bus pick-up by 4:00 a.m.
3. It was chilly standing at the start area. You will stand around for at least 1.5 hours.
4. There are ZERO spectators until you reach mile 21. But who cares?! The aid workers, the musicians, the scenery and other runners more than make up for that.

If you are thinking of running this race, PLEASE DO SO. You won't be disappointed.

There is nothing like Big Sur. A person doesn't run this course. This course takes the runner away by its sheer beauty.

How special is this marathon? I spoke to a few runners who qualified for Boston but ran this instead.

Everyone knows this course is tough. The hills are long and steep. Most people just walk them after awhile. Course support would be better with more portable toilets along the route.

I usually don't repeat marathons. But I would come back to Big Sur in a heartbeat.

Truly the best organized and most beautiful marathon in the US! The food/drink stations were well placed, and this was my first marathon that actually had food - bananas, strawberries, gels, etc. at the stations. It was so much appreciated. The expo was fantastic; the transportation was great. I have nothing but praise for this marathon.

(Note to Nike/San Francisco: Learn from this race director how to host a marathon, please!)

What a gorgeous race! If you just plain love to run and enjoy your surroundings, then you must run this one! Organization was excellent (expo, start, finish, shuttle). I had always dreamed of running this, and it was a 40th birthday present to myself. I couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate life! Very tough, hilly course, so forget your PR and just enjoy it!

The Good: The course, volunteers, organizers, expo speakers, Round Table pizza. :)

The Bad: Lines at the early Port-O-Lets.

The Ugly: My failure properly to train for the seemingly endless hills. Temps that reached the 80's. Both items out of control of the wonderful race committee.

Hat's off to any veteran who PRs on this course.

Do you wanna know what it feels like to be inside a postcard? Then run Big Sur! Although challenging, the hills aren't the biggest obstacle to logging a fast time... it's the irresistible urge to stop and soak in the scenery! I kid you not, boys and girls... I thought I died and went to heaven!

The course wasn't any tougher than any other course I've run... well okay, it was definitely the toughest course I've run, but I didn't seem to notice since I was so distracted by the beauty of the course. Ocean to the left and green, mountainous pastures to the right... wow! The view gets really breathtaking, as you head toward the ascent to Hurricane Point and the Bixby Bridge.

Big Sur was my 8th marathon and aside from my first one, I don't recall feeling so enthusiastic after finishing a course. I was so awestruck by this course that I've decided to make the Big Sur Marathon an annual event for me.