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Marathon Details - San Miguel Buzz Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > CA > San Miguel > San Miguel Buzz Marathon

San Miguel Buzz Marathon

San Miguel Buzz Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

San Miguel, CA USA

February 17, 2024

http://www.buzzmarathon.org

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Race Details

Meditative, scenic run out and back on Camp Roberts Army National Guard Reservation

Contact Information

Name:	Eileen Rogers
Address:	Camp Roberts National Guard Reservation Exit #244 Highway 101 San Miguel, CA
Phone Number:	8058016581
Fax Number:	8054673410
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

The Buzz Marathon is growing! (4/10/04)

Eileen Rogers

Scenic, peaceful course goes out and back. The race starts at 750' and rises to 1250' between 4.5 and 6 mile marks. Aide stations every 2 miles and port-a-pots every 3 miles. Fundraiser for athletic programs at a low income, rural K-8 school. Many repeat runners.

Runner Reviews (37)

Course 4.5

Organization 4.4

Spectators 2.9

Write a review

Number of comments: 37 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

K. E. from CA (2/17/2024) "Beautiful, tough course, organized with love" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I've run 40+ marathons and this was one of the hardest. Heartbreak hill has nothing on the hill between mile 22 and 23. Also the incline between miles 10 and 13.1 (half way turn around) is massive, but you get to speed down the hill again. No spectators at all and hardly any fellow runners, so most of the time you run alone. Weather was perfect and the nature is beautiful there, very green because of all the rain. It's super easy to get to and I literally arrived at 6:50 for a 7 am start, right next to the start line. Bottle of wine is a nice touch! The race director Eileen is amazing and clearly pours her heart into the race. Definitely unique to run on the military base!
Paul Zicuis from Philadelphia, PA (3/3/2017) "Best kept Marathon Secret" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is one of the best Marathons I have ever run. I have run over 27. Here is why-The course is spectacular, the course is challenging, pick up race number the morning of, the volunteers and Fire Dept are awesome (Fire Dept grills at the finish line, you do not have to get to the start 2 hours early and is in one of the most beautiful parts of the USA central California wine country. The benefit is for the local kids athletic programs. WIN WIN WIN!! Thank you for keeping this amazing race going and keep spreading the word!!
David Field from Murrieta, California (11/21/2016) "MY FAVORTE MARATHON-GORGEOUS" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 San Miguel Buzz Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I have run this marathon five times and I am still in awe over the scenic beauty of the hills and their majestic oak trees. If this area has heavy rain-fall preceding the race, you will be treated to a lush, green paradise. I like running solo and that is often possible during the later miles of this event. No traffic, with the exception of the course support vehicles. The race supports the athletic program at an elementary school in San Miguel right outside of the base and the thankful kids do a great job at the aid stations. Post-race refreshments, food, and the bottle of local wine is wonderful. Absolutely no parking problems. I look forward to this race each President's Day Weekend.
K. M. from Roswell, GA (4/6/2016) "A Great Little Race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A very small marathon, with essentially no on-course spectators, and thus one which lived up to its billing as a 'meditative run' with Camp Roberts providing a very bucolic setting. I appreciated the early start option, and the long time limit. Course wasn't as hilly as I expected it to be, and as some others have mentioned, there were several miles of really poor pavement just before and after the turnaround. Aid stations with great volunteers and military-grade porta potties were available every two miles. One of the best features of the race was the ability to stay in the on-base housing. I stayed in a rustic little cabin maybe 100 yards from the starting line for less than $50 a night - can't beat that for convenience or price! This was a great little race - I really enjoyed it.
S. C. from Santa Barba, CA (2/28/2014) "Won't Be Back" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 While there were some nice things about this race, I found it very poorly organized, mismarked and disappointing. Pros: -Perfect weather, mid 50's and cloudy -Easy parking, you could literally park right next to the start/finish -Tiny number of runners - if you like the circus races this isn't for you -Lots of aid stations and porta potties every two miles -Great post-race gift, you got to choose a bottle of wine from a local winery Cons: -This is inexcusable, they changed the course layout for 2014 but left the markings from the previous years course. Some runners got confused and turned around too early. -I don't need a big crowd cheering me on, but when I crossed the finish line no one said a word and no one was paying attention. -The single most boring race route I've ever imagined. You'd think there'd be some interesting things to see on an Army base course, you'd be wrong. -The single worst road I've ever run on. For a stretch of I can't remember how many miles, we ran on something similar to crushed rock in asphalt form. It bit into my foot with every step.
T. L. from Canyon Country, CA (2/19/2013) "Enjoyable low-key small race." (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I like small races, races where the organizers are genuinely pleased to have people running, and races that allow participants to see a bit of the country that we otherwise might never know about or might not be permitted to traverse. San Miguel Buzz Marathon meets all three of these criteria. Course was good, mostly well marked (need a person at the east garrison gate to turn the runners), rolling, paved or aggregate. I'd love it if they could get rid of that darned hill at 25.5, but not sure that's possible. Fairly well organized. A clock at the finish line would have been nice. The hot dogs at the finish and the bottle of wine for each full finisher were great! Also it would be helpful to have early starters have their bibs marked in some way (maybe a stripe of tape) to show their status. Aid stations were well spaced and stocked. Course markings were good. Few spectators, but that isn't surprising for a military installation. I would like to do this one again.
K. S. from Bay Area (2/29/2012) "Just one problem..." (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Loved this race, loved the course, but: where are the finishers medals/dog tags?? Has anyone heard, are they being mailed?
B. B. from Paso Robles, CA (2/22/2012) "Lovely, well supported scenic run" (about: 2012) 3 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I loved the scenic beauty of this course. The weather was perfect for running. One big hill seen twice on the out and back course. Great aid stations and felt completely supported by the organizers. Friendly finish and passionate organizers. Was really fun seeing the children out there in the chilly weather to help out their school
S. H. from Paso Robles, CA (2/22/2012) "Outstanding Support and Worth the Money" (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a beautiful course! I loved the early start option, all of the aid stations, clean porta potties, enthusiastic volunteers, and simplicity of the race. Well worth the money!
J. J. from California (2/18/2012) "Great small race!!!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a fantastic small race on the Camp Roberts National Guard Base. The race has fantastic organization with excellent support every two miles. There is food at the end (all sorts of goodies including big juicy hot dogs). It is California so there are hills! I still managed to run a PR on this course. The local wineries providing a bottle of wine for marathoners was great. The race is a benefit also. The only negative thing I have to say is that the organizers really need to charge more $$ for this race. I would have been willing to pay twice as much or more, especially because the proceeds all go to operations and charity. Great race! I will be coming back next year.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



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K. E. from CA (2/17/2024) "Beautiful, tough course, organized with love" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I've run 40+ marathons and this was one of the hardest. Heartbreak hill has nothing on the hill between mile 22 and 23. Also the incline between miles 10 and 13.1 (half way turn around) is massive, but you get to speed down the hill again. No spectators at all and hardly any fellow runners, so most of the time you run alone. Weather was perfect and the nature is beautiful there, very green because of all the rain. It's super easy to get to and I literally arrived at 6:50 for a 7 am start, right next to the start line. Bottle of wine is a nice touch! The race director Eileen is amazing and clearly pours her heart into the race. Definitely unique to run on the military base!
Paul Zicuis from Philadelphia, PA (3/3/2017) "Best kept Marathon Secret" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is one of the best Marathons I have ever run. I have run over 27. Here is why-The course is spectacular, the course is challenging, pick up race number the morning of, the volunteers and Fire Dept are awesome (Fire Dept grills at the finish line, you do not have to get to the start 2 hours early and is in one of the most beautiful parts of the USA central California wine country. The benefit is for the local kids athletic programs. WIN WIN WIN!! Thank you for keeping this amazing race going and keep spreading the word!!
David Field from Murrieta, California (11/21/2016) "MY FAVORTE MARATHON-GORGEOUS" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 San Miguel Buzz Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I have run this marathon five times and I am still in awe over the scenic beauty of the hills and their majestic oak trees. If this area has heavy rain-fall preceding the race, you will be treated to a lush, green paradise. I like running solo and that is often possible during the later miles of this event. No traffic, with the exception of the course support vehicles. The race supports the athletic program at an elementary school in San Miguel right outside of the base and the thankful kids do a great job at the aid stations. Post-race refreshments, food, and the bottle of local wine is wonderful. Absolutely no parking problems. I look forward to this race each President's Day Weekend.
K. M. from Roswell, GA (4/6/2016) "A Great Little Race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A very small marathon, with essentially no on-course spectators, and thus one which lived up to its billing as a 'meditative run' with Camp Roberts providing a very bucolic setting. I appreciated the early start option, and the long time limit. Course wasn't as hilly as I expected it to be, and as some others have mentioned, there were several miles of really poor pavement just before and after the turnaround. Aid stations with great volunteers and military-grade porta potties were available every two miles. One of the best features of the race was the ability to stay in the on-base housing. I stayed in a rustic little cabin maybe 100 yards from the starting line for less than $50 a night - can't beat that for convenience or price! This was a great little race - I really enjoyed it.
S. C. from Santa Barba, CA (2/28/2014) "Won't Be Back" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 While there were some nice things about this race, I found it very poorly organized, mismarked and disappointing. Pros: -Perfect weather, mid 50's and cloudy -Easy parking, you could literally park right next to the start/finish -Tiny number of runners - if you like the circus races this isn't for you -Lots of aid stations and porta potties every two miles -Great post-race gift, you got to choose a bottle of wine from a local winery Cons: -This is inexcusable, they changed the course layout for 2014 but left the markings from the previous years course. Some runners got confused and turned around too early. -I don't need a big crowd cheering me on, but when I crossed the finish line no one said a word and no one was paying attention. -The single most boring race route I've ever imagined. You'd think there'd be some interesting things to see on an Army base course, you'd be wrong. -The single worst road I've ever run on. For a stretch of I can't remember how many miles, we ran on something similar to crushed rock in asphalt form. It bit into my foot with every step.
T. L. from Canyon Country, CA (2/19/2013) "Enjoyable low-key small race." (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I like small races, races where the organizers are genuinely pleased to have people running, and races that allow participants to see a bit of the country that we otherwise might never know about or might not be permitted to traverse. San Miguel Buzz Marathon meets all three of these criteria. Course was good, mostly well marked (need a person at the east garrison gate to turn the runners), rolling, paved or aggregate. I'd love it if they could get rid of that darned hill at 25.5, but not sure that's possible. Fairly well organized. A clock at the finish line would have been nice. The hot dogs at the finish and the bottle of wine for each full finisher were great! Also it would be helpful to have early starters have their bibs marked in some way (maybe a stripe of tape) to show their status. Aid stations were well spaced and stocked. Course markings were good. Few spectators, but that isn't surprising for a military installation. I would like to do this one again.
K. S. from Bay Area (2/29/2012) "Just one problem..." (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Loved this race, loved the course, but: where are the finishers medals/dog tags?? Has anyone heard, are they being mailed?
B. B. from Paso Robles, CA (2/22/2012) "Lovely, well supported scenic run" (about: 2012) 3 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I loved the scenic beauty of this course. The weather was perfect for running. One big hill seen twice on the out and back course. Great aid stations and felt completely supported by the organizers. Friendly finish and passionate organizers. Was really fun seeing the children out there in the chilly weather to help out their school
S. H. from Paso Robles, CA (2/22/2012) "Outstanding Support and Worth the Money" (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a beautiful course! I loved the early start option, all of the aid stations, clean porta potties, enthusiastic volunteers, and simplicity of the race. Well worth the money!
J. J. from California (2/18/2012) "Great small race!!!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 San Miguel Buzz Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a fantastic small race on the Camp Roberts National Guard Base. The race has fantastic organization with excellent support every two miles. There is food at the end (all sorts of goodies including big juicy hot dogs). It is California so there are hills! I still managed to run a PR on this course. The local wineries providing a bottle of wine for marathoners was great. The race is a benefit also. The only negative thing I have to say is that the organizers really need to charge more $$ for this race. I would have been willing to pay twice as much or more, especially because the proceeds all go to operations and charity. Great race! I will be coming back next year.

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Marathon Details - San Miguel Buzz Marathon