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Big Sur International Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Big Sur International Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.9 
Organization 4.8 
Spectators 3.7
Number of comments: 212 [displaying comments 91 to 101]
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S. A. from Phoenix, Arizona
(4/30/2008)
"Best organized race I have ever done" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a tough course. There are no flat parts - it is all up or down. So really train on those hills. It is also gorgeous - breathtaking scenery. The organization was outstanding. I felt completely taken care of at every step. The area is an expensive place to stay and dine, but for a night or two, it is worth it. You also have to get up super early (3:30 a.m.) and get a bus for an hour-long ride to the start. A bit of a pain, but again, totally worth it. | |
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A. H. from Boulder, CO
(4/30/2008)
"Does it get any better?" (about: 2008)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The weather was perfect. We were exposed at times to the wind off the ocean but not during the longest and steepest climb of the race. Overall, even in the worst conditions - save earthquakes - you would be hard-pressed to speak ill of the course. Spectators only received three stars because it is impossible for them to access the course until the final few miles. However, the majority of the course that does not have spectators does have musicians, bands, and local "eccentrics" to keep you motivated and entertained. Aid stations were spaced well and full of very active and friendly volunteers. Marines were spaced what seemed like every mile or so calling out overall time, pace and projected finishing times, which was helpful to those of us who race without watches. Any detractors to the race in general are easily dismissed by the overall enthusiasm of the racers and community supporting it. Being my first marathon experience, I feel like everyone from here on will have to fill some Herculean shoes. I will definitely return to run this marathon again! (Stay in Carmel, not Monterey; you end up paying the same or less. I highly recommend the Cypress Inn.) Oh yeah, there was a great selection of fresh organic fruit at the finish and even on the course! | |
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J. D. from VT
(4/29/2008)
"A great course ruined" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 After 30 years of running all kinds of races of all kinds of sizes in all kinds of conditions, I'd have to say that while the course is certainly scenic (I've run other events just as nice if not better), but there are 3 obstacles to this being potentially an outstanding course. One is the tilt in the road due to the construction of PCH to handle CARS at 60 mph (not feet). Anywhere there's a turn (and there are lots) where you're not running on a flat surface. Two, the exposure to coastal conditions can really make any given day an exceptional challenge. Three, and most annoying, is the race organizers' seemingly ludicrous decision to start a few thousand walkers out in FRONT of the marathon race at 5.2M and 15.6M that create numerous moving walls of people to negotiate during the challenging later miles of the race. It would seem the drive to collect entry fees outweighs the desire to have a well-designed competitive race. Treat this more like a marathon "fun run." In true California fashion, you will find yourself ultimately stuck in a traffic jam of people in Carmel with no passing lane, all created by poor planning. | |
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M. Z. from Chicago, IL
(4/29/2008)
"Most AMAZING marathon experience, bar none" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 WOW! WOW! WOW! I pride myself on being more eloquent than three letter exclamations, but Big Sur needs no further description. Course construction limits the number of spectators who are able to access the route, but that is of limited consequence. The location and scenery are unparalleled. Arguably, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited and certainly ever run. The organization is top-notch; Hugo and his team put together a marvelous race, are accessible and visible, and accomplish their feat in coordination with the local community (they do CLOSE highway 1 after all). Do NOT fool yourself; this is a difficult course, especially for a flat-lander from Chicago, but worth every minute of effort. If you only do one marathon in your life, Big Sur should be considered. If you are an experienced marathoner, this is a medal that must be in your collection. Simply incredible.... One request: Outlaw earphones!!! | |
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H. v. from OC, CA
(4/29/2008)
"PERFECT!" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you think about only running one marathon, this should be the one... as Bart Yasso said at this year's expo. | |
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W. B. from Redding, CA
(4/29/2008)
"Absolute top-quality marathon." (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I came into this race at 55 wanting to run just one marathon in my life. Once I get over my soreness I may reconsider running just one marathon, as this was one of the most awesome experiences in my life. The quality of this race was a "10," starting with loading on the buses at 4:00 A.M. and ending with the bag pickup at the end. Well organized. The starting area was a bit on the crowded side, trying to shuffle people out onto the highway for the start. The announcers said that they would not start the race until everyone was in place, ignoring the start time. I thought this showed class as they put us- the runners- first. Once the doves flew and the gun sounded, the race started smoothly and runners were very considerate of each other. The pace picked up without much hesitation or crowding. I had previoiusly heard that the slope of the road near the end of the race could be brutal, but it was not! The slopes were very obvious early on and were evident the whole race. I heard many complaints about this from the get-go, and this was probably the only negative I could find in the 26. The sights along the race were unreal, and I did manage to stop myself and snap a few pictures along the way. Where else can you be running in the middle of nowhere and come across someone playing the piano? We could hear him playing at least a mile away; it almost did not seem real. The water and aid stops were once again of great quality! The supply was endless and it seemed that the stations came more frequently towards the end. The bananas, apples and strawberries were quite a treat. The volunteers were unbelievable for being out there as long as they did without complaint. I was a bit freaked out before the race about the hills. Being early in the race, I have to say that Hurricane Point was not as bad as some make it sound, as long as you do some hill training. Later in the race the hills were tougher but shorter. I thought the downhills were just as bad as ups the last few miles. I should have worked more on the downs. The finish line was a bit uneventful as marathoners finish with everyone else, but I have always thought that running is more for the inner self rather than for anyone else. Thanks BSIM! My life is now more complete. | |
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J. O. from Reno, Nevada
(4/29/2008)
"Brilliant Future Ideas for Improvement" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Don't be fooled by the fact that this is an amazingly well organized marathon with beautiful scenery and friendly and supportive volunteers. Oh sure, the bands were great and the weather was very cooperative, but don't be lulled into thinking it can't be improved. First of all, I feel that all of the hills need to be removed, or at the very least, escalators need to be installed. Sure this might cost a little extra, but the benefits to my legs and finish time would be enormous. Additionally, I feel the clock was way too fast... but only when tracking MY chip time. I know that I ran AT LEAST an hour faster than my time indicated. Furthermore, I have two words for the organizers: "Exotic dancers." Just a thought, but I know it would be a welcome addition to the course. I feel that instigation of these completely rational and well thought out suggestions would result in the finest marathon ever. Oh, and the finisher's medals should be crafted out of gold by the Keebler Elves, if possible. In all seriousness, this was a spectacular event, even though I will be having nightmares about those "hills" for weeks to come. | |
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A. N. from Chicago
(1/8/2008)
"The Gold Standard of Marathons" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Paradise. Excellence. Majestic scenery. These are some of the words that come to mind when describing the BSIM. The race organizers deserve the highest praise for making this challenging, splendid, and unspoiled course accessible to us runners. This race does not disappoint! The early morning fog blanketed the course as we awaited the start in anxious anticipation. As we ran along the Pacific Coast, the fog lifted before us, revealing mile after scenic mile. From the awesome Bixby Bridge to legendary Hurricane Point (which lives up to its name), to beautiful Garrapata Beach, this promises to be the most memorable marathon you will ever run. The giant California strawberries at mile 22 were an unexpected treat! At the finish, we were presented with a unique earthenware medal with a leather lanyard. The post-race food included more fresh fruit from local farmers. A word on logistics: we parked at a multistory lot near the expo in Monterey for $3 a day (ask a concierge for directions), then hitched a ride down to Big Sur to spend the night. At the finish, a simple bus ride from Carmel back to Monterey made the experience almost hassle-free. If you stay at the Big Sur Campgrounds, beware that they tried to price gouge marathoners on race weekend, even though we had reserved a lower rate months earlier. Also, they offer "free" morning coffee, but make sure to bring your own cup or you will be charged a quarter. | |
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J. O. from Californian now in Virginia
(11/13/2007)
"Get ready for the best time of your life" (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I absolutely loved the Big Sur Marathon. I could not have asked for a better marathon for my first ever. I loved the people in the race; they were so nice and willing to chat while running. I met some great people from Ohio, Virginia, New York and Los Angeles (I'm from Oakland, CA). I loved the bands playing along the side of the road, and the course was fabulous. I was really sick and unable to run, much less walk for 1.5 months prior to the race, and I still finished in under 5 hours for my first 26.2. I am a hill person, though; I do better when there are lots of hills (I like uphill running; I'm one of those crazy people). I cannot run 2008 due to my graduation from Virginia State being the same weekend (I would for go the graduation ceremony if they would let me, but it's required to attend! Argh!), but I look forward to running Big Sur again. I ran Richmond this weekend, and it was fun, but nothing compared to my most excellent Big Sur experience. I highly recommend this race! | |
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H. R. from San Jose, CA
(10/19/2007)
"Great organisation, perfect weather" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Big Sur International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a race you do not want to miss mainly because of the perfect weather, around 45-50 F with cloudy skies. The support on the course is just great of both fluids, gels, strawberries, bananas, even free hugs. For those that are not local, the course is the most scenery part of California, highway-1. |
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