#1 Ranked Marathon in the USA
Written: Jun 19 '00 (Updated Jun 22 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Scenery, organization, wildlife
Cons: Hurricane Point
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| Mattog's Full Review: Big Sur International Marathon |
The Ultimate Guide to Marathons has consistently ranked Big Sur the #1 destination marathon in the country, and they are not wrong. Not only is this one of the most beautiful marathons in the country, if not the world, it is also one of the best organized and best value for money.
The expo is held in Monterey where most of the runners stay, and it is pretty good for a smallish race. They have some excellent Big Sir Marathon souvenirs, but they are a little pricey. However, that said, you do get a very nice long sleeve t with your entry, and this year they really splashed out giving all runners a very nice sweatshirt.
I stayed in the Monterey Embassy Suites which was good value and comfortable. If budget is not a problem look into the Ventana Inn or the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. If you are not a millionaire there is the Hotel Henrietta in Carmel,lots of camping all along the coast, and all the big hotel chains can be found in Monterey.
The Only problem with staying in Monterey is that you have to be up very early, 4:30 a.m. to catch the bus to the start 35 miles to the south in Big Sur. As you go down the Pacific Coast Highway in the dark listening to the bus's gears grind on the hills your first impulse will be to get off! Don't, they are not as bad as all that, well not for the first 20 miles anyway.
This section of coast is one of the most beautiful on the planet and reminds me a lot of the west coast of my native Ireland...just exchange the mansions for thatched cottages and the sunshine for rain and you are there!
Once you leave the start in the Giant Redwoods of Pfeiffer Park the first spectacular sight you encounter is Big Sur Station; an old Navy meterological station located on a huge rock connected to the coast by a long spit of flat farmland.
As you proceed north, you will be treated to some fantastic ocean views. The cliffs and beaches are pristine, as are the multi-million dollar homes which are very discreetly located among the windblown Monterey Pines.
About 12 miles north of Big Sur you come to Hurricane Point, a 600 ft climb. The views both north and south from the top are unparalleled. A couple of miles downhill on the other side you come to the world famous Bixby Bridge which crosses a deep canyon over Rocky Creek. Definitely a Kodak moment, but then again there is a Kodak moment every 2 minutes on this road.
It was just after the bridge that the first calls of "Thar She Blows!!" came from the runners. There were very few spectators on the course but you cannot beat a viewing gallery consisting of Humpback Whales just 30-40 yards offshore. We could also see lots of Sea Otters playing in the kelp forests along the way. You should also keep your eyes open for the rare California Condor which are found in this area...they are said to feed on the carcases of runners who don't quite make it up to Hurricane Point.
The last few miles take you through leafy Carmel Valley as you head towards Pebble Beach and the finish at the aptly named Marathon Flats...the last 100 yards is the only flat bit on the whole course.
There are orchestras, Japanese drummers, Highland pipers, even a grand piano dotted along the course...no nasty rock or country music allowed. This is a refined race :-) but if you are lucky the whales will provide you with all the entertainment you need.
Big Sur is not a spectator friendly course since they close the road to traffic and if you bring friends and family they will only get to see you at the finish.
One more thing, the Big Sur medals are really unique. they are hand crafted terracotta with a leather thong instead of a ribbon...pretty cool.
(FYI...I borrowed part of this review from a review I wrote on Big Sur before the marathon page was up and running so to speak)
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Mattog
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Member: Matt R.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Reviews written: 72
Trusted by: 37 members
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