Big Sur International Marathon 2011
Sunday, May 1st 2011 at 6:30 AM Big Sur, CA- Distances:
- Marathon
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- Local Weather
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Race Reports
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Big Sur International Marathon
Today I ran the Big Sur International Marathon and all I can say was it was amazing. Last year I ran Big Sur, my first Marathon in 5:16:07 and now I ran it in 4:44:19. A 31:48 improvement from last year. With this year's landslide completely changed the course where you had to run the Carmel Highlands twice. A treacherous series of rolling, and steep hills. Talking with several people we all agree that this out and back course was much harder than the original course. Not a single flat part of the marathon. Up and down, brutal hills, extremely tough. I'm proud to report that I've fundraised $2,555 dollars for the American Cancer Society. I want to reach $2,620 for the 26.2 mile I ran. Tired, hurts to walk, feet are blistered, but good pain. Rest up for a few weeks and I've gotta start training to run San Francisco Marathon. Crazy me signed up for another full. No breaks.
by Manuel H. -
Great Race!!
I know that many people were disappointed that we didn't get to run the traditional Big Sur route (and I was too) but Mother Nature did her thing and the Big Sur Marathon stepped up to the challenge. The alternate route was still beautiful and very challenging (I heard that it was actually more challenging). The volunteers, staff, snacks, swag, medals, ... everything was AMAZING! Maybe the best organized race I've ever run. I hope to run the marathon in its traditional form one day but I'm so glad I ran this race as it was yesterday.
by Meg G. -
Big Sur International Marathon
My 5th full marathon is in the books! The course was of course beautiful- I took a ton of photos along the way. The weather was perfect most of the time and gave way to some great views. There were some positive and negative things about the out and back course. I enjoyed being able to see the elite runners passing by, as I have never been able to watch them before. Watching the sweeper van pass by me on the course did, however, send some chills down my spine and reminded me to keep my feet moving. I did my best to keep my focus on the scenery and the cool mile markers. The course was a little lonely at times, which made me realize something I've actually enjoyed about city races- the community support. Since the course is set on PCH, which is closed to cars and other spectators, not many were able to come out and provide that support, so it's understandable and the scenic views did somewhat make up for this. The course was semi-challenging and the finisher's medal was as cool if not cooler than I expected, but I think I'm really interested in running this one again to see what the original course is all about. I'd like to be a Hurricane point survivor, afterall!
Overall, it was a good experience to have and I was fortunate enough not to experience any problems along the course. I think I enjoyed the whole weekend overall, as it was filled with fun adventures with my good friend and running buddy, Shari!
by Merry W. -
Big Sur Marathon
What a memorable marathon, not to mention my FIRST marathon! The course is BEAUTIFUL as is the landscape! GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!! WELL WORTH THE TRIP!
by Kristen
Anyone doing B2B?
about 1 year agoMichele - Hill repeats are the way to go if you want to get better at running hills strong. Find a hill with nice incline but not too steep. Do a 15 minute warm up jog, then something like the following would be good start:
1. 30 second climb X 3
2. 1 minute climb X 2
3. 1.5 minute climb X 1
Then a 15 minute cooldown jog. Remember to start slow and build you repeats as you get better. Don't worry about pace, just run comfortably. Oh, and have fun!
over 1 year agothis is my first marathon - crazy I know...I'm not fast, but can be pretty steady. I live in flatlands, and appreciate any words of the wise regarding hill training. I have a few good long hills, not many short high ones for intevals. treadmill workouts are okay too.
over 1 year agoand am very excited
over 1 year ago