The 27th running of California's Big Sur International Marathon -- which has grown over the years to include five races, with a full marathon, 21-mile, 10.6-mile, 9-mile and 5K events -- saw a variety of weather conditions and some strong headwinds for runners out on the course, especially on the rising turn famously known as Hurricane Point.

More than 6,000 runners and walkers crossed the finish line in all five races combined, with more than half of those finishing the full marathon. Here, in a photo taken on the (much clearer) day before the race, the rising ascent of the roadway is evident in the twists and turns that await runners along the Cabrillo Highway in the middle miles of the race.