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California > Big Sur Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 5-Mile Run
Big Sur, CA


Date

Saturday, September 25, 2010


 
Event Details

Though it may seem odd to say that the Big Sur Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 5-Mile race is run along a road called Old Coast Road -- aren't trail races run on single- and double-track trails through forests, you might ask -- runners note that this road is actually an old dirt road, the first of its kind that connected the towns of Monterey and Big Sur before the road now known as Highway 1 was built. Like the road on which it is run, this race is challenging and hilly, with long, steep climbs and descents as well as spectacular scenery throughout the entire race.

And if you've ever been to or driven through Big Sur, you know how impressive that scenery is -- breathtaking views from craggy bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, as well as trails that wind through sun-dappled redwood and oak grove forests and across bridges overlooking the rocks crashing against the shore. Runners see all of this along the course starting from the race start line at Andrew Molera State Park, which lies just off Highway 1 (Cabrillo Highway) near the Big Sur River.

From there, the course begins a long, winding route northward along Old Coast Road, climbing in elevation from about 200 feet above sea level to just above 1,000 feet above sea level between mile markers 2 and 3. Runners then get something of a reprieve from the steep climb with a long, steady descent between miles 3 and 4, and then the really challenging uphill starts just after the 5-mile marker, continuing all the way to the half-way point, where runners will reach a peak just above 1,200 feet above sea level. After that, the field turns around and heads back down Old Coast Road along the course they've just run, all the way back to the finish line at the park.

One of California's smaller running events, the race is limited to 300 entrants and usually sells out every year. Runners are encouraged to carry either a water bottle or a hydration pack with them to ensure they have plenty of water between aid stations and have a six-hour time limit to complete the race, which begins at 9:00 AM.


Race Weather & Climate

Perched along the Northern California coast, just south of Monterey and about 150 miles south of San Francisco, the area known as Big Sur enjoys generally mild to moderately cool weather conditions virtually year-round, with much drier weather in the summer and early fall than the rest of the year. In October, average monthly temperatures range between 70°F and 51°F, while rainfall totals average about 1.06 inches for the month.


Fees

N/A


Registration

Registration for the fall 2010 running of the Big Sur Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 5-miler will open later in the year. Please check back for updated information on how to sign up, or visit the race website shown below.


Website

www.envirosports.com


Half Marathon Course Map





Share Your Race Story

Ever run in Big Sur's annual Trail Marathon or Half Marathon? Share your impressions and read fellow runners' stories and tips for the event.

Post your comments in Runner Reviews for the Big Sur Trail Half Marathon


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