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California > Half Moon Bay International Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Half Moon Bay, CA • Sunday, September 29, 2013 • Course Map
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It's often called one of the most romantic and breathtaking places anywhere on the west coast, and when you get a look at the landscape here, it's not hard to see why -- Pacific Ocean waves crashing along the sandy beaches, wildflowers blooming in the lush grasslands along the bluffs that look out onto the water, and biking trails that connect the beach towns along this stretch of coastline, surrounded to the east by mountains and forests.
That's the kind of scenery that awaits runners at the 3rd annual Half Moon Bay International Marathon in the first few days of fall 2013 -- which the race organizers have dubbed "26.2 miles of running heaven" -- and will offer a full marathon in addition to a 13.1-mile half marathon as well as a non-competitive 5K family fun run that's free to enter.
Much of the course takes runners along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail, a roughly 6-mile-long paved trail for runners, walkers and cyclists that stretches from Pillar Point Harbor -- the surfing mecca where the famed Big Wave Surfing Contest is held each year, which also serves as the starting and finish line for the race -- nearly all the way to the Half Moon Bay Golf Links. Thanks to its location along the shoreline, most of the trail is flat and fast, with only the occasional rolling hill.
From the starting line, runners in the half marathon follow what is essentially an out-and-back run south from Pillar Point Harbor along the coast, passing by El Granada and Miramar on the way down to the southernmost point of the half marathon route, the turnaround point on Redondo Beach Road, just north of the fairways on the golf links. Once runners hit the turnaround, they then start heading north along the same course they've just run in reverse, all the way back to Pillar Point Harbor for the race finish.
With the exception of a brief stretch that brings runners parallel to the Cabrillo Highway early in the race (and near the end, on the return route back to the finish), the course keeps runners off the highways and streets away from auto traffic, and solely on the pedestrian and bike trails along the coast. The starting time for the half marathon is scheduled for 7:15 AM (the full marathon starts at 7:00 AM, while the 5K start at 7:30 AM).
About 1,000 runners crossed the finish line in all four races combined at the event's 2nd annual running in September 2012, from more than 30 states and 6 countries. The event's 10K race, which was run last year and in 2011, will not be run in 2013.
Race Weather & Climate
Nestled along the coastline of San Mateo County in Northern California, about 25 miles south of downtown San Francisco, Half Moon Bay typically sees September temperatures that average between 52°F and 67°F, while rainfall is scarce in the summer and early fall, averaging just over a third of an inch for the month.
On the day of the race (Sept. 23), the average low is 51°F and the average high is 66°F.
Course Map
View the race route map for the Half Moon Bay International Half Marathon
Starting Time
7:00 AM - full marathon
7:15 AM - half marathon
7:30 AM - 5K
Fees
$80 for the half marathon, if registered by February 28, 2013
$95 between March 1 - May 31
$110 on June 1 and after
Registration
To reserve your spot in the early fall 2013 running of the Half Moon Bay Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K race, register online at Active.com.
Official Race Website
halfmoonbayim.org
Leave a Comment
Ever run in California's annual Half Moon Bay International Marathon or Half Marathon? Share your impressions, stories and tips from the event.
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