Big Sur Internation Marathon - April 2013

When Shavi had registered for the Big Sur Marathon (26.2 miles), we would not have thought that he would get into Ultras (races more than 26.2 miles) so crazy by this year that this would just be another training run for him. Registration for Big Sur Marathon opens one year earlier than the event and gets filled up in hours. It is pretty expensive also. Probably due to the fact that they have to close Highway 1, the main highway from Big Sur to Carmel for this race.

We stayed in Carmel for the race since the finish line was in Carmel. The race starts in Big Sur and there are shuttles from Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur to drive you to the start line in the cold early morning. The shuttles start at 3 am and they run until 4:15 am, depending on from where you are being transported. Believe me, waking up at 2 am for the race was not the best thing for me (and for Shavi).

I had to book the hotel in Carmel almost a year ago since the hotels also fill out very fast. We stayed at Clarion in Carmel since that was the only one available at that time. It turned out to be a nice hotel for a night's stay.

Shavi reached the start line almost 2 hours before the start time (because that is how it works with shuttles). There is no way for someone to stop you at the start line. Shavi said it was foggy initially and quite cold too. They had great aid stations and lot of porter-pottys at the start line and on the course. He wasnt too happy about the course though. It was scenic, no doubt about it but the course is injury prone. The highway one is kind of at an angle, which makes your feet not run at the same level, which can lead to injuries. He took it easy in the race, enjoying the views and clicking pictures on the course:)

Not to mention that the race did not give much swag, even though it was pretty expensive. Only a medal at the end. It was hand-crafted though. The post-party food was also just ok - nothing spectacular. I do not think Shavi or I would want to do this expensive race again but this is just a personal view.