Big Sur Marathon 2024 – My 4th and Most Rewarding
This was my 4th Big Sur Marathon, and with 53 marathons under my belt, this one still stands out as one of the most rewarding. I was fortunate to secure a guaranteed entry through the Runner's World VIP program. While it’s a bit pricey, the peace of mind of not having to worry about the lottery makes it completely worth it.

Pre-Race Activities:
The Saturday before the race, Michael Wardian, a multiple-time Big Sur Marathon winner, hosted a shakeout run at the local Fleet Feet store. We ran alongside him, and even jumped into his group photo. Afterward, there was a post-run waffle breakfast and raffle prizes. It was great to chat with him—what a down-to-earth guy! I love exploring new running locations, and this run gave me a chance to experience parts of Monterey that I wouldn't have seen from a car.
Bib pickup at the Expo was seamless. We received our bib, race shirt, bus ticket, instructions, and a black VIP backpack used for gear check. It was nice to have a large bag to pack extra layers and have it waiting for me at the VIP tent. The Runner’s World VIP Facebook page was also a helpful resource for any last-minute questions.
Race Morning:
On race day, I was concerned about parking and finding our bus since there were three different bus locations for the various races (VIP, B2B, and 21-miler). However, everything went smoothly, and the volunteers at each corner were incredibly helpful. Another perk of the VIP program was the coach buses with bathrooms and reclining seats, which made the one-hour drive to the start much more comfortable. In previous years, I’ve taken school buses and felt anxiety driving on narrow bridges and winding roads, especially in the dark at 4:15 am. This time, the heated tents at the start were a welcome improvement, and the Runner's World staff provided clear instructions. In previous years, I had been outside in the cold, relying on clothes from local Goodwill stores to stay warm.
The Course:
The VIP runners are directed uphill to start, which gives us a gentle introduction to the course, especially the first six miles, which seem deceptively easy. We begin in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in the redwood area, where local bands and crowds cheer us on. I couldn’t help but laugh when a fellow runner yelled, "Get a good look at the crowd support, that's all you'll see until you finish!"
The first view of the ocean came around mile 6, and the sight of cows grazing near the fence on the left was a fun surprise. Further along, we glimpsed the lighthouse on the rocky island in the distance, and as we got closer, it became surreal as we could make out the beach in front of the rock.
Around mile 9, the hills began. My friend turned to me after the first 2 ½-mile climb, asking, “Jeanne, please tell me that was the last of the hills?!” I reassured her, but there were more climbs ahead. The route took us up to Hurricane Point, which was both difficult and beautiful. Each time I thought I’d reached the top, another hill appeared. The wind picked up as we neared the summit, and I remember looking up as runners’ hats flew off and bibs rippled in the wind. It was breathtaking to see runners stretching as far as the eye could see, with the strength and determination of everyone visible.
At the halfway point, the wind died down as we approached Bixby Bridge. The sound of piano music floated through the air, marking a welcome break from the hills. Running down toward the bridge, I was able to take in the spectacular view, with the grand piano and the bridge creating a perfect photo op.
Throughout the race, we were treated to several distractions, like local school marching bands, Taiko drummers, and fire dancers in colorful outfits. The mile markers had humorous signs that seemed tailored to the struggles runners face as the miles add up.
We made a point of posing for photos at each marker. These fun moments made the race more enjoyable and kept us going mile after mile. At mile 25, Buddy was there, running us in for a photo op. It’s amazing how friendly and familiar the Big Sur staff is year after year.
The Final Stretch:
The last few hills were tough, but I knew the finish was near. When we reached the strawberry table, I knew we were close to the end. And let me tell you, those strawberries were the best I’ve ever eaten in my life!
As we approached the final stretch, the center of the road made it hard to figure out which side to run on, and my right ankle was screaming at me, but I pushed through. I ran with my fiancé Kim and our friend Rosanne, who was running her first Big Sur. I may have persuaded her to sign up for the lottery (it really wasn’t that hard), and she definitely became stronger because of this race. We made a pact to stick together through the highs and lows—through the cursing and the laughter—until we saw the finish line.
As we crossed, we grabbed each other's hands and screamed in triumph. It was an emotional moment, and I couldn’t stop hugging Rosanne. We cried tears of joy and relief. Whether it was my first or fourth time running Big Sur, it was an accomplishment that pushed me to dig deep and find strength I didn’t know I had.
I can’t wait to run this course again. Maybe next year?
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