Big Sur Marathon course map and elevation.

How I’d run it, stretch by stretch

Miles 1 to 5: through the redwoods to Andrew Molera

Over these 5 miles the course climbs 141 feet and drops 353, 212 feet net down. The climb: Through the redwoods from mile 1.5 (+42 feet over 0.3 mi, 2.6%).

The gun goes at 6:45 at Big Sur Station, and the first four miles fall about 220 feet through the redwoods past Big Sur Village. It’s usually in the 40s at the start and you’ll wait a while, so bring a layer to throw away. The downhill feels free, and that’s the trap. Run these miles 10 to 15 seconds slower than goal. You’ll want those legs at mile 10 and again at mile 22.

Miles 6 to 9: Point Sur and down to the Little Sur River

Over these 4.8 miles the course climbs 236 feet and drops 279, 42 feet net down. The three climbs: Past Andrew Molera from mile 6.2 (+44 feet over 0.5 mi, 1.8%); Toward Point Sur from mile 7.0 (+42 feet over 0.3 mi, 2.3%); The Point Sur hill from mile 8.1 (+92 feet over 0.6 mi, 3.0%).

At Andrew Molera the trees end, the coast opens up, and you find out what the wind is doing. The road rises gradually through ranch land, then turns steep just past mile 8, about 90 feet to a crest before mile 9 by the Point Sur lighthouse. Then it drops about 130 feet to the Little Sur River Bridge. On a headwind day, tuck in behind other runners and let the pace go rather than fight it.

Miles 10 to 12: the climb to Hurricane Point

Over these 2.2 miles the course climbs 510 feet and drops 7, 502 feet net up. The climb: Hurricane Point from mile 9.8 (+510 feet over 2.1 mi, 4.5%).

This is the hill the race is known for: about 510 feet in two miles from the Little Sur River Bridge to Hurricane Point, the highest point on the course, at 4.5% on average and steepest in mile 11. Run it by effort and expect it to cost you a minute or more. The Taiko drummers halfway up are a good place to check your breathing, not to speed up. At the top, the wind can be harder than the hill.

Mile 13: down to Bixby Bridge

Over these 1.2 miles the course climbs 15 feet and drops 284, 272 feet net down.

The steepest descent of the day, nearly 300 feet in a mile, takes you down to Bixby Bridge and halfway, where a pianist plays a grand piano. Keep your stride short and quick and let gravity do the work. Pounding this mile is how quads get spent with half the race still to run.

Miles 14 to 17: Rocky Creek, Grimes Ranch and Garrapata

Over these 3.8 miles the course climbs 192 feet and drops 361, 174 feet net down. The three climbs: Out of Rocky Creek from mile 13.8 (+88 feet over 0.7 mi, 2.5%); Grimes Ranch from mile 15.1 (+84 feet over 0.5 mi, 3.4%); Out of Garrapata Creek from mile 16.9 (+81 feet over 0.5 mi, 2.9%).

Down to Rocky Creek, and the rollers begin: climbs out of Rocky Creek, at Grimes Ranch and out of Garrapata Creek, each 80 to 90 feet. None of them is long, but they don’t stop. Run by effort from here, not pace. This course won’t give you even splits, and chasing them on the hills spends what you need for the Highlands.

Miles 18 to 21: Granite Canyon and Soberanes Point

Over these 4.5 miles the course climbs 229 feet and drops 245, 12 feet net down. The climb: Past Soberanes Point from mile 19.5 (+52 feet over 0.4 mi, 2.6%).

Granite Canyon, Soberanes Point and a run of smaller rollers to Malpaso Creek. It’s the most remote stretch of the race, and spectators aren’t allowed on the course, so it gets quiet. Take your fuel on schedule even if you don’t feel like it. The Carmel Highlands are next.

Miles 22 to 25: the Carmel Highlands and D-Minor Hill

Over these 3.8 miles the course climbs 272 feet and drops 267, 5 feet net up. The three climbs: Into the Carmel Highlands from mile 21.5 (+126 feet over 0.7 mi, 3.5%); Highlands roller from mile 23.1 (+41 feet over 0.3 mi, 2.8%); D-Minor Hill from mile 24.8 (+81 feet over 0.5 mi, 3.1%).

The climb into the Carmel Highlands is the biggest since Hurricane Point, about 125 feet, and then come short, steep rollers on a road that tilts hard toward the ocean. Stay on the flattest part of your lane to spare tired ankles. The locals come out here, with strawberries at 23.2. Past Monastery Beach is D-Minor Hill, about 80 feet, the last real climb.

Mile 26: over the Carmel River to the finish

Over these 0.9 miles the course climbs 10 feet and drops 82, 73 feet net down.

From the top of D-Minor Hill it’s gently downhill over the Carmel River to the finish at Rio Road. The finish is the only place spectators can watch, so it’s loud. Whatever you have left, use it here.