Big Sur International Marathon has a reputation as of the best "destination marathons" in the world -- most notably for its beautiful setting.
But this marathon deserves a great reputation for another reason: its excellent organization.
Here are my impressions from participating on the 25th anniversary of the event.
The Videos The marathon's organizers have videos on their site that give an excellent overview of what it will be like to participate in the marathon:

• The starting line
• The curves
• The hills
• The views
• The finish line

This thoughtful extra step made a big difference in preparing me mentally for race day.
The Transportation Because it is a point-to-point race, the Big Sur International Marathon's organizers provide shuttle buses (as part of the registration fee) to take racers from the finish line to the starting line -- either early in the morning before the race begins (for those who stay or park near the finish line in Carmel), or later in the day, including after the official ending time (for those who stay or park near the starting line in Big Sur).
The Starting Area The starting line is at Big Sur Station, which houses personnel representing the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the U.
S.
Forest Service's Los Padres National Forest, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
This means that there is plenty of room for the marathoners to wait prior to assembling behind the starting line on Highway 1, which is relatively narrow at that point.
And the race's organizers thoughtfully provide lots of portable toilets, fruit, water, sport drinks, bagels, and coffee at Big Sur Station, recognizing that many participants will be waiting there for up to two hours for the starting gun to be fired.
The Hydration Stations The marathon course is populated with more than enough hydration stations stocked with water, sport drinks, and fruit to keep even the thirstiest and hungriest marathoners going for the entire 26.
21875 miles.
The Volunteers The some 2,000 volunteers for the Big Sur International Marathon provide the best evidence of the excellent organization of the race.

• They give directions at the starting line.
  
• They dispense foods and drinks at the hydration stations.
  
• They provide chafe-fighting petroleum jelly at several points along the course.
  
• They warn marathoners about approaching traffic in the lane of Highway 1 that remains open during the race.
  
• They pick up every discarded cup or wrapper that did not make it into a trash can along the course.
  
• They cheer marathoners along the course.
  
• They greet marathoners with medals and food beyond the finish line.
  

So, if you are looking for a well-run marathon as well as a beautiful marathon, then look no further than Big Sur International Marathon!