One of the most challenging courses along the California coastline is the Big Sur International Marathon. The course is a struggle through hills and head wind,
but the scenery offers runners a big reward. “It's probably one of the most scenic and beautiful marathon runs in the world,
” says running coach Ewen North. The course takes runners through redwood forests and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
Live entertainment throughout the run may help keep you motivated, too. For the truly hardcore marathoner, there’s the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge, which includes two marathons in six days, 3,000 miles apart.