Malibu International Marathon - Running Along the Pacific Coastal Highway

The Start

Packet Pickup

There a places that take your breath away and there are things that take your breath away.  Sometimes you are lucky enough to find both in the same place.  I was fortunate enough to run the Malibu International Marathon on November 11, 2012.  What could be better than running through beautiful country side to the Pacifical Coastal Highway, seeing dolphins swimming along side the course and collapsing on the beach at the finish?  In my world, it doesn't get much better than that.  

Mile 8 - Beautiful view of the farms

Mile 1 - Watching the sun rise 

Mile 12 - PCH

I would recommend this race to anyone that doesn't mind a challenging course with great views.  The marathon started in Ventura County at a local school.  The start was much colder than I expected (around F 40) so I decided to wear a light jacket (not so smart).  After a delay waiting on busses to bring the runners to the start, we got going.  We ran along county roads surrounded by green fields with Santa Monica Mountains in the background.  The sun was beginning to rise behind the mountains creating views I can't describe.  Which is exactly why I ran with my GoPro strapped to my hand.  This part of the course was flat and I felt great.  By the time I hit the first mile maker, I regretted wearing the jacket.  Lesson learned, suffer a bit at the start to be happy during the race.  I happily trotted along for the next 8 miles, enjoying the view.  I even started looking forward to a few hills, after all, I was using this race as a training run and had no expectations for a PR.  Little did I know how crazy that would sound at mile 23.  

Mile 12 - Another great view

The race curved around and finally hit the PHC around mile 13.  I was still feeling good and averaging 8:30/mile, then the first hill hit.  I was getting hot, so I stopped to take off my jacket and take a few pictures.  I realized how much CRAP I run with.  I had a jacket, gloves, ear warmer, GU, iPhone, GoPro and Camelpak.  GRRRR, I had to tie the jacket around my waist and put the CRAP in my Camelpak.  Oh well, at least the view was great.  I was back in business until I saw the next hill and this wasn't even the "big" one.  I decided to walk up it (which would be my new strategy during the race).  I was just in awe of the coast line and the dolphins swimming near the shore.  I also was amazed at the beautiful houses in the hills.  I love the California coast, it has become one of my favorite places to visit.  

Midway point

The second half of the race was much slower than the first.  I think I averaged 11:00/mile.  Partly because I walked up a few hills and partly because I just wanted to enjoy the area.  We entered the city of Malibu and I was near the end.  The finish was small, but great.  There was not much of a crowd.  After I received my medal and finishers beach towel, I walked to the sand and laid in the sun.  I have to say, that is the best way I have ever ended a race.  Warm weather, sound of waves and sand.  

The dolphins are out there!!

I couldn't leave the area without visiting a few tasting rooms.  After every marathon, I get one treat.  This time I went wine tasting and bought a nice bottle to enjoy.

I have posted a few pictures from the race to show what I couldn't describe.  

Almost done :)

Still happily running along

Malibu, CA

Number :)

Pre Race Pic

Driving the course

Along the course

Done!!

I'll take it :)

Very nice alternative to a shirt

Santa Monica Mountains

Above is my finish video.  Beware, it is very bouncy.