Half Marathon Training

We kicked off our Runner’s World VIP weekend with a shakeout run in Monterey, California, led by Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso. Runners posed for photos with him before the easy 3-mile run.

At the halfway point of our shakeout run, we spotted some seal pups sunning themselves off to the side of the running path.

Michael Wardian—known for his prolific running, including a record-breaking Other Hearst Subscriptions—joined us on our shakeout run, and shared photos of his adventure after we wrapped up.

Runner’s World VIP participants were able to pick up their bibs—and a customized backpack—at our booth, avoiding the longer general packet pick-up lines.

There are still RW VIP spots available for this October’s Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. Join us! To learn more, click here.

Bart Yasso gave his Health & Injuries presentation to a packed room on Saturday afternoon.

At the afternoon strategy session, RW editors Christine Fennessy, Bart Yasso, Budd Coates, and The 2025 Marathon and Half Marathon Calendar, and Big Sur grizzled veteran Tom Rolander, who has now finished the race all 32 times, answered questions and offered tips on how to run your best on the Big Sur course.

...But many in the audience were distracted by the beautiful views of the bay below.

Before the race, RW VIP participants huddled under a heated tent and made their final preparations.

Point-to-point courses like Big Sur’s create many logistical challenges, baggage being one of them. We rented a moving truck to get VIP participants’ bags from the start line to the finish.

Coach Budd Coates, who has a 2:13 marathon PR, traded in his running shoes for a bicycle. He rode behind the two men’s race leaders, Michael Wardian and Adam Roach, throughout the race.

It’s hard to imagine a prettier place to start a marathon.

There are two things this race is known for: beautiful views and challenging climbs. This photo shows off both.

A local group of Taiko drummers gives runners inspiration just before the grueling climb up Hurricane Point.

Runners often stop just after crossing the halfway marker at Bixby Bridge for a selfie with pianist Michael Martinez.

After the race, runners relaxed with their families and the RW editors inside the Runner’s World VIP tent.

We’ll be bringing the Runner’s World VIP experience back to Big Sur in 2018. To learn more, click here.