Top Competitive Events in Monterey County
With its sparkling oceans, soaring hills, beautiful forests and clear lakes, Monterey County is the perfect spot for almost any outdoor activity you can name. There's no better setting for a premier competitive event, and it seems like there's one every few weeks. Suffering from information overload? This list showcases the creme de la creme of Monterey County's competitive events.
The Sea Otter Classic
One of the biggest cycling events in the world, the Sea Otter Classic offers recreational rides, competitive races, a host of children's cycling activities, live entertainment, freestyle shows, food and drink, and product demos. If you're looking for new equipment, you're bound to find it at the Sea Otter Expo, which with over 300 exhibitors is one of the largest of its kind. In 2009, the Sea Otter Classic takes place on April 16—19. For more details, see our article on the Sea Otter Classic.
The Big Sur International Marathon
As the Sea Otter Classic is to cycling, so the Big Sur International Marathon is to running. It's been named the "Best Marathon in North America" by The Ultimate Guide to Marathons, and not just due to the breathtaking views. Live musicians perform along the course, providing runners with inspiration to continue to the finish line. In addition to the celebrated marathon, there are 21-mile, 10.6-mile, 9-mile, 5K and 3K events, as well as a marathon relay. There's also a kids' 3K race — the Jelly Jog — that starts and finishes in Monterey's Cannery Row district. A health and fitness expo at the Monterey Convention Center, with over 80 vendors, rounds out the event. Most of the races at this year's event, on April 26, are sold out, but a few are still open; check the Big Sur International Marathon website for registration information.
The Wildflower Triathlon
Sometimes called the "Woodstock" of triathlons, the Wildflower Triathlon weekend takes place at Lake San Antonio. Athletes and spectators camp out all weekend by the shores of the lake, enjoying the companionship of their fellow enthusiasts when they're not competing. Wildflower actually hosts three separate triathlons — the Long Course, the Mountain Bike and the Olympic. The Sports Expo, which takes place all weekend, offers the latest gear, as well as food, race clinics and live entertainment. The Wildflower Triathlon takes place May 1-3, 2009; register on their website.
Butterfly Criterium
After 32 years, the Butterfly Criterium makes its triumphant return to Pacific Grove. The Butterfly Criterium will have several racing categories as well as family-oriented events. This United States Cycling Federation licensed event, which once featured celebrated cyclists like Greg LaMond, will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2009. Registration will be available soon on the official Butterfly Criterium website.
Big Sur Half Marathon
Roughly six months after the Big Sur Marathon, runners once again descend on Monterey County again for the Big Sur Half Marathon. Despite the name, it doesn't take place in Big Sur, and there's more than a half-marathon that takes place over the weekend. The half marathon course goes from Old Monterey to the far reaches of the Pacific Grove coast and back, and like its big southern brother, live musicians inspire the competitors along the course. The 10 mile walk follows nearly the same course. A 5K and a children's 3K round out the race events. The free Health and Fitness Expo at the Monterey Conference Center features gear and demonstrations useful to all athletes. The Big Sur Half Marathon takes place on November 15, 2009; registration opens April 1 on the official website.
Triathlon at Pacific Grove
The Triathlon at Pacific Grove takes place on one of the most scenic courses of the world, along the beautiful Pacific Grove coastline. Both Olympic and sprint course triathlons are held over the space of a weekend. The weekend kicks off with a sports expo featuring gear and food vendors, as well as swim clinics and other forums for developing competitive skills. The Triathlon at Pacific Grove features the infamous Kelp Krawl, a swim through the renowned kelp forests of the Monterey County coastline. Swimmers are warned that hitching a ride from a sea otter or sea lion is strictly prohibited. The Triathlon at Pacific Grove takes place September 11-13, 2009; register at the official website.
Carmel Valley Trail Run
An ultra runner favorite, the Carmel Valley Trail Run eschews the broad roads of Monterey County, instead opting for the trails of Garland Ranch Regional Park as its venue. Though the premier event is of course the 50K (just over 31 miles) run through fields, along the Carmel River, up hills and down canyons, there are also 25K, 19K and 8K runs for those new to the sport of trail running. Once you've finished the trail run, chow down on chili and soup at the picnic. The Carmel Valley Trail Run takes place on Sunday, October 18, 2009; register on the official website.
Mud Run
A refreshing change from the fiercely competitive and intensely serious foot races that take place throughout the rest of the year, the Mud Run, organized by the same folks who bring you the Big Sur International Marathon, is a five mile loop course that begins and ends at California State University Monterey Bay. What could be so hard about five miles, you ask? Throw in a host of obstacles, some mud pits, five foot walls, pools of water, and several hills, and you've got yourself a mud-covered event that's challenging for participants and very amusing to spectators. This year, the sold-out Mud Run takes place on March 28.
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