The Monterey Bay Half Marathon Celebrates 20 Years with a Sold-Out Field of 9,000+ Runners

November 10, 2025

The 2025 race sold out in August, just three months after registration opened in May.

MONTEREY, CA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Monterey Bay Half Marathon celebrated its 20th running on Sunday, November 9, welcoming more than 11,000 runners over the course of race weekend to experience one of California’s most scenic coastal races, including a very special 22 runners dubbed the “Grizzled Vets” who have yet to miss a single year of the event.

The milestone weekend kicked off with a lively two-day expo at the Monterey Conference Center, followed by Saturday’s Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K and By-the-Bay 3K, and concluded with Sunday morning’s half marathon.

The 2025 race sold out in August, just three months after registration opened in May. This marked the first time in the event’s history that every entry was claimed before race weekend. With its largest field to date, runners came from 12 countries, 48 states, and Puerto Rico to participate in the 5K, 3K, half marathon, or the Ocean View Challenge where runners take on both Saturday’s 5K and Sunday’s half marathon to earn extra swag.

The event’s record-breaking popularity reflects its reputation among runners. Named California’s Best Half Marathon by RaceRaves, the Monterey Bay Half Marathon continues to attract runners for its fast, flat course and breathtaking ocean views. The route winds through historic Cannery Row and downtown Monterey, past the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and along the scenic Pacific Grove shoreline.

The 2025 race once again brought out a strong elite field. The 2024 men’s champion, Ero Doce from Turlock, CA, returned to claim the top spot again in 2025 with a decisive victory in 1:03:47, while Jenna Ramsey-Rutledge of Golden, CO took the women’s title in 1:12:15 in her debut half marathon. Carmel Valley local, Daniel Tapia, was this year’s top Monterey County runner crossing the finish in 1:07:36.

“This weekend captured everything we love about the Monterey Bay Half Marathon – the energy, the scenery, and the heart of this community, which shows up year after year,” said Jennifer Edwards, Executive Director of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, which produces the race. “We’re deeply grateful to our runners, volunteers, sponsors, and community champions for helping us mark 20 years in such a memorable way.”

At its heart, the Monterey Bay Half Marathon remains a community-driven event. Roughly a quarter of participants hail from Monterey County, and local volunteer groups and businesses play a vital role in its success. 1,600+ volunteers joined us this year to support the event. Proceeds are returned to the community through grants and charitable donations, continuing a legacy of giving back that defines the Big Sur Marathon Foundation – with more than $6.7 million donated since the organization’s inception.

For more information about the Monterey Bay Half Marathon including 2025 race results, registration for 2026, and partnership opportunities, please visit our website.

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About the Big Sur Marathon Foundation

The Big Sur Marathon Foundation (BSMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching and empowering the community through charitable giving and inspiring healthy lifestyles. Since 1986, BSMF has donated more than $6.7 million to local nonprofits, volunteer groups, and community fitness programs. The Foundation produces the Big Sur International Marathon and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon – world-class events that attract runners from around the globe and are powered by nearly 2,500 volunteers from more than 100 community organizations. Learn more at bigsurmarathon.org.

About Blistering Pace Race Management 

Founded in 2016, BPRM works in a variety of race management capacities, ranging from specific projects to full event oversight. Clients include the San Francisco Half Marathon (10K & 5K), the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, Chicago Event Management, and the New York Road Runners. For more information, visit blisteringpace.com.

Blistering Pace Race Management
Contact: Hannah Sconzo
Email: hannah@blisteringpace.com