Carmel Marathon Reviews & Race Reports
16 reviews from runners who've completed this race
Reviews & Race Reports
Course Layout — The Carmel Marathon features two loops in a figure-eight pattern. Many runners found the early miles congested due to narrow streets and numerous traffic circles, especially around the 3:00 pacer.
Final Push — Runners noted that the last few miles can be mentally tough. Reports consistently mention that miles 22 to 24 are where you need to dig deep and focus, as fatigue sets in and the urge to slow down becomes strong.
Aid Stations — Aid stations are plentiful but some runners felt they were spaced too far apart, especially after mile 15. Make sure to hydrate early and often, as the later stations can feel sparse.
Pre-Race Logistics — Arrive early to navigate the porta-potty lines. Several runners mentioned that the wait time was significant, especially with only a limited number of facilities available at the start.
Pacing Strategy — Many runners recommend starting conservatively to avoid fatigue later in the race. A few runners who went out too fast struggled significantly after mile 15, while those who paced themselves well reported strong finishes.
Felt strong and in control, avoided calf cramps late in the race
Race conditions were ideal. Cool (43 degrees F), light wind, and sunny. The race started at 8am so I woke up at 5am, drank a Maurten 160, ate oatmeal, drank coffee, and sipped water. My buddy Matt and I did a quick 10 minute shuffle and a few drills, and got into the corral.
Pacer bailed mid-race, but still achieved a huge PR.
The weather couldn’t have been better at the start, mid 40s, and there were a TON of runners queuing with the 3:00 pacer. Off we went, and it was packed. The streets were very narrow with too many traffic circles to count and it was extremely congested for nearly the entire first half. Within the first mile someone tripped and fell, causing a pileup that ended at least a few people’s day.
Felt strong early but struggled in the final miles
The course is fairly flat, my Garmin says just over 500ft of elevation change, and the first 4 or so miles are a gradual downhill. I cruised through those at just under 9:50 per mile. Including walking through the aid stations which I always do. Mile 5 is pretty flat then 6 + 7 area slight uphill, still holding at around 9:50 miles.
Struggled after mile 15, switched to a run-walk strategy
Weather on the day of was a cool 40 - 60, clear with minimal wind. I was really hoping to be able to complete this one between 4:00 and 4:10 at the worst, so I joined up with the 3:55 pace group at the starting line. Even though the course map says otherwise, it really felt like water stations were frontloaded on the first half of the race. Savored one gel every 5 miles and tried to grab a drink at each aid station.
Struggled with panic and fatigue after a strong first half
But after that first half marathon my legs fell off quick. My lungs were great. Not gassed a bit. But my legs got tired at mile 14-15 and worn out. My brain began to shift into what I recognize as my panic attack pattern, so I breathed through it, enough to settle down a bit. My brain went through a lot negative self talk I should not shake. Maybe I'll DNF. Maybe I'll just run away from this fucking miserable back half and not show my face to my club. Fuck it.