On Friday, November 10th 2017, thousands of runners will flock to the West Coast of California for the Monterey Bay Half Marathon & Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K. Heralded for its beautiful ocean views and world-class field, the Monterey Bay Half Marathon promises to delight and inspire runners from all over with a fantastic course, great race swag, and fun post-race festivities.
Photo credit: Monterey Bay Half Marathon
Along with the thousands of other Monterey Bay runners, will be running-app creator, Amanda Brooks. Like all nervous, traveling runners, Amanda seeks the best places to stay and eat before her race, as well as local area tips before embarking on a runcation. And like all traveling, racing runners, she constantly seeks out new places to run – it’s with this sentiment that she created her app, FASTZach, a distance-based routing app that will be your guide and companion as you dare to explore a little more!
Runners headed to Monterey Bay on the second weekend of November can learn more about the FASTZach app and meet Amanda by attending the Tech Talk Happy Hour on Friday, November 10th at the Portola Hotel & Spa or catch up for a shakeout run on Saturday, November 11th at Fleet Feet Monterey.
3 Monterey Bay Running Routes by FASTZach
Whether you’re racing in Monterey Bay or not, there’s no shortage of great running routes in the area. Check out these three fantastic Monterey Bay running routes – taken from our very own, FASTZach app! They’re great for a shakeout, workout, or leisurely sight-seeing adventure. Enjoy!
1. Monterey 3-miles – Fleet Feet Monterey
(View route and link to app)
This easy, 3-mile loop takes runners through beautiful downtown Monterey with views of Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. It’s also our shakeout run route at the Monterey Bay Half Marathon on Saturday, November 11th! (link)
2. Portola 5-miles – Ocean View
(View route and link to app)
This beautiful, scenic route traverses ocean views for 5 miles, looping past Cannery Row and Lighthouse Avenue.
3. Portola 9.5 Miles – Beach Trail
(View route and link to app)
For those seeking a longer, oceanfront route, the Portola Beach Trail loops along Ocean View Boulevard for miles before heading back on Lighthouse Avenue. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens (a state marine conservation area) and long run runner highs!
Get Out and Route!
No matter where you’re running the weekend of November 11-12th, be sure to #GETOUTANDROUTE!
Active Lifestyle Tips for Destination Running 