Running has taken me to a lot of great places. Here are just a few of my favorites.

It’s so hard to pick one favorite place to race but I definitely can narrow it down to a favorite state. I love running in California! There’s such a variety of climates and scenery that you’re sure to find a race that fits your taste.

San Francisco was my first marathon and I went back to run it 2 more times and then they discontinued the Nike Women’s Marathon so I looked for races elsewhere. This picture is from the 2nd time I ran it in 2007.  The whole experience was amazing and a great way to see the city. The weather is perfect for running year round.

Big Sur was another favorite. A gorgeous race that should be on everyone’s bucket list. To me Big Sur is the perfect place…giant redwoods on one side with a gorgeous coastline on the other…heaven. 

Carlsbad Half is another coastal run (seems to be what I gravitate to) with beautiful views. The race takes you through it’s beach town and up and down some “rolling hills” along the coast. It’s an out and back course which I don’t usually like but with views like this who can complain.

Santa Barbara Wine Country Half is my favorite. (Okay, so I guess I do have a favorite.) It’s a small, convenient race. It’s a point to point race with a shuttle that takes you to the start in Santa Inez valley and you run to Solvang. You can hang around the finish area and enjoy a glass of wine or (like me) walk back to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing weekend of strolling around the quaint town of Solvang or go wine tasting while taking in the beautiful scenery around Santa Barbara county. Next year I will run it for my fourth time.

The list wouldn’t be complete without the Revel Big Bear Marathon on it. I love running in the mountains. It can be challenging with the altitude and the hills but the fresh air and beautiful scenery makes it all worth it. 

Where do you like to race? Do you have a favorite place that you keep going back to or do you prefer to try new places?

I’m linking up with Holly and Wendy for The Weekly Wrap. My “wrap” is more of a wrap up of my favorite races. 

Take a moment to show some love to our hosts and a few others in the link up. Thanks!

Thanks for reading!
Keep running!

                    Denise