REVEL Big Bear

Mary Spear

2018 REVEL Big Bear Marathon
Published: Oct. 15, 2018, 9:24 a.m.

Overall Rating

5/5 Stars
Describe your race day.

Great weather, loved the fog with the sun in the canyon. Very scenic course. Well organized event.
Did you PR?

Nope. My Marathon PR is 3:27, Mt Charleston. Ran a 3:30 on this course, but still BQ'd by 35 minutes.
How would you describe the course?

The first half has lots of ups, downs and curves. Road has a slant in places. Run the tangent if you can. The 1st part of the second half was awesome downhill! Last few miles were flat, city miles. Cars were close and traffic was not controlled at some areas. It was difficult to pass the slower half marathoners in the closing miles on the narrow shoulder. Loved the finish! You could see it from a great distance. The volunteers were awesome as were the aid stations, bus, medal, shirt, organization. Mt Charleston continues to be my favorite over Big Bear & Revel Rockies.
Tell us about your training.

Followed an Advanced Marathon Training Program for 4 months.
What advice would you give future runners?

Prepare for the steep rollers in the 1st half & flat miles at the end. Do weighted squats in your training as much as you can. Don't underestimate this course. The course profile looks a lot more downhill than it really is.
What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?

Drove from Nevada the day before the race.