Sweeping the Big Sur Marathon: 6-Hour Cutoff, Hurricane Point Climb & the Truth About Marathon Pacing

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to sweep one of the most challenging marathons in the world?In this episode, I’m sharing my experience as a 6-hour sweeper at the Big Sur International Marathon, including the strategy, strength, and mindset it takes to stay ahead of a strict cutoff on California’s iconic Highway 1 course.After racing Big Sur in 5:27 in 2023 using my own 5:30 pace band, I returned for my third year as an official sweeper, holding a consistent 13:44/mile pace while supporting runners navigating one of the toughest marathon courses out there .Inside this episode, I break down: What it means to be a marathon sweeper and hold a strict 6-hour cutoff  The Big Sur Marathon course strategy, including the infamous Hurricane Point climb (miles 10–12) and descent to Bixby Bridge at mile 13 How to use run-walk intervals (90/90) for marathon success  Why even effort pacing beats even splits on hilly courses  The emotional reality of passing runners and supporting those near the cutoff  My training approach: strength training + running for endurance and powerI also share why walking with purpose is a strategy—not a fallback, and how strength training has helped me tackle over 2,000 feet of elevation gain on this course.Whether you’re training for your first marathon, chasing a 6-hour finish, or dreaming of running Big Sur, this episode will give you practical pacing tips, mindset shifts, and real behind-the-scenes insight.🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/b4kUkStEMu4🎯 Resources Mentioned: Free 6-Hour Big Sur Course-Specific Pace Band Free Speed Walking Workout GuideThe Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to RunningInterval Running for Beginners: Starting Smart and Strong💥 Final Reminder:No matter your pace, your finish time, or where you land on the course…All runners count. Always. 💛Support the showWelcome to the Run Strong Run Podcast! The show where I, Stephanie Dunlap, empower runners of all levels to lace up, chase their dreams, and cross every finish line stronger than ever. To join the discussion live, follow me on Instagram @runstrongrun, TikTok @runstrongrun, Facebook @runstephstrongrun or on my website at runstrongrun.comAbout Stephanie:Stephanie is a beginner run coach, marathon pacer, and your number-one cheerleader! Stephanie went from couch potato to marathoner in 2012 and "Run Strong Run" was born. Since running her first marathon, she's run over 60 full marathons! Stephanie believes that ALL runners count from the fast to the back of the pack. In Stephanie's words, "If you run, you are a runner!"