CARMEL >> The rainy weather didn’t stop thousands from enjoying the Big Sur Marathon, with runners taking on a variety of challenges from the full 26.2 miles to trying for their personal best in the 5K.

About 10,000 people participated in one of the races offered this weekend, despite the rainy weather. The full course along Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel was back in use after a partial washout had forced changes last year.

This year stuck to tradition, offering a marathon, 11-mile run, 12K run, 5K run and a relay. The Big Sur Marathon Foundation recognized the top men and women in all of the categories and offered runners an array of goodies and entertainment at the finish line camp.

“One of the biggest changes was our starting line,” said Hank Armstrong, from the Big Sur Marathon Board of Directors. “It was much more organized and enjoyable. I think people will look forward to that in the future.”

The Foundation also took on a new sponsor this year, Hoka, an athletic shoe company headquartered in Goleta.

“Hoka is a leader in the running industry and distance running and we’re proud to be associated with them,” Armstrong said. “It’s a good match-up, they reflect our values and the same for us.”

The rainy weather was expected and most runners were prepared for a light drizzle. Around 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. the rain picked up in the midst of the marathon and start of the other races. Many runners said they were OK with the weather. Some said it slowed them down a little, but not enough to deter them from completing the course.

“I did the best I could, it was cold, wet and tiring but it was still fun and I had a good time,” said Ben Nelson, from Lincoln, Nebraska, who completed the marathon. “Last year was my first time here (at Big Sur Marathon), and it was so organized and had a good crowd so I wanted to come back. I’m hoping to come back next year.”

Runners also took on causes and ran for charities, displaying colorful T-shirts and signs for loved ones and running in groups for a shared goal.

Debbie Herrera and Jaime Gomez from Denver, Colorado took the trip to Big Sur with a group to support a friend who recently lost his wife and mother. The group was running to promote mental wellbeing and compete in the same race their loved one had the year before.

“Our shirts say ‘Run for Kendra’ because she ran the 12K last year, and we lost her shortly after,” Herrera said. “We’re here to support mental health and our friend. The rain didn’t stop us at all, it was perfect running weather.”

Gomez, who participated in his first distance run Sunday, said the community at the Big Sur Marathon made the event even more enjoyable for him.

“I don’t want to leave,” Gomez said. “Being able to complete the race, and support my friend is really inspiring, I just want to enjoy the music and this amazing company.”

Melissa Allen and John Allen traveled from Charleston, South Carolina at the recommendation of a friend who took part in the marathon. The couple, who ran the 11-mile run, said they run together often and were used to the bouts of rain while on the course.

“We really enjoyed the weather, and it lightened up later on,” John Allen said. “Carmel is beautiful, the best part is we did the race first, and now we get to enjoy the area and travel.”

Many runners appreciated the scenic views and say it’s one of their favorite parts of participating.

“We want to come back and do the full marathon,” Melissa Allen said. “That view of the ocean is amazing and we don’t get that often.”