Big Sur Marathon 2015 Results: Men and Women's Top Finishers

There are more famous races in the world than the annual Big Sur Marathon held between Big Sur and Carmel in California, but it's hard to imagine there are any that provide runners with more striking scenery and beauty along the route. 

While spectators can take the time to be awed by the beauty of the landscape, however, the runners have a race to win. Let's break down the results from Sunday's event. 

Men's Results

Place	Racer	Time
1	ADAM ROACH	02:30:48
2	MICHAEL WARDIAN	02:33:04
3	NEIL PEARSON	02:42:24
4	CHRIS CALZETTA	02:42:40
5	RICH HANNA	02:43:15

Adam Roach cruised to the men's title at the Big Sur Marathon, winning by nearly three minutes. BSIM Events on Instagram captured the moment he crossed the finish line:

Blake Russell, who ran the marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and finished 27th, congratulated Roach on his performance:

Michael Wardian placed second in the event, while Neil Pierce finished in third.

Roach, who hails from Pacific Grove, California, is no stranger to winning this event, having done so in 2012 and 2013. Wardian was the defending champion and certainly had a shot to repeat given his strong run, but he couldn't overcome Roach.

Perhaps he was a bit distracted by the beautiful course. Marathon Foto passed along this stunning image:

"

@bsimevents #BigSurInternationalMarathon #BigSur #CA http://t.co/wjOOIGQVXg pic.twitter.com/0Ca19tb8WO

— Marathon Foto (@MarathonFotoEPG) April 26, 2015"

Based on views like that, Big Sur seems to be the marathon to run, at least if you want to do some sightseeing along the way.

Women's Results

Place	Racer	Time
1	MALIA CROUSE	02:57:02
2	CHRISTINE TARANTO	02:59:34
3	VERONICA TYSSELAND	03:02:49
4	RACHEL GLASSON	03:03:12
5	ELIZABETH MUELLER	03:06:55

Nuta Olaru won the Big Sur Marathon three years in a row but was forced to withdrawal before the event, opening up the opportunity for a new winner on Sunday. Malia Crouse stepped up in Olaru's stead, placing 15th overall in the event and defeating Christine Taranto by nearly two-and-a-half minutes.

Veronica Tysseland finished third.