BIG SUR HALF MARATHON EXPANDED EVENT – NEARS SELLOUT

The Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay is nearing sellout capacity more than a month before the event date of Sunday, November 9.   An increase in the number of runners and walkers registered from 5,000 to this year’s limit of 5,800 is expected to produce a record field at the event’s sixth presentation.  Additional smaller fun runs for kids and families are scheduled for Saturday, November 8, and an expanded two-day Health and Fitness Expo is planned for November 7 and 8.

                The popularity of the half marathon distance and the ongoing success of the Big Sur Half Marathon race prompted race organizers to increase the field by nearly 1,000 participants.  A slightly-altered route will allow for wave starts, ensuring the course is runner-friendly throughout the entire race.  The half marathon course begins in downtown Monterey, runs through historic Cannery Row, and along the scenic Monterey Bay coastline in Pacific Grove.  The out-and-back course finishes near Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf with post-race festivities at the Custom House Plaza.  Runners are expected from all 50 states as well as 10 additional countries.

The Run Forrest Run 5K sponsored by Bubba Gump, previously held concurrently with the half marathon, is being moved to Saturday to help lessen congestion on Sunday’s half marathon course.  Now, Saturday will hold the JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K and the Run Forrest Run 5K, at 8 and 9 a.m. respectively on a course that travels from Cannery Row to the Pacific Grove oceanfront and back again, followed by family fun and entertainment on Cannery Row.   

“Our goal is to create an entire running festival for all age groups,” states Wally Kastner, race director for the Big Sur International Marathon.  “With everything from a kids’ 3K to a 13.1 mile half marathon, we offer something for everyone.”

A USATF sanctioned and certified half marathon course, the event is expected to again draw a large field of elite runners.  Last year’s men’s second place winner, Michael Aish of New Zealand is confirmed, along with a half dozen professional runners.  A field of more than 20 elites including Jeff Magallanes, Heather Gibson, Brooke Wells, Mary Coordt, Christine Kennedy, Elissa Reidy and others are expected to compete in the event.

                The Big Sur Health & Fitness Expo has been expanded to two days, held on Friday, November 7, from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  More than 40 vendors will be showcasing their fitness, nutrition, footwear, apparel and race information products.

                Major sponsors of the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay include Saab, Asics, Runners World, Rabobank, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Granite Construction, KSBW and JetBlue.

                For more information on the Big Sur Half Marathon events, contact 831.625-6226 or info@bsim.org.

Julie Armstrong