25th Presentation of the Big Sur International Marathon – WHAT’S NEW IN 2011

The 25th Presentation of the Big Sur International Marathon brought many new and exciting programs and activities for the anniversary event, many of which are being institutionalized into the race.  These include the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge, the Sunday evening Post Race Party, the whimsical and original mile markers lining the course, a new course for the JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K and a focus on greening and sustainability for the logistically challenging marathon.

Always growing and evolving, the new elements in 2011 include the following:

New Course for 2011

The collapse of Highway One just six weeks before the scheduled race required organizers to quickly develop a modified course.  The out-and -back route will now begin and end on Highway One near Rio Road in Carmel.  The marathon, relay, 21-Miler and 9-Miler will all begin at 6:45 in four wave starts. The 5K will begin at 7:45 from the same locations and the 10.6 Miler at 6:30 from its traditional start at Rocky Point restaurant.

Carmel Welcomes Race with Two Kick-off Parties

The Carmel Chamber of Commerce is fully embracing the 2011 marathon with two separate celebrations on Thursday and Friday evening before the race weekend.  A traditional chamber "mixer" is scheduled to take place at The Barnyard Shopping Village, home to the marathon's office, bringing together local business and community members.  Friday evening is focused on the runners with a "Carbs in Carmel" party at the Carmel Plaza in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Music, food, drink, camaraderie and a special display of BSIM mile markers will enliven the evening.

Runner's World Challenge

Runner's World magazine is bringing 275 VIP runners to this year's Big Sur Marathon.  Challengers who signed up for the event last fall have been trained by RW experts, received advice from RW editors on nutrition and injury prevention, and will be treated as VIPs at the event with a special start/finish tent, massage, sweats area, social gatherings, gifts and more.

Largest Health & Fitness Expo in race's history

More than 70 vendor booths will be on display at the two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Monterey Conference Center.  The popularity of this year's Expo – the marathon's largest-ever – has necessitated the need to grow into an adjacent second area in the Portola Hotel's DeAnza Rooms.  As always, the vendors range from footwear and apparel to fitness and nutrition items, other race events, sponsor and food sampling and more.  Free race clinics, race information and bib and bus ticket pickup make for a fun and lively event.  Open and free to the public.

Nissan LEAF to offer test drives

Six Nissan LEAF 100% electric vehicles will be offered for test drives on Friday, April 29, at the marathon's Health & Fitness Expo. Nissan, sponsor of Team RadioShack and Official Vehicle of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, is offering its "Pace the Race Tour" to give thousands of cycling, endurance and performance sport enthusiasts the opportunity to drive the new vehicle. Nissan is donating $1.00 for every test drive to the Stage 7 Prize Purse during the Amgen Tour of California event on May 21.