Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Nay – WHAT’S NEW / STORY ANGLES

Elites – The largest and deepest elite field ever for the Big Sur Half Marathon will be vying for prize money and prestige.  More than 40 elite athletes including 24 men and 18 women will attend (see enclosed release on elite field).  Runners can be reached prior to race day for interviews.  Call or email Elite Coordinator Greg Mislick, 831-917-3015 or gkmislic@nps.navy.mil, for contact information.

CHOMP Health Clinics and Screenings – Race participants, friends, family and local community members can take advantage of free blood pressure, BMI and lung capacity screenings as well as clinics on the topics of nutrition, staying active as we age, and metabolism boosters.  The clinics and screenings will take place during the events Health & Fitness Expo at the Monterey Conference Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  (media release enclosed)

Race field growing – Begun in 2003 with only 3,000 participants, the race field continues to grow.  This year’s race was capped at 7,200 half marathon registrants (6,000 in 2009) and sold out two months early.  The separate walk division was eliminated this year, although fast walkers are allowed to take part.  Race director Wally Kastner hopes to grow the event to 10,000 maximum in slow increments over the next few years.

Big Sur Marathon winner to compete in 5K – Daniel Tapia, winner of the 2010 Big Sur International Marathon plans to run this year’s Run Forrest Run 5K.  Known for his shorter distance speed, Tapia is the likely winner of this year’s 5K.            

Local Celebrities to Start Races – Pacific Grove resident Blake Russell, the only American finisher in the 2008 Olympic marathon in Beijing, will be the official starter of the 2010 Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay.  KSBW Anchorman will start the Run Forrest Run 5K and the JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K races on Cannery Row, Saturday morning, Nov. 13.  Pat Duval, the “singing sheriff” will sing the national anthem on Sunday morning.

New Parking Procedures Implements – In order to alleviate last minute parking jams by runners driving to town for the race Sunday morning, the Big Sur Half Marathon has implemented new parking procedures.  Runners arriving prior to 5:45 a.m. can pick up a ticket prior to race day to park in the Custom House Garages.  Any car arriving after 5:45 will be directed to the lower lot at Monterey Peninsula College where shuttle buses will transport the runners close to the start line.  Two drop off zones for locals (Pacific Street at Jefferson and Camino Aguajito at 4th) will be available for locals.

Greening elements will continue with a focus on zero-waste.  Efforts include virtual goodie bags, BYOB water refill stations, monitored recycling and composting , D-tag (timing tags) recycling, online ridesharing, green product selection, 100% online registration, carbon offsets, clothes recycling, fresh food offerings and more.