Big Sur Marathon Sells Out In Record Time

Carmel, CA, July 16, 2012 — The popular Big Sur International Marathon, considered one of the world's top destination races, sold out its 3,150 'open' slots in a record 26.2 hours today.  The previous record was 29 days for the 2012 race.  Runners from 24 countries and all 50 states will be among those competing on April 28, 2013.

               "We're not totally surprised," said Big Sur race registrar Sally Smith.  "Runners who didn't make last year's cut were ready to jump on the 7 a.m. Sunday registration.  Within 70 minutes the first 1,000 slots had been filled."

               Still available on a limited basis are marathon 'special category' events including Boston 2 Big Sur, Runners World Challenge, charity entries and sponsor slots.  In addition, registration is open for five concurrent races of varying distances taking place along the course.  These include a marathon relay, the 21, 10.6 and 9 Milers, and a 5K.  A 3K kids' run is held the day prior to the marathon.  More than 13,000 athletes register for the weekend events.

               "Over the past five-plus years all across the country, popular U.S. marathons such as Big Sur have been selling-out in record time, from months before the race to now closing out within days if not hours of on-line registration opening," stated Ryan Lamppa, researcher for Running USA, a national non-profit organization for the running industry.  The 2012 Marine Corps Marathon sold out in under three hours and 2011 Boston Marathon in eight hours.

               "Without a doubt, there is currently a pent-up demand for marathon participation, and Big Sur is part of the U.S. marathon movement including Marine Corps, Boston, New York City, Chicago and Houston that quickly sell-out," said Lamppa.

               Of the swift marathon sell out, race director Wally Kastner said, "Our fast registration confirms what seven top publications have stated in recent ratings: that Big Sur is one of the best destination races and one of the most unique running events in the world."

               The 26.2 mile course takes place along California's Highway One, a national scenic byway, on a south to north route from Big Sur to Carmel.  Highlights along the way include a downhill start in the redwood forest, a two-mile ascent up Hurricane Point, crossing the photogenic Bixby Bridge, and enjoying musical interludes such as Taiko drummers, Samba dancers and classical music from a grand piano mid way along the course.

               Registration for the 2013 Big Sur Marathon events is available at www.bsim.org.

Julie Armstrong