GREEN GOODIE BAGS OFFER VIRTUAL GIFTS – FOR BIG SUR MARATHON RUNNERS – Big Sur Marathon partners with iGiftBag to produce a dynamic, engaging experience for runners.

The 10,000 registered participants for the Big Sur Marathon events will be treated to a selection of digital gifts, coupons and offers from local and national businesses, event sponsors and other races as part of their race weekend package for the 2011 event. 

                The marathon has partnered with iGiftBag to produce a fun and dynamic digital experience for runners to obtain "goodies" from participating businesses.  The virtual project will contain rich media gifts including downloadable music, online games, race training plans and digital gift cards in addition to special offers and coupons from local retailers.  Opportunities for additional local and national participants are currently being sought.

                Pioneered by the Big Sur Marathon organization in fall 2009, the virtual goodie bag is quickly becoming the standard in green race events.  John Dettling, CEO of iGiftBag concurs: "There is a clear movement towards operating race events through the use of green alternatives." But he added, "Just giving racers more ads even in a digital format won't cut it.  Race organizations are challenged to develop sponsorship formats that achieve higher user-engagement for promotional giveaways and higher redemption for offers."

                In addition to the range of deals, coupons and gift content options, the presentation engages the audience by providing a slowly spinning carousel wheel of offers which can be clicked to reveal the gifts inside.  Viral and social media features built into the program enable recipients to share offers with their friends.  The iGiftBag will have a longer-than-race day shelf life with several opportunities to be viewed and used by the runners over nearly a one month period before and after the event.

                "We're hoping that many of our local companies join our national sponsors in reaching out to the visiting runners," said Julie Armstrong, marketing director for the Big Sur International Marathon. "It's a perfect way to capture an affluent, ready-to-buy audience."

                For more information on participating in the marathon's Virtual Goodie Bag, call 655-6226 or email julie@bsim.org.

About iGiftBag:  iGiftBag.com, an Arlington, VA, company founded in 2009, serves virtual iGiftBags to running, triathlon and cycling endurance events, youth sports leagues, local events and trade shows, hotels, and realtors, among others. The Big Sur Half Marathon was iGiftBag's first west coast partner and one of its most prestigious.

About the Big Sur International Marathon:  Named one of the country's top three marathons and "the best destination marathon in North America," the Big Sur International Marathon is now in its 26th year.  Runners come from all 50 states and two dozen countries to compete in a variety of events including a marathon, marathon relay, 21, 10.6 and 9 Milers and a 5K.  The organization is a 501 (c) 3 non profit which provides funding to local charities.

Julie Armstrong,