November 15, 2009
Let's clear up two misconceptions right now. The Big Sur Half Marathon doesn't take place in Big Sur, and there's far more events involved than the titular half-marathon.
The full name of the event is the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay, referring to both its sister event, the Big Sur International Marathon, and to its physical location, largely along the shores of Monterey and Pacific Grove. And though the invariably sold-out Half Marathon on Sunday, November 15 is the crowning event of the weekend, there are many other activities surrounding it.
The Health and Fitness Expo at the Monterey Conference Center is free! Over 70 vendors will be on hand showing and selling the latest in fitness and health related products and gear, and give demonstrations on the latest techniques. Participants in the weekend's races can pick up their bib numbers and other event goodies.
Not quite ready for a half marathon? You can still run — or even walk — in the Run Forrest Run 5K on Saturday, November 14, sponsored by Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. This event, with a course just over three miles long, is open to anyone in good health ages 5 and up. Proceeds go to charity. Register at the official web site, or pick up a registration form at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.
Children can also participate in the Just Run 3K, also on Saturday and also sponsored by the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Participants in this fun run will get a T-shirt, a finisher's medallion, and a coupon for a free child admission with paid adult admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There will also be activities for children before and after the race. Register at the official web site, or pick up a registration form at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.
The sold-out non-competitive 10-mile walk/run has a course similar to the Half Marathon course, and will take walkers along the shore, under Custom House Plaza, down Cannery Row, down Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove, and (just when spirits, and weary feet, need a lift) along the beautiful shore of Monterey Bay back to Custom House Plaza. To provide a little added inspiration, there will be live music and entertainment along the course. All participants will receive a T-shirt, a timing chip, a finisher's medallion, and food and drink at the finish line. All proceeds go to Just Run, the Big Sur International Marathon's youth fitness program. Register at the official web site.
The main event of the weekend, the sold-out Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay takes runners through historic downtown Monterey, over to Cannery Row, down the shore of Monterey Bay, into downtown Pacific Grove, and back along the coast to the grand finish at Custom House Plaza. Spectators can watch from anywhere along the course.
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1770, Monterey, CA 93942 1-877-MONTEREY info@mccvb.org
In partnership with Monterey County and the cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas,
Sand City, Seaside, Soledad, Pebble Beach, Moss Landing, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Salinas Valley.
© Copyright 2009 Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
