Big Sur Half Marathon Has New Look, Expects Top Field
6th presentation adds wave start, goes "green", introduces new timing system and more

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Posted Tuesday, 4 November, 2008

MONTEREY, Calif. - (November 2, 2008) - The 6th Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay is set for Sunday, November 9, and this year's event will feature some new looks and changes and with its largest number of elite runners, new course records may set.

The elite men's field includes Ben Bruce (OR), Brad Lowery (SD), Justin Patananan (CA), Sergio Reyes (CA), Jared Scott (AZ) and Ezkyas Sisay of Ethiopia. The elite women's field is led by Kenyans Jacqueline Nyetipei and Hyvon Ngetich (both with 2008 personal bests under the course record) and Belainesh Gebre of Ethiopia. Top U.S. women are Kristi Arthur (NV), Heather Gibson (CA), Lauren Johnson (OR), Mary Coordt (CA) and Elissa Riedy (CA).

The half-marathon prize purse goes eight deep and exceeds $12,000 with $2000 for each race champion. In addition, there is a $1000 bonus for a course record (current course records: 1:02:33, Ian Dobson and 1:12:18, Jen Rhines, 2006).

Increasing the participant field, "greening" the race, introducing a new timing system, showcasing local charities and welcoming new sponsors are among several new features of the sixth race presentation.

To accommodate an ever-growing interest in the half-marathon distance, organizers of the Big Sur Half Marathon increased the field by 1,000 runners for the 2008 event. Capped and already sold out at 5,800 registrants, the race will institute "wave starts" to prevent course crowding along with a slightly revised course that includes a new start line and additional mileage along Del Monte Avenue.

The race organization's move towards sustainability will be evident on the course with recycle containers and a special aid station that allows runners to fill their own bottles.

"It's BYOB - Bring Your Own Bottle", stated Brian Robinson, aid station coordinator and Big Sur Marathon board member. "We're the first half-marathon that I know of that offers this." Robinson is an ultra-marathoner who borrowed the concept from several 50+ mile races that he has completed.

In addition, the Big Sur organization encourages online registration and has eliminated some of its printed products, including the race results book, since runners can now retrieve their times online race day afternoon. With many of the runners residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, the organization is also offering a new online carpooling system, PickUpPal, through its website.

Runners will notice a difference in the timing system used - no longer will they need to scan and attach a plastic chip to their shoe. The new ChronoTrack system offers a disposable, lighter, less intrusive tag that is easier to attach and offers accurate timing as well as split timing. There are no fees for lost or unreturned chips. The ChronoTrack system was introduced at the Los Angeles Marathon in March and used successfully at the recent San Francisco and Portland Marathons.

A new race weekend schedule has been implemented this year. The Big Sur Half Marathon Health & Fitness Expo will be held on two days, November 7 and 8, and two family-oriented runs will take place on Saturday morning. The JUST RUN!® Just Kids 3K will begin at 8:00am followed by the Run Forrest Run 5K at 9:00am. Both races begin and end on Cannery Row, with a new race course run along the Pacific Grove shoreline on Saturday morning. Finish line food will be provided by Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and post-race entertainment provided by the Cannery Row Company.

The Big Sur Half Marathon has long been known for its contributions to local charities, but this year is serving as a goal race for one local group, Pancreatica. Headquartered in Pacific Grove, where runners enjoy nearly eight miles of scenic coastal views, this non-profit organization is focused on raising awareness and funding for Pancreatic Cancer. Additional charities are on board for the Half Marathon as well.

Debuting at this year's half-marathon, Michelob Ultra will be the new beer provider at Big Sur Marathon events. Michelob Ultra is the largest beer sponsor of endurance race events with their "Race to the Ultra" series. JetBlue will also have a presence at this year's Big Sur Half, along with returning sponsors such Saab, ASICS, Runner's World, Gatorade, GU, Rabobank, Granite Construction and others.

For more information on the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay, visit www.BSIM.org or call (831) 625-6226.

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