Virtual Goodie Bags Provide Green Marketing Alternative for Big Sur Half Marathon Vendors
Posted Friday, 21 August, 2009
CARMEL, Calif. - (August 19, 2009) - The thousands of handouts and literature traditionally given to race participants in reusable plastic bags will now find their home in a virtual environment for the upcoming Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay.
The virtual goodie bags, a marketing opportunity for sponsors and other interested vendors, will contain multiple brochures and coupons accessible through the Big Sur Half Marathon website. For a full month prior to the November 15th event, each item in the goodie bag will be linked to either company websites or larger versions of the literature. The virtual goodie bag will also be direct e-mailed to 8,000 registered participants and a link to it will be provided on all Half Marathon email blasts, thus providing multiple touchpoints for the program.
"We're creating virtual goodie bags as part of our efforts to become a greener event," says race director Wally Kastner. "We're launching a concerted effort to make all our events more sustainable for the long term."
The virtual goodie bags are just one of many green initiatives undertaken by the Big Sur Marathon organization. Last year, the Half Marathon debuted its BYOB or "Bring Your Own (Water) Bottle" program, initiated a rideshare opportunity, eliminated its printed "Results Book" and continued with its aggressive recycling programs begun in 2007.
The Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay is now in its 7th year. The 13.1 mile course travels through historic Monterey, down the length of Cannery Row and along the scenic coastline of Pacific Grove. The race finishes near Fisherman's Wharf with post-race festivities in Monterey's Custom House Plaza. The race typically sells out at a capacity crowd of 7,000 runners and walkers.
For more information on participating in the virtual goodie bag program, the sustainability efforts of the Big Sur Marathon organization, or the Half Marathon registration, visit www.bsim.org or contact (831) 625-6226 or info@bsim.org.
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