On the Edge of the Western World
On the Run
E-Newsletter of the Big Sur Marathon
 
WHAT'S INSIDE
Message from the Race Director
What's New
Big Sur Fires
JUST RUN Update
Sponsor News
OUR EVENTS
 
 
 
 
OUR SPONSORS
 
Asics
 
CHOMP
 
Granite Construction
 
 Runner's World
 
HALF MARATHON GETAWAY 
bshm getaway
Make the most of your Big Sur Half Marathon weekend with this "Run and Fun" package for two in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. You'll be pampered and provided with VIP treatment. To learn more about this exceptional package, click HERE
SPECIAL THANKS
3K Starfish Stampede
Our thanks to the City of Monterey and the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula for their continued support of our JUST RUN!� Just Kids 3K fun runs. Their contribution reflects their commitment to a healthy community!
 
Issue: #1 August 2008
            
       Big Sur
  
Greetings!

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Big Sur Marathon's official e-newsletter, a quarterly publication designed to keep you informed of happenings, items of interest, and new developments in our organization and events.  If you're registered for one of our races, you'll also receive timely e-blasts with more specific event-related information. We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and welcome any feedback you'd like to send us.
 
A Message from the Race Director
 
Wally Kastner head shot Looking ahead
  On August 3rd, my wife and I ran the San Francisco Half Marathon (1st Half), a hilly course and my first race since breaking five ribs almost a year ago. Despite running a personal worst, it was great to be enjoying the sport again. 
  As we talked to runners from the Big Sur booth at the SF Expo, I was gratified by two things.  The overwhelmingly positive comments that prior BSIM participants gave us, and the excitement of those planning to run their first Big Sur in 2009.
  Every year we plan and then execute a logistically challenging event on the Pacific Coast Highway that involves six separate running or walking venues with a race crew that is 99.9% volunteers. Our goal in 2009 is once again to produce for you "the greatest running experience on the planet."  We look forward to seeing you at the start and we'll be there for you at the finish. (This goes for our November Half Marathon too!)  As always, may the wind be at your back.


Wally Kastner
Race Director
What's New
 
Big Sur Training pageOnline Training
Whether you a newcomer to the sport of running seeking advice or motivation, or a veteran hoping for a faster finish, our new Online Training module powered by Active.com is designed to provide a daily schedule of activities and fitness goals.  The online Active Training program is currently available for runners and walkers training for our November Half Marathon, and will soon be available to help those interested in our April Marathon events. To view the training options (including a free program with a donation to our JUST RUN youth fitness program) click here.
 
2008 Marathon Finisher's Certificates
Environmental concerns along with rising postage and printing costs prompted our decision to forego the printing and mailing of Official Finisher Certificates for the 2008 race.  In their place, we are offering an online certificate that you can view and print out as a keepsake. To get your certificate, click here.
 
New Race Timing System
In keeping with technological advances in event timing, Race Central (our race timing company) is now using the ChronoTrack system. The traditional ChampionChip will be replaced by a D-Tag.  Advantages to the runner include a disposable, lighter and less intrusive tag that's easier to attach to your shoe, accurate timing, no fees for lost or unreturned chips, no pre-race chip scan needed and no post race turn in -- all making for fewer pre- and post-race hassles. For more information on the ChronoTrack D-Tag, click here.
Big Sur Fires Leave Course Unharmed
 
Big SurFrom the ashes...
  The devastating Basin Complex Fire that burned over 162,000 acres in Big Sur during July is now contained. While the forest will regrow and destroyed homes be rebuilt, the fire's effect on the environment, wildlife, residents and Big Sur businesses has been substantial.  The Big Sur Marathon organization fully supports the ongoing efforts to aid the community and we have provided a link for those interested in donating to the fire relief efforts.
  You'll be happy to know that the marathon course from the start line in Big Sur to the finish line at Rio Road in Carmel is still intact and as beautiful as ever.  In fact, the April event should offer a spectacular wildflower show for race participants.
  To learn more about the Big Sur community, please visit the new web page we have put together to help people learn about this very unique and special place. 
 
JUST RUN� Running Strong
 
JUST RUN MilestonesJUST RUN image
  At the end of 2007-08 academic school year Big Sur's JUST RUN� youth fitness program finished with top grades, and earned "extra credit" for reaching new milestones.
  Nearly 6,800 children logged over 225,000 miles, far surpassing last year's totals and 25,000 Just Deeds (acts of good citizenship) were completed.  This successful program has expanded rapidly to include 14 states and 67 schools throughout the country, compared to 41 the previous year.  
  JUST RUN is clearly a leader in youth fitness!  In addition to being a California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports gold medal winner, JUST RUN has received national support and endorsement from numerous health and fitness experts.
   Combating childhood obesity and promoting physical activity are the Big Sur Marathon's goals.  To learn more about JUST RUN or to make a donation to this vital and successful program, please visit www.justrun.org.
Sponsor News 
 
RabobankRabobank Returns as
Half Marathon Sponsor
   Rabobank is back as a major sponsor of our upcoming Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay.  This community focused, mid-size California bank provides a full array of quality products and services to individual, business and agricultural clients, and is a strong community partner supporting key events throughout Monterey County.
   "The Half Marathon is a great event for our community and our organization," states Harry Wardwell, Regional President of Rabobank, N.A. "We're proud to have been an official sponsor from the beginning." 
 
We hope you enjoyed this inaugural issue of the Big Sur Marathon On the Run E-Newsletter.  Feel free to contact us with comments or suggestions.  As always, we welcome your input.
 

The Board and Staff of the
Big Sur International Marathon