On the Edge of the Western World
On the Run
E-Newsletter of the Big Sur Marathon
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Issue: #5 September 2009
Greetings!
Autumn is upon us and bringing great running or walking weather here on the Monterey Peninsula.  The Half Marathon is only six short weeks away and we proudly are welcoming our biggest field ever!  Registration is well under way for our April events as well, and we expect an early sell-out of the Marathon and Miler events.

(Please note...if this email is not displaying correctly, click on the link at the top)
A Message from the Race Director
 
Wally Kastner head shot Thank You to our Volunteers
Last evening's annual Grant Reception was a particularly special and uplifting occasion.  In today's tough economic climate, many recipient groups indicated that the grants they receive from the Big Sur Marathon are pretty much keeping them afloat. Many of these people have worked to support our events for 20 years and more, and their dedication is outstanding.
 
We've said it before, and we stand by the fact that without our wonderful volunteers, our races would not be the world-class events that they are.  So, it was our pleasure last night to give back to them. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! 

Wally Kastner
Race Director
What's New
Half Marathon Sell-out!
The seventh presentation of the Big Sur Half sold out Friday, September 18, nearly two months ahead of the November 15 race day.  The increasing popularity of the half marathon distance and the draw of the Monterey Peninsula as a race destination event filled the 6,000 person field in just over 5 months. Participants hail from 45 states and 12 countries.  Learn more about the Big Sur Half HERE
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Boston 2 Big Sur
On the brink of a sell-out, the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge was embraced by over 300 unique athletes willing to take on 2 marathons on 2 different coasts within a 6 day span of time.  Our B2B participants will be treated like royalty, sporting a special training shirt in the months leading up to the events and can expect VIP treatment race weekend.
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Grant Recipients Honored at Reception
On Tuesday, September 29, the Big Sur International Marathon recognized and rewarded over 80 grant groups, schools and service organizations in Monterey County and Big Sur for their ongoing committment and support of our events.  Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization and it is with sincere gratitude and appreciation that we are able to give back to them.  To view the list of grant recipients, click HERE.
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Virtual Goody Bags Online Soon
Race participants should watch for an email coming out in late October highlighting offers and information from our race sponsors and vendors in our new Virtual Goodie Bag.  This colorful piece, which will take the place of promotional literature handed out at race registration, is intended to provide participants with great offers and discounts that they can use before, during or after race weekend.  You'll be able to check your Inbox AND the Half Marathon website for a link to this new 'green' piece.
Monterey County...A Great Destination
Book Your Hotel at BSIM.org
Have you made your travel plans for the Half Marathon (or Marathon) weekend yet?  Be sure to check out our travel pages that include a variety of hotels and reservation services.  In addition to our host hotels, the Monterey Marriott and Portola Hotel & Spa, we feature several properties that line the race route in downtown Monterey, along Cannery Row, and overlooking the bay on the Pacific Grove shoreline.  Many are offering special half marathon/marathon rates and include early morning coffee, pastries and fruit.  For personalized service you can contact Resort2Me reservation services, or to view the full array of hotels in Monterey County, use our online reservation service.
     
The travel pages also contain information on local attractions, activities and restaurants.  These local hospitality businesses enjoy having our runners staying, playing and eating while here!
 
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Make Big Sur your Culinary Destination    
Big Sur Food and Wine
The Big Sur Food and Wine Festival is a celebration of the creative culinary arts and professional, intimate hospitality of this world-renowned region.
 
The festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 6-7 at Big Sur's resorts and restaurants.  Winemaker dinners will be at local restaurants and some private homes on Friday and Saturday evenings.  On Saturday evening at the Ventana Inn and Spa you can attend the Dinner With Friends - A Benefit for Big Sur.
 
For more information, and to purchase tickets, click HERE.
Sponsor News
Earthbound Farm Supports Half MarathonEarthbound Farm
Long-time marathon sponsor,Earthbound Farm, has come on board this year as a full sponsor of the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay.  Their growing commitment to our events reflects a solid relationship between the organic food producer and our community focused, yet world-renowned events.
 
Founded in 1984, Earthbound Farm is roughly the same age as the Big Sur Marathon.  What started as a 2.5 acre garden in Carmel Valley has now grown to encompass 150 dedicated organic farmers growing more than 100 different varieties of healthy and delicious organic salads, fruits, and vegetables on 33,000 acres.
      
Earthbound Farm is also fully committed to helping the environment.  This year alone, they will keep about 10.5 million pounds of conventional agricultural chemicals out of the environment, and their organic acreage will absorb as much carbon dioxide as taking more than 7,500 cars off the road.  They're also the first in the industry to make their plastic salad containers from 100% post-consumer recycled PET (#1) plastic - products like soda and water bottles that have been used and then recycled.
      
We welcome Earthbound to our Half Marathon family!
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Marketing Opportunities Available 
Runners are a great target for many businesses wanting to reach a well educated, higher income demographic.  The Big Sur International Marathon's events held throughout the year provide a variety of opportunities to reach this audience.
     
From entry level programs with our race expos, new virtual goodie bags and race program advertising to our higher level medal sponsorships, businesses can receive great exposure and benefits.  In addition, a Supplier Level category is available for products and services that can help offset logistical race needs such as equipment and food.
    
Sponsor benefits range from complimentary race registrations and race program mentions to signage, VIP privileges during race weekend and more.
     
To learn more about our sponsorship program, contact Julie Armstrong, Marketing Communications Director, at 831-625-6226 or [email protected].
JUST RUN News
A Continuing Success Story  Just Run Kids 
JUST RUN�, Big Sur International Marathon's award-winning youth fitness program, is FREE, easy to implement in any locale, and appeals to students of all ages and abilities.  With 2,000 children already registered, representing 28 schools and 6 states, JUST RUN is experiencing its most successful beginning of the new school year ever!

School budget cuts and the loss of P.E. funding have contributed to the increased demand.  JUST RUN is a successful program that not only addresses the physical needs of thousands of children, but incorporates quality nutrition education, good citizenship, goal setting, and pride in accomplishment.  It is a youth fitness program that offers a solution to the financial dilemma facing many school administrators, "How do we provide quality physical activity for out students?"  
 
To learn how JUST RUN may be implemented in your area, please visit justrun.org or contact Susan Love at
[email protected].

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Join in the fun at the JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K
Not up for running a marathon or half marathon?  Why not consider a shorter event like a 5K or 3K.  The Big Sur Marathon offers these opportunities in the spring and fall in conjunction with the full and half marathons.  Family members are encouraged to run with their children at the JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K presented by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, and runners of any age can run or walk in November's Run Forrest Run 5K or the marathon's 5K event.  Why not sign up today?!
In Conclusion 

Run@Work Day a Success
The Big Sur Marathon helped organize a series of run/walk BSHM Posterevents around Monterey County on September 18 as part of the annual Run@Work Day.  More than 100 community members turned out for 35 minutes of running and/or walking in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel and Castroville.  
 
"We were excited to have the Big Sur Marathon involved in promoting and hosting a local Run@Work Day event", commented Jean Knaack, executive director of the RRCA (Road Runner Clubs of America), the sponsoring organization.  "Participation in this 4th Annual RRCA National Run@Work Day is an important step in raising awareness about the importance of daily physical activity. Running is one of the most affordable, accessible, and physically beneficial forms of exercise."

 
We hope you enjoyed this 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