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Big Sur International Marathon

Running on the ragged edge of the Western World
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Greetings!
 
With less than two weeks to go, we would like to offer some updates and reminders.  Hopefully you are in "taper mode" now, be sure to get plenty of rest and eat well over the next week.  If you haven't already done so, please review your Race Weekend Instructions by clicking HERE.  We look forward to seeing you at the Health & Fitness Expo on April 27th or 28th.

The Big Sur Board and Staff
New Website & New Mobile App 
After many months of hard work, we have now rolled out our new website which features a more up-to-date look and feel, and is designed to be more user friendly.  Be sure to check it out at www.bsim.org.

We are also proud to announce our new mobile app for both the iPhone and Android
smartphones. To download, search for "Big Sur Events" or "Big Sur Marathon." The app offers detailed event information, maps, driving instructions, and bus departure locations along with results, FAQs, registration links and much more for the Marathon, Half Marathon and Mud Run.  It will also offer premium features such as runner tracking and syncing with runners' Facebook and Twitter accounts for this year's Big Sur Marathon!  You can search for the app using "Big Sur Marathon" or "Big Sur Events."
Course Safety & Logistical Concerns

While Highway One is open between Big Sur and Carmel, the slide area still is a 100 foot one-lane stretch controlled by alternating traffic lights for northbound and southbound traffic. The CA Highway Patrol has determined that pedestrians and vehicles cannot share this space at the same time which has resulted in the following policies for this year's race:

  • The first northbound convoy of race personnel, sweat trucks and people in Big Sur going north will depart the start area at 7:10 AM led by the CHP.  It is expected to reach the slide area at mile 13.7 at approximately 7:45 AM.
  • A 21-Miler running a 7 mpm pace would arrive at the slide area at the same time as the convoy.  In the event this happens, the 21-Miler will be held there until the convoy passes by the slide area. Their stop and subsequent start time will be noted and their final time adjusted in the official results.  
  • The first southbound convoy will leave the finish area at 9:40 AM and is expected to reach the slide area at 10:15 am.
  • Marathoners who are running/walking at a 14 mpm pace or slower may arrive at the slide area at the same time.  They have two options.  If by 10:05 am runners are a half mile or more back from the slide area they will be picked up by a "sag wagon" and driven to the slide where they may then cross prior to the convoy arriving. If they choose NOT to do this, they will be stopped at the slide area until the southbound convoy passes by.
  • Race participants are reminded that they will not be allowed to proceed past (marathon) mile 22 if they have not reached that point by 12 noon.  Those individuals will be provided transportation to the finish area and be given a 21-Miler finisher medallion.  Because the course will be open to two-way traffic at 1 PM, no aid stations, medical personnel, or communications will be available after that time.  The safety of those participants who cannot finish prior to 1 PM would be seriously jeopardized if they remain on the course.

 

All runners and walkers in the vicinity of the slide area will be stopped in the event of an emergency vehicle passing through.
Other Updates
PRE-REGISTRATION CLOSES APRIL 20
The final day to pre-register online for any open events (5K, 3K, 9-Miler and Relay members) is by midnight on Friday, April 20.  After that registration for the 3K re-opens on Friday, April 27 at the Expo, from noon to 6 PM, and on race morning beginning at 6:30 AM. Registration for the 9-Miler and 5K is open all weekend at the Expo, and on race morning at Marathon Village beginning at 6:30 AM.
 
DONATE YOUR OLD SHOES!
While you're checking out the Expo, make sure and stop by the Sports Basement booth and donate your old shoes.  Shoes that are in usable shape will be sent to shoe-less areas in Africa, and shoes that have seen better days will be turned into rrubber for tracks and artificial turf fields.  All types of shoes are welcome:  running shoes, tennis shoes, casual shoes, soccer shoes, slippers.  You catch the drift; give them your shoes!

iGIFT BAG COMING NEXT WEEK
In lieu of the traditional goodie bag of mostly paper, we are now celebrating our third year of our green "Virtual Goodie Bag."  Your iGift Bag is available next week via another blast email and with a link on our home page.  There will be great deals from Dole, Ghirardelli Chocolates, the Treadmill, other races and much more.