Dear 2016 Runner's World VIP Entrant,
Welcome to the 31st presentation of the Big Sur International Marathon! We look forward to having you join us on Sunday, April 24th, for a run along the "ragged edge of the western world." This is the first of several communications you'll be receiving from us prior to race weekend.
HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR HOTEL?
Special BSIM hotel options followed by a complete listing of available lodging on the Monterey Peninsula and in Big Sur, with search features by price, and amenities, is available
HERE. The Portola Hotel & Spa, RW VIP headquarters during race weekend, is now sold out.
TELL US YOUR STORY
Do you have a compelling story behind your run this year? Perhaps you overcame a serious illness or injury, have lost a significant amount of weight (100+ lbs) or are currently facing a major life challenge? Are you bringing/running with a large group of friends or family members? To share, send your one or two short paragraph story along with a high-resolution image of yourself and include the name of your hometown newspaper or television station to
julie@bsim.org.
RACE WEEKEND INSTRUCTIONS
2016 Race Weekend Instructions will be emailed to all participants and posted online at
www.bsim.org by March 31 and will contain an updated schedule of events, course, venue, and Expo maps.
CANCELLATIONS
If you are unable to join us for the 2016 Big Sur International Marathon, please note that there are no refunds (unless you purchased Registration Protector and your reason is covered), deferments, or transfers. To read our cancellation policy, click
HERE. If you are no longer able to travel to our event, please cancel your hotel reservation immediately so that openings will be available for other participants and so that you or we won't incur unnecessary charges.
START AND FINISH HOSPITALITY TENTS
At the marathon start RW VIP entrants are provided a heated tent with seating and a variety of light snacks along with exclusive toilet facilities. After the race, enjoy a catered meal in the RW VIP hospitality tent. Guest passes are available for friends and family members to join you in the tent for $29. If you'd like to purchase wristbands in advance, you may purchase them through My Events at Active.com or email sally@bsim.org. Priority massages are also offered to RW VIP finishers in the nearby massage tent.
You will receive an email from our timing company listing the bib number assigned to you prior to race weekend. We hope you will find this year's bib design to be a beautiful keepsake of your race.
PACKET PICK-UP AND THE HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO
Due to the current renovations of the Monterey Conference Center, the Health and Fitness Expo and all race item pick-up and merchandise sales will be in a large tent near Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey. Hours are Friday, April 22, from noon to 6 PM or Saturday, April 23, from 9 AM to 6 PM. Race packets are not mailed and are not available race morning. RW VIP packets will be in the Runner's World booth in the Expo.
RUNNER'S WORLD TEAM AT THE PASTA PARTY
The Runner's World VIP team will be attending the 5:30 PM Pasta Party at the Monterey Marriott following the RW VIP strategy session on Saturday. Tables will be reserved so you can meet the editors and your fellow VIP runners prior to race day.
If you're interested in taking part, you can purchase $25 pasta party tickets from My Events at Active.com or by emailing sally@bsim.org.
CLIF BAR PACE TEAMSReach your marathon goal by teaming up with Clif Bar's experienced pace leaders. Joining a pace team is FREE and goal times include 3:35, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00 and 5:30. Learn more and register
HERE. Be sure to visit the Clif Bar Pace Team booth at the Expo to meet the leaders and get a free pace band to wear race day.
