Dear 2017 Big Sur Marathon Weekend Entrant,
Only three weeks to go! Are you excited? We sure are as we put on the final touches to help make your Big Sur Marathon weekend experience a truly memorable one. Here are a few more items of interest.

SHARE THE LOVE IN BIG SUR
If you haven't yet made your hotel reservations and want a full Big Sur experience, there is still availability at some of the hotels and campgrounds in Big Sur. You can swing by the Expo to pick up your race materials then head down the coast for a beautiful stay in the redwoods. Big Sur hotels and campgrounds with availability include:
  • Big Sur Lodge - 831-667-3100
  • Glen Oaks - 831-667-2105
  • Big Sur River Inn - 831- 667-2700
  • Riverside Campground and Cabins -- 831-667-2414
  • Big Sur Campground and Cabins -- 831- 667-2322
  • House rental - Lygia Chappellet - 831-667-0109
  • Others - Contact the Big Sur Chamber - 831-667-2100
 
Even if you're all set for lodging, we encourage you to take a drive down the coast over the weekend and stop at one of the restaurants or shops in the Big Sur Village. They've all had a hard year and would appreciate the business. 


MORE HOTEL INFO
If you're still looking for lodging in town, our hotel link offers a full array of choices. Put in your dates and you can sort by price, city, distance (from the Expo/most bus pick up areas), and more.


12K/5K OPENINGS
Invite a friend or family member to experience the thrill of crossing the finish line of the Big Sur International Marathon. Registration is still available for the 12K (formerly the 9-Miler) and 5K. This is a great way to spend the morning while waiting for a fellow participant to finish their longer distance event. Plus there's no early morning bus travel required! Just show up at the race finish (Highway 1 and Rio Rd, Carmel) for a 7:35 start on these two out-and-back courses. The 12K (7.4 miles) has the added bonus of traveling through scenic Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.  Register here today!


REVISED START AREAS FOR THE MARATHON and 10.6-MILER
  • Marathon: Due to construction south of the Marathon start, Marathon runners will be dropped off approximately .5 miles north of the start village this year. This will provide for a nice warm-up walk to the traditional start line at the Big Sur Ranger Station. The Marathon course is unaffected by this change.
     
  • 10.6-Miler: 10.6-Miler entrants will now start at Grimes Ranch, 0.4 miles south of the previous start village. They will enjoy a unique experience before starting their race as this 100-acre property was built in the late 1800's before there even was a Highway 1! The ranch has been owned by the same family since the early 1900's. The 10.6-Miler start village will include all the usual amenities including restrooms, water, coffee and hot chocolate, bagels and fruit, gear check, and live entertainment

TAKE A LOOK
Below is a sampling of the many unique products we'll have for sale at this year's Health & Fitness Expo. Or, you can visit our  merchandise page  to get a jump on your event shopping!
 


TIME TO PARTY
We offer two great parties for our runners during Marathon weekend. On Saturday early evening feature one of the tastiest PASTA PARTIES ever! Fresh salads, grilled artichokes, multiple pastas (including gluten-free), marinara and pesto sauces, chicken, meat, steamed vegetables, pineapple upside down cake, plus beer, iced tea and more. Enjoy live music, Q & A with the race director, and fun raffle prizes.
 
On Sunday evening after the race, celebrate your accomplishments at our Post Race Party. Chat with fellow runners as you relive your marathon moments. Enjoy wonderful food and Sierra Nevada beer and Ventana wine.
 
Both parties are held in the ballroom of the Monterey Marriott hotel and tickets are $25 to each. You can purchase tickets to both events at the expo next to bib pick-up, at the door, or in advance at your My Events page at Active.com.


CONTRIBUTE TO THE BIG SUR RELIEF FUND
In case you missed it, we have started a special fund to help the Big Sur residents impacted by the floods and bridge demolition on Highway 1.  Learn more here . Thanks to all who have already supported this wonderful community that has been so devastated by last winter's storms.


RACE WEEKEND INSTRUCTIONS COMING SOON
Finally, we will be sending out the Race Weekend Instructions in about 10 days. These
will contain updated maps, a schedule of all weekend activities, and tips for an enjoyable and safe event. Look for these soon. They will also be posted for download on our web site at on the Big Sur Marathon Events app available free at the Google and Apple app stores. 

The Big Sur Marathon Team
831.625.6226

Don't forget to share your experience! Use our hashtags #bsim17, #bigsurmarathon and #bsim, @bsimevents