Congratulations to our Managing Broker, Malone Hodges for finishing the Big Sur Half Marathon on the Monterey Bay!
Malone Hodges, Managing Broker of Carmel Realty
The Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay was the result of the growth and expansion of the highly successful Big Sur International Marathon, which had reached its capacity on Highway One. The first-ever event was held in 2003 and considered an "immediate, overwhelming success."
Each year the number of participants has increased, with the current cap of 9,000 along with a slightly altered course to accommodate the larger field. In 2006, the prize purse for elite runners was increased to $13,000, attracting world-class runners. That year, the male course record of 1:02:33 was set by Ian Dobson, with Jennifer Rhines establishing a new female record of 1:12:18 (since broken in 2010 by Belainesh Gebre 1:09:43). Gradually the prize purse has increased to a potential of $19,850 and the elite field has become one of the strongest in the Western U.S.
In 2007 the Big Sur Half Marathon added a new children's fun run, the JUST RUN!® Just Kids 3K, sponsored by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and the City of Monterey. This semi-annual event is in keeping with the organization's mission of promoting health and fitness as well as dovetailing with the JUST RUN® youth fitness program.
2008 began focusing on 'greening elements' and introduced the highly successful "BYOB" or Bring Your Own (Water) Bottle for refilling on course. Greening programs continued in 2009 with 100% online registration, a virtual goodie bag, and strong recycling and composting efforts resulting Gold Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport.
2009 and 2010 saw the introduction of "wave starts" to accommodate the growing field of runners. The course was also slightly altered to showcase more of downtown Pacific Grove. The walk division of the event was also eliminated.
In 2011, the field was again increased, capping at 8,000 runners. The affiliated 5K (known as the Run Forrest Run 5K) was moved fully into Pacific Grove and renamed the Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K. Both the 5K and 3K races feature various aspects of the town including historic downtown, Victorians, city buildings and parks, and the scenic shoreline.
The runner field was increased to its current cap of 9,000 runners in 2012. Several new runner amenities were added including a tracking app, new finish line food and beverage items, Clif Bar pace teams, finishers' certificates and more.
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