California Highway 1 Damage Will Not Affect Big Sur Marathon Course
CARMEL, Calif., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent storms that have wreaked havoc on California's Highway 1 this winter will not affect the 26.2-mile route of the April 30 Big Sur International Marathon.
Multiple mudslides, shoulder collapses and irreversible structural damage to the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge are all significant issues on the highway between the Big Sur Village south towards the San Luis Obispo County line. The marathon start line, however, is a half mile north of the road closure, allowing the iconic race to be held as planned.
"This has been a very difficult year for the residents and businesses in Big Sur and our marathon is highly aware of the hardships created along the coast," said Doug Thurston, race director of the nonprofit Big Sur International Marathon. "We have been working closely with the Big Sur community to be sensitive to their needs while still providing the world-class experience our entrants expect."
The marathon team has been working closely with leadership from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California State Parks Department to discuss operational changes for race day. Each year, some 90 buses transport runners from the Monterey Peninsula to the start line, passing over the Pfeiffer Bridge to turn around further south in a wide space at Nepenthe Restaurant. This year, the turnaround will be moved to Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park where runners will exit and walk to the start line approximately a half mile down the road.
"We met with the marathon team and determined that this would be the best option for the bus turnaround," said John De Luca, Sector Superintendent for Big Sur State Parks. "Since most of the State Parks in the area will still be closed to the public, this should work well for their needs on race day."
California State Parks also manages Andrew Molera State Park, start of the 21-Miler which is a popular marathon event with power walkers and runners as well. No changes are anticipated here or for the additional race distances, including the marathon relay, 10.6-Miler, 12K and 5K.
Named one of the world's top "destination races," the Big Sur International Marathon draws runners from all 50 states and over two dozen countries. They spend multiple days in the community, sightseeing and taking advantage of various attractions and offerings in Monterey County. The marathon will continue to promote travel to Big Sur from the Monterey Peninsula as many businesses will have reopened by the race date.
The Big Sur Marathon organization set up a fundraising page for race participants and others to voluntarily contribute to the Big Sur relief, via the Coast Property Owners Association. The CPOA is a 501(c) 3 organization with local knowledge and boots-on-the-ground experience with distributing individual grants to those affected by the last three major fires in Big Sur and the winter storms of 2017. Information on how to donate is available on the Big Sur Marathon website and at https://www.crowdrise.com/bsim-bigsurrelieffund.
SOURCE Big Sur Marathon
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