What's New?

What's New in 2008
Bart Yasso's new book at the Expo
Dubbed the "Mayor of Running," Bart Yasso is one of the best-known figures in the sport, but few people know why he started running competitively, how it changed his life, or how his brush with a crippling illness nearly ended his career a decade ago. With insight and humor, My Life on the Run chronicles the heatstroke and frostbite, heartache and triumphs he's experienced while competing in more than 1,000 competitive races during his 30 years of running , 20 years with Runner's World magazine. Recounting his adventures in exotic locales like Antarctica, Africa, and Chitwan National Park in Nepal (where he was chased by an angry rhino), Yasso recommends the best exotic marathons for runners who want to grab their passports to test themselves on foreign terrain. With the wit and wisdom of a seasoned insider, he tells runners what they need to know to navigate the logistics of running in an unfamiliar country. Bart will be speaking at the free Expo Clinic on Saturday, April 28 and will have his book, My Life on the Run, for sale at the Runner's World booth on the main Expo floor.
The Walks have a new name!
For the past several years the 10.6- and the 9-Mile Walks have been non-competitive, non-timed fitness events. Accordingly, participants have had the choice of either walking or running the events. In 2006 we changed the "21-Mile Power Walk" to simply the "21-Miler". Although still non-competitive, we added chip timing to this event. For 2008 the 10.6-Mile Walk will become the "10.6-Miler" and the 9-Mile Walk will be the "9-Miler." Both of these non-competitive fitness events will be CHIP TIMED and participants still have the option to either walk, run or do a combination of both! To accommodate the chip timing, the entry fee of the 10.6-Miler and the 9-Miler will increase by $5.00.
Ipod policy updated
Due to reactions from our runners, we have softened our policy on the use of Ipods and other headsets during our race. In accordance to the recommendations of USATF and the Road Runner's Club of America, we are requesting that you do not use this type of equipment during the event. Disobeying this rule will not result in disqualification, but you will compromise your safety and that of others by wearing a headset. If you insist on wearing a headset we ask that you stay to the far left side of the runners lane due to approaching vehicles in the right lane. We truly hope you'll opt to leave your headsets at home and instead let the incredible scenery and music we provide on the course serve as your motivation and inspiration.
Changes to the Relay
The relay has always been a timing nightmare due to last minute team changes. Accordingly, we've eliminated the "non-competitive" division and all relay teams, regardless of number of members, will be eligible for awards. A Mixed team (Open, Masters or Corporate) will only require either one male or female, not two, as in prior years. A Masters team will still require all members to be age 40 or over. Another change is that a timing chip will replace the snap bracelet that is passed from runner to runner as they hand off at the end of their leg. Only one chip will be assigned to each team. This chip can be worn around the ankle rather than affixed to a shoe to allow ease of removal.
2008 Event Shirts
We apologize for running out of shirts at last year's event. Because we know a certain percentage of registered runners will not participate in the event, we don't actually order shirts for each person registered. With gender specific sizing, it is a guessing game as to how many shirts to order and in what sizes. To eliminate the problem, we are going back to unisex sizing. The shirts will still be Asics technical fabric shirts and will come in sizes XXS through XL. We will have a sizing chart available on the website, but the rule of thumb is that these shirts run large, so order down.
The Open 5K and new Kids' Race Series
The Big Sur Marathon is introducing JUST RUN!® Just Kids 3K to be held Saturday, November 10th and again on Saturday, April 26th, in the Custom House Plaza area near the Expo. These events are open to children ages 5 and older and their families and friends. They will be followed by fun and informative health and fitness related activities in the Plaza. For more information visit www.justrun.org. The open 5K will continue to be held on Marathon Sunday at Rio Road and Highway One. The minimum age for participation will be raised from age 5 to age 8.