byLarry EderAnother sign of the vitality of our sport! Big Sur events sell out, as do BAA Boston Marathon. This is a special category where the true geeks of our sport run Boston, then fly to Big Sur to run Big Sur, all within 13 wonderful day! Sounds like a party to me!
Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge
Expects Early Sell Out
Registration Opens with Big Sur Marathon Registration
July 15
The Big Sur Marathon’s
“Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge” opens for registration at 7 a.m. PST
on Thursday, July 15. An early sellout is anticipated for the event which
attracts highly motivated and strong endurance runners willing to run two
marathons on two coasts in close proximity. Participation for the May 1, 2011 Boston
2 Big Sur (or B2B) Challenge is limited to the first 400 runners on a
first-come, first-served basis.
Entrants in the B2B Challenge receive an ASICS gender-specific training shirt,
a custom participant bib and finisher’s medallion, and a prized ASICS
finisher’s jacket distributed at the race finish. Post-race, B2B
finishers will also be hosted in a dedicated B2B hospitality tent and will
receive complimentary entry to the marathon’s post race party to be held
race day evening. New this year, awards will be presented to the top five
male and female participants.
The B2B Challenge was initiated at the 25th Presentation of the
annual Big Sur International Marathon this past spring and was met with rave
reviews.
“The Boston to Big Sur
Challenge was an unforgettable experience,” remarked Bob Bisienere of
Celebration, Florida. “I am so thrilled to be one of the first graduates.
It will be something I can tell my grandkids. Both courses are spectacular in
their own way. I loved the energy from the spectators in Boston and the
beautiful scenery of Big Sur. [The B2B Challenge] was everything I’d hope
it would be and more. The medals, jacket and shirt, and the hospitality tent
and post race party made me feel very privileged.”
Though in 2011 the Big Sur Marathon
follows Boston by 13 days as opposed to only six days in 2010, the challenge is
still daunting and is expected to attract a talented group of runners.
The B2B Challenge registration does not include Boston Marathon registration;
runners must qualify for Boston based on time, or register through its charity
program. At the Big Sur Marathon, B2B participants will need to
show proof of having completed Boston before being issued their B2B bib. If
they cannot do so, a regular Big Sur bib will be issued. For additional
Challenge rules, visit http://www.bsim.org/Event_
“Boston
2 Big Sur received such incredible positive feedback from the runners that we
plan to continue this event for years to come,” stated Big Sur Marathon
race director Wally Kastner. “We’re always looking for ways to
innovate and make our event stronger and better for the runners, and believe
that we have a winner with B2B.”
July
15 also marks opening registration for all Big Sur Marathon events including
the marathon, marathon relay, 21, 10.6 and 9 Milers, and a 5K race. For more information, visit www.bsim.org.Bo
