Going Green

Click HERE to view the Green Marathon video shown at the Running USA 2012 Conference in Houston, TX.  Big Sur Events lead the way!

The Big Sur Half Marathon takes place next to the Monterey Bay which showcases one of the most scenic and pristine stretches of coastline in the country. The Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary was designated a Federally protected marine area offshore California's Central Coast in 1992. 

We welcome runners and walkers to join us in November for a chance to run or walk along the "ragged edge of the western world."  Because our organization understands the importance and urgency of developing ecologically and environmentally sound practices surrounding our events, we are taking steps to increase our environmental sustainability.  Our events impact the surrounding Monterey Peninsula communities and our efforts to "reduce, re-use, and recycle" go a long way towards keeping our destination cities both "green and pristine."

The Council for Responsible Sport's certification program provides an independent, comprehensive validation of the Big Sur International Marathon's environmental and sustainability initiatives.  The Council for Responsible Sport has a set of guidelines and categories that will allow us to merge environmental responsibility into event operation.  The five certification categories include Waste, Climate, Materials & Equipment, Community & Outreach, and Health Promotion.  One credit is awarded for each standard met, and three additional credits are available for innovative practices not included in the standard.  Learn more about the Council for Responsible Sport's certification process by clicking HERE.

Below are some of the measures taken to divert waste, in turn saving us money by reducing hauling costs and disposal fees:

• Recycling bottles, cans, plastic and cardboard
• Composting food waste, including utensils, plates, and clear cups.  The diversion rate from our 2011 event was 96.52%
• Diverting wooden pallets for reuse
• Donating leftover food
• Donating abandoned clothing for reuse
• Encouraging participants, especially our walkers, to take part in our "BYOB" program which reduces the number of paper cups used on the course

Other environmental choices with a positive impact include:

• Reducing paper waste by offering participants our Virtual Goodie Bag which allows participants to print only what they are interested in.
• Product selection, such as the purchase of compostable plates, cups, and utensils
• Choosing biodegradable toilet paper for use in porta-potties
• Using a triple green certified printing company for all printed materials
• 100% paperless registration
• Recycling of bibs and D-tags
• Renting/borrowing tents, fencing, vehicles (re-using, rather than purchasing)
• Reducing our carbon footprint by encouraging participants to come to the event via "Pickup Pal," a free carpooling service

Please consider supporting our green initiatives by giving a donation at the time you register for a Big Sur Marathon or Half Marathon event.  The money collected will be used to purchase green tags to reduce our carbon footprint.  Designing transportation shuttles, purchasing compostable cups and signage as well as building sorting tables to separate materials are all examples of what the money is used for.  Your financial support will go a long way in helping with this and we thank you in advance for your consideration.

BYOB stands for "Bring Your Own Bottle" and represents an effort on the part of race organizers to reduce the usage of paper cups at aid stations.  If you wish to participate, you can carry one or more bottles that can be refilled at the BYOB station on the Half Marathon course.
While not mandatory for runners, BYOB is a great alternative for those out there to enjoy the beauty of the course.  We strongly encourage all walkers to participate in BYOB.

Looking for alternative lodging? Check out the Monterey Hostel, Veteran's Memorial Park and the Marina Dunes RV Park.

Live local? Consider public transportation. Flying in to San Jose or San Francisco? Take the Airbus to Monterey.

Water conservation is important during your stay on the Monterey Peninsula...and should be just as important in your home town.  For some great water conservation tips, click HERE.