For  Immediate Release                                            Contact:
                                                                                    Franca Gargiulo
                                                                                    Director Media Relations
                                                                                    415-922-2870

                                                                                    franca.gargiulo@att.net

Big Sur Marathon announces Inaugural Half Marathon


(May 7, 2003 - Carmel, CA) - Officials of the Big Sur International Marathon announced last week the opening of registration for the inaugural Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay which will take place Sunday, November 16, 2003.

Registration for the event opened on May 1st and according to race staff, 25% of the 3000 available entries are already filled and they expect to be sold out within the next several months. Nationwide and regional advertising will commence in early June.

"This is a perfect opportunity for runners to challenge themselves on the most beautiful half marathon course in the world - the ocean shoreline between Monterey and Pacific Grove," remarked Wally Kastner, Race Director. "This brand new Big Sur Marathon event is attracting a large pool of elite runners and we know that recreational runners will be delighted with the course's incredible views of the Monterey Bay."

Information and registration forms can be found on the website at www.bigsurhalfmarathon.org.

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The 19th annual presentation of the Big Sur International Marathon is set for Sunday, April 25th at 7:00 a.m. All proceeds from the event will be distributed to nonprofit organizations throughout Monterey County. Over the past 17 years, over $1,000,000 has been distributed to local charities. For more information, please visit www.bsim.org