Highway 1 Slip-Out Near Rocky Creek Bridge Causes Big Sur Marathon Course Re-Route
CARMEL, CA – April 10, 2024 – The 37th Annual Big Sur International Marathon, set to take place on Sunday, April 28th, will be re-routed to a mostly out-and-back course along Highway 1 due to a slip-out on the course after a rainy winter on California’s Central Coast. The slip-out occurred on Saturday, March 30th just south of Rocky Creek Bridge, and a large portion of the oceanside lane on the highway was lost. The marathon, typically a point-to-point running north from Big Sur to Carmel, will not be able to navigate past this location, which is now only open to convoy traffic twice per day for locals and essential workers.
The Big Sur Marathon Foundation (BSMF) has been in active communication with agency partners including CalTrans, California Highway Patrol, CAL FIRE, Monterey County Sheriff, and California State Parks. The BSMF has announced that they can host all race distances as follows:
Marathon – there will be a modified out-and-back course starting and finishing in Carmel, start time will be 6:15 AM
21-Miler – there will be a modified out-and-back course starting and finishing in Carmel, start time will be 6:15 AM
11-Miler – normal course, starting at 6:30 AM
12K – course will be clockwise around Point Lobos, starting at 7:05 AM
5K – normal course, starting at 7:05 AM
Relay – there will be a modified out-and-back course starting and finishing in Carmel, start time will be at 6:15 AM
“This unforeseen Highway 1 slip-out has been given our full attention since its occurrence on March 30th. Our team has been working tirelessly with our committed agency partners to identify solutions and to prepare for race day on April 28th. I am extremely grateful for the commitment and dedication that I have seen from our entire community supporting us during this trying process” Josh Priester, Executive Director and Race Director for the Big Sur Marathon Foundation remarked. “Our hearts continue to go out to the Big Sur community and to those in the nearby vicinities who remain impacted by the Highway closure”.
Course re-routes are rare but not unprecedented. In 1998 and 2011, the Big Sur International Marathon was also re-routed to an out-and-back format due to a landslide on Highway 1. The stunning, yet rugged coastline of this region can present unexpected challenges and unpredictability from Mother Nature. The Big Sur Marathon Foundation is wholly committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and memorable race day experience for all participants.
For more information about the Big Sur International Marathon Weekend, please visit www.BigSurMarathon.org
About the Big Sur Marathon Foundation
The Big Sur Marathon Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create beautiful running events that promote health and benefit the community. Under the brand are the Big Sur International Marathon in April and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in November. Each year, the organization donates nearly $300,000 to local nonprofits via their grant program to community volunteer groups.
About Blistering Pace Race Management:
Founded in 2016, BPRM specializes in various race management capacities, offering staffing to full operational oversight. Clients include the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, Napa Valley Marathon, Inc., San Francisco Half Marathon (10K & 5K), Chicago Event Management, and the New York Road Runners. For more information, visit www.blisteringpace.com.
