Big Sur Marathon Foundation Names Community Engagement Manager
CARMEL, CA – Bertrand Newson has been named the Community Engagement Manager for the Big Sur Marathon Foundation (BSMF).
A new position for BSMF, the Community Engagement Manager will serve in several critical areas for the nonprofit organization. Newson will serve to coordinate BSMF’s volunteer services programs for both the Big Sur International Marathon and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon and will additionally be tasked with duties associated with the Palo Corona Community Trail-Cross Country season which provides a safe place for running and racing for area schools. The position will also support the expansion of future community programs and events.
A native of Seaside, CA, Newson has extensive nonprofit experience through his work as Co-Chairman of the Taji 100 and his work with the 80/20 Endurance Foundation. He has been involved in a variety of successful charity and fundraising efforts for a number of organizations including the Wounded Warriors Project.
Newson brings a wealth of experience in the running, fitness and hospitality industries. His understanding and experience within community outreach/engagement, volunteer coordination and program development will be instrumental in furthering BSMF’s mission to create beautiful events that promote health and benefit the community.
Newson spent decades in the hospitality industry serving as a General Manager at a variety of full service hotels in the Bay Area prior to transitioning into the running and fitness industry. In 2011 he founded Too Legit Fitness, LLC which provides coaching and training services for individuals of all fitness and ability levels. Since its inception, Too Legit has grown to become an organization of nearly 1000 members.
“I couldn’t be happier to come full circle and to work for the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. As someone who grew up in Seaside, CA, to have this wonderful opportunity of engaging a vibrant local, national and international running community, it really is a dream come true. I look forward to working with our fantastic community of volunteers and to sharing my love of running and leading an active lifestyle.
“I am absolutely thrilled to add Bertrand to our team at BSMF. His passion for fostering community through running and fitness is palpable from the moment you meet him. His exceptional communication and organizational skills are going to be tremendous assets for our entire BSMF volunteer community. The Big Sur International Marathon and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon are successful because of the many individuals who have committed a great deal of time and energy for years. Bertrand deeply understands and appreciates that.” said Executive Director/Race Director, Josh Priester.”
Big Sur Marathon Foundation events are presented with assistance of more than 80 Monterey County nonprofit organizations providing more than 2,000 volunteers throughout the community. More than $5 million has been distributed to these local nonprofits since 1986.
About the Big Sur Marathon Foundation
The Big Sur Marathon Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is supported by generous donations, grants and event entry fees. Each year BSMF is able to donate more than $400,000 to local nonprofits. Its mission is to create beautiful running events that promote health and benefit the community.
In addition to its yearly contributions to local nonprofits, BSMF has built a ‘best-in-class’ cross country trail at Palo Corona Regional Park to support cross country running at the interscholastic and collegiate levels. The trail is open to the community throughout the year. Under the BSMF brand there are currently two individual race weekends: Big Sur International Marathon in April and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in November. For more information, visit www.bsim.org #bigsurmarathon.
