Posted: February 11, 2005

Athletics: Big Sur Distance Project Is Born

From David Monti

(c) 2004 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

The Big Sur International Marathon is branching out into athlete development and support through its newly launched Big Sur Distance Project (B.S.D.P.) located in Marina, Calif.

The B.S.D.P. is a collaborative effort between the Big Sur International Marathon, Reebok, California State University at Monterey Bay, veteran coach Bob Sevene, and athletes of Team USA Monterey Bay, a program which had been discontinued.

“I’m thrilled that the Big Sur Marathon has decided to invest so much into the future of American distance running,” commented Sevene who had relocated to California to coach Team USA Monterey. “This partnership will allow us to continue the dream of building one of the best training centers in the United States right here on the Monterey Peninsula.”

The training center itself will be located at Cal State University at Monterey Bay. Athletes in residence include Blake Russell, James Carney, Ryan Bak, Fasil Bizuneh, Scott Nagelkerke, and Carl Mease. Plans are in place for the training center to expand to a total of 12 athletes by August, 2005 according to the organizers.

“The Monterey Peninsula and CSUMB campus area is a perfect location, both in terms of geography, climate, and community support to host a premier distance training center. The university is proud to be associated with this effort,” said Dr. Peter Smith, President of California State University Monterey Bay.

The Big Sur International Marathon is possibly the most scenic marathon in the world, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It is also one of the most difficult, with challenging hills. The men's course record of 2:16:39 dates back to 1987 and was set by Brad Hawthorne. The race will be held the 20th time this April.

“The Big Sur International Marathon views our collaboration with Coach Sevene and the athletes of the Big Sur Distance Project as the leading edge of our efforts to promote healthy lifestyles for everyone on the Central Coast,” said Hugo Ferlito, Big Sur’s Chairman of the Board. “It also fosters the Olympic dreams of these rising stars.”