More than 6,000 participants are expected in this year's Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay.

The sixth annual presentation of the Big Sur Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, Nov. 9, drawing both elite runners and recreational enthusiasts to compete in a variety of running and walking events.

Set along the scenic Monterey Bay coastline, the 13.1 mile race travels a gently rolling loop course from historic downtown Monterey through Cannery Row, along the Pacific Grove coastline and back to the start.

The Run Forrest Run 5K sponsored by Bubba Gump, previously held concurrently with the half marathon, is being moved to Saturday to help lessen congestion on Sunday’s half marathon course. Now, Saturday will hold the JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K and the Run Forrest Run 5K, at 8 and 9 a.m. respectively on a course that travels from Cannery Row to the Pacific Grove oceanfront and back again, followed by family fun and entertainment on Cannery Row.

“Our goal is to create an entire running festival for all age groups,” states Wally Kastner, race director for the Big Sur International Marathon. “With everything from a kids’ 3K to a 13.1 mile half marathon, we offer something for everyone.”

A USATF sanctioned and certified half marathon course, the event is expected to again draw a large field of elite runners. Last year’s men’s second place winner, Michael Aish of New Zealand is confirmed, along with a half dozen professional runners. A field of more than 20 elites including Jeff Magallanes, Heather Gibson, Brooke Wells, Mary Coordt, Christine Kennedy, Elissa Reidy and others are expected to compete in the event.

The Big Sur Health & Fitness Expo has been expanded to two days, held on Friday, November 7, from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than 40 vendors will be showcasing their fitness, nutrition, footwear, apparel and race information products.

KSBW TV 8 has been named the official television station for the Big Sur Half Marathon.

Watch live race day coverage on KSBW Action News Weekend Sunrise on Sunday morning.

For more information on the Big Sur Half Marathon events, contact 831-625-6226 or info@bsim.org.

Friday, November 7
2008 Health & Fitness Expo - 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, November 8
2008 Health & Fitness Expo - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Just Run! Just Kids 3K - 8 a.m. start
Run Forrest Run 5K - 9 a.m. start

Sunday, November 9
Big Sur Half Marathon - 7:05 a.m. start
10-Mile Walk - 7:05 a.m. start