Big Sur Marathon announces changes to relay for 2015

Organizers of the Big Sur Marathon say they’re making a few changes to the relay portion of the run in 2015.

The marathon relay is a popular event with teams of family and friends due to its shorter distances. For 2015, the relay will feature four-person teams instead of five down, with leg distances of 4.8, 5.0, 7.2 and 9.2 miles.

The relay also will be limited to 200 total teams. Registration opens Aug. 1.

“After looking at all operational and safety aspects of the relay, we decided to combine the former legs four and five,” said Doug Thurston, race director. “This, combined with a slightly-lower team entry limit, will improve the participant experience and reduce crowding and the number of buses on the course during the race.”

Race organizers are also making changes to improve relay exchange logistics including gear check and runner refreshments.

Entry fee for the Relay is $310, or $77.50 per person, through December 31, 2014. The relay entry fee increases to $340 on Jan. 1.