Big Sur Marathon brings local economic boost
About 25-30,000 people are coming to the Monterey Peninsula this weekend for the Big Sur Marathon, but they plan on doing more than just running.
Many runners told KION while the race was on their bucket list, so is exploring the beauty and businesses the Central Coast has to offer.
“We’ve been here for about five days, our entire family came with us,” said runner Mercedes Mane of Chicago. “It was a mini vacation for all of us.”
Dowen Thompson came all the way from New York. He said the marathon and majestic coastlines provided the perfect backdrop to purpose to his girlfriend.
“It’s very scenic,” said Thompson. “Very nice route.
Sentiments echoed by former football running back Tiki Barber, who ran the marathon for the first time for charity.
“Oh its gorgeous, a lot of hills but it’s gorgeous,” said Barber.
Big Sur Marathon officials said the mini vacations and runners wanting to experience the lure of the coast means a lot of tourism dollars for local businesses.
“The race has about a $20 million dollar economic impact on the peninsula between the hotels, meals suppliers, vendors,” said Race Director Dough Thurston.
Sea Harvest restaurant told KION they’re definitely seeing more foot traffic from out-of-towners.
“This weekend’s been crazy,” said Ian Deyerle with Sea Harvest. “This entire spring has been kind of weird with the bridge closure. It hasn’t been our usual spring. But we’re still doing well and these big weekends really help us out a lot.”
The Carmel Mission Inn booked all 165 of their rooms this weekend.
“People try to book like years in advance,” said Rana Inouye with Carmel Mission Inn. “But we don’t actually have our rates available until like six months before the event,” “So they have to pretty much wait.”
Specialty stores like The Treadmill are also seeing an influx of customers.
“People are getting last minute things that they may have forgotten,” said The Treadmill co-owner Chris Cleary. “They’re getting a handheld water bottle. They’re getting some new shirts, souvenir type things.”
Restaurants and hotels in Big Sur also said they’re seeing an uptick in business this weekend.
