Big Sur businesses doubt economic boost from Sunday’s marathon

Karen Sobrino is from Switzerland. She’s checked the Big Sur Marathon off her list five times.

“The race is absolutely fantastic. The views are just stunning. It’s one that everybody wants to do. It’s a bucket-list race,” Sobrino said. “As soon as we can book a hotel for the following year, we book. The hotels in Carmel are very expensive, but we still keep on coming back.”

Big Sur Marathon organizers said the event is expected to bring in $18 million to the Central Coast because people like Sobrino come for more than just the race.

“[People visit] the aquarium, the ocean, the spas, the restaurants,” said Julie Armstrong with the Big Sur Marathon. “It’s a great economic stimulus for the county.”

But for some business owners, there is a downside. Dan Keig, the owner of the Carmel Highlands General Store, said his business is going to feel the pinch Sunday.

“While the highway is closed, there is no business at all,” Keig said.

Keig said he doesn’t mind. He’s going to host a potluck for his neighbors instead and cheer the runners on.

The marathon begins at the Big Sur Station and ends at Rio Road in Carmel.

While winter storms battered roads and bridges along the coast, Armstrong said the race won’t be affected. The only change, with the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge demolished and gone, is where runners get dropped off.

“Now we have to drop the runners off prior to the start line and they walk about a half mile to get there,” Armstrong said.

The Big Sur Marathon is drawing people from 25 countries and 49 U.S. states.

PREVIOUS STORY: Runners from 25 countries and 49 states are participating in the 2017 Big Sur Marathon this weekend.

Organizers said the race is expected to bring about $18 million to the Central Coast. But some businesses along Highway 1 think they won’t benefit much from tourism dollars being spent with the construction closure at Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge.

On Friday, thousands of runners gathered at the Portola Hotel and Spa in Monterey to pick up their bibs and shirts. Many tell KION what they look forward to the most is the scenery.

KION’s Linda Zhang will have more on this story tonight.