FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Franca Gargiulo
Director of Media Relations
(415) 564-2600
Big Sur International Marathon Announces Big Sur Distance Project
CARMEL, Calif. - (February 10, 2005) - The Big Sur International Marathon
is pleased to announce the formation of the Big Sur Distance Project
located in Marina, California. The Big Sur Distance Project is an elite
training center dedicated to developing, supporting and preparing U.S.
distance runners for national and international level competitions while
serving the community by actively promoting physical fitness and a healthy
lifestyle for people of all ages. This project is a collaborative effort
between the Big Sur International Marathon, Reebok, California State
University at Monterey Bay and the former coach and athletes of Team USA
Monterey Bay.
The Big Sur Distance Project will be under the direction of long time
post-collegiate coach Bob Sevene. Big Sur Distance Project athletes 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.
"I'm thrilled that the Big Sur Marathon has decided to invest so much into
the future of American distance running," commented Coach Bob Sevene. "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."
Hugo Ferlito, Big Sur's Chairman of the Board stated: "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. It also
fosters the Olympic dreams of these rising stars."
"The Monterey Peninsula and CSUMB campus area is a perfect location with
its geography, climate and community support to host a premier distance
training center. The university is proud to be associated with this
effort," stated Dr. Peter Smith, President of California State University
Monterey Bay.
About the Big Sur Distance Project
The Big Sur Distance Project is an elite training center based at
California State University Monterey Bay dedicated to developing,
supporting and preparing U.S. distance runners for national and
international level competitions while serving the community by actively
promoting physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages.
About the Big Sur International Marathon
The Big Sur International Marathon, a Running USA Founding Member, is a
non-profit organization that serves the community by providing a
world-class marathon and related fun events that raise money to benefit
local charities, while promoting health and fitness. Visit the race website
at: www.bsim.org.
About California State University, Monterey Bay
The CSUMB campus covers 1,365 acres between the Monterey Bay and the
agriculturally rich Salinas Valley on what was previously the Fort Ord Army
base. With more than 3,900 students and 300 faculty members, the
university's curriculum is designed to prepare students for the job demands
of the 21st century. CSU Monterey Bay offers 12 broad undergraduate degree
programs that incorporate nearly 100 traditional majors. The university
provides a unique learning experience where students learn through service
to the community, seek global perspective, employ the latest technologies,
honor diversity, interconnect several fields of study and demonstrate
learning in hands-on ways. More information about the university is
available at www.csumb.edu.
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