FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Half Moon Bay, CA – (July, 2011) The first annual Half Moon Bay International Marathon (HMBIM) will be held on September 25, 2011 in Half Moon Bay, California. A coastal town with a quaint fishing harbor 25 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay boasts ideal running conditions and breathtaking coastal landscape. The race begins and ends in idyllic Princeton Harbor, home to the famous Mavericks Big Wave Surfing Contest as well as hotels, spas, and restaurants. The Marathon course will be certified by the United States of America Track and Field organization (USATF) and accordingly will be recognized by the Boston Marathon and other events which require qualification on a certified course.

The event promises to be a memorable experience for runners of all ages and abilities. Featuring 26 miles of flat running path, the course traverses the Pacific Ocean coastline at sea level across paved bike trails and wide, packed-dirt trails, avoiding all major streets for an optimum running experience. The course offers breathtaking views of landmarks including the Pillar Point Fishing Harbor, the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, Point Montara Lighthouse, and the world- famous Mavericks big-wave surfing area. See full course at http://www.halfmoonbayim.org/course/.

“Local runners have always believed we lived in ‘running heaven’, said Eric Vaughan, Executive Director. “We believe we have all the right ingredients to create a magnificent, destination event that will become a ‘must-do’ for runners around the world. Our focus from the beginning has been to build a world-class event featuring the best in running conditions combined with a great experience of everything the Bay Area has to offer.”

With a keen eye on ensuring the Event is built to be sustainable and gentle on the precious coastal environment, the HMBIM executive board has appointed Jennifer Dill to serve as Chief Green Officer (CGO). “Our mission is to preserve and protect our beautiful coastal habitat, by minimizing the impact as much as possible on our delicate eco-system,” said Dill. “We are committed to building an environmentally-conscious event that is sustainable for years to come.”

Dill will ensure that all participants associated with the event have Green principles in the foremost of all planning and execution, and she will be working with Athletes for a Fit Planet to attain a Gold Certification through the Council for Responsible Sport (CRS). CRS is the recognized, non-profit organization dedicated to helping to “Green” athletic events through awareness, programs and certification. “The up-front investment by the HMBIM to build sustainability into our Event shows our dedication to the local community and creates an event that will continue to thrive for years to come,” added Vaughan.

Sponsors

The 2011 HMBIM is presented by local oceanfront restaurant legend Sam's Chowder House as the presenting sponsor. Sam’s is also hosting the pre-race pasta meal at their beautiful, oceanfront restaurant the night before the races.

The luxurious Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is a Silver level sponsor and local host hotel for athletes seeking an indulgence before and after their run.

Brooks Running is the official apparel sponsor of the HMBIM. And local Bay Area company Clif products is the official on-course nutrition sponsor.

Sponsor The Graphic Works is working with the HMBIM on all advertising, materials and promotion of the event.

Coastal Lifestyles is the official strength training partner, and is offering all registered athletes a complimentary eight-week resistance training program, four bi-weekly group training sessions and complimentary access to Coastal Lifestyles state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the entire month of September, 2011.

Fitness Fair and Expo