2018 event features point-to-point, scenic course finishing at Pessagno Winery; family-friendly 5K out-and-back also offered

Photo: Dexter Farm

Registration for the Saturday, August 4, 2018 Salinas Valley Half Marathon is now open. An Early Bird Special of $80 for adults age 21 and older and $70 for students under age 21 and Active Duty Military is available through January 31, 2018. On February 1st, the prices increase to $90 and $80.

The Salinas Valley Half Marathon is run through the heart of the Salinas Valley next to flourishing vineyards and past fields of leafy green vegetables. The point-to-point, scenic 13.1 mile course begins at the historic Soledad Mission and encompasses rich agricultural lands. The finish takes place at Pessagno Winery along the River Road Wine Trail. Finish festivities include music, MY Museum activities for children, wine tasting for adults, and a fund-raising tri-tip barbecue catered by the Salinas Toro Bulls.

As runners wind through the flourishing vineyards and past fields of leafy green vegetables along the Salinas Valley Half Marathon route this coming August, another group of runners and walkers will be enjoying the final miles of the course on a newly-established 5K fun run.

The inaugural Salinas Valley 5K will offer family members and others the opportunity to be a part of the action. Geared to both fast runners and families with children, the 5K features a scenic out-and-back route from the half-marathon finish at Pessagno Winery. Finish festivities will include music, MY Museum activities for young children, wine tasting for adults, and a fund-raising tri-tip barbecue catered by the Salinas Toro Bulls.

โ€œWe recognize that families are an important part of many runnersโ€™ lives and want to offer an opportunity for all members to participate,โ€ says Doug Thurston, Executive Director of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation and race director of the Salinas Valley races.

Registration for the Salinas Valley Half Marathon and 5K opens on Tuesday, January 9, with an โ€˜early birdโ€™ special registration discount. Costs for the half marathon will be $80 ($70 for youth 12-20) through the end of January. Costs for the 5K are $30 for adults 18 and over, and $25 for 5-17 years old as well as Active Duty Military. The 5K is limited to the first 250 registrants (no early bird discount for 5K).

The Salinas Valley Half Marathon, now in its ninethย year, is organized by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation whose mission is to create beautiful running events that promote health and benefit the community.

Learn more and register at salinasvalleyhalfmarathon.org.