A record gathering of more than 5,000 participants from 44 Monterey County schools took part in the Big Sur Marathon’s fun run Saturday morning.  The By the Bay 3K (or approximately 2 mile) race took place along Ocean View Blvd. in Pacific Grove.

 A cash purse of $13,800 was awarded to 20 schools who registered runners in the race. The distributions were made based upon the number of students and family members participating per school as well as the percentage of total student body.  Cash bonuses and special plaques were awarded to schools who are also enrolled in the JUST RUN youth fitness program. Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Kotowski and former Big Sur Marathon Champion Daniel Tapia assisted the JUST RUN team in presenting the awards.

Below are the totals:

For schools with 375 or more students:

By # of Participants                                                                       By Percentage of School Population

1^st: Los Padres ($1,500)                                                               1st: International School ($1,500)

2^nd: Prunedale ($1,200)                                                               2^nd: Robert Down ($1,200)

3^rd: Fremont (1,800)                                                                     3^rd: Bay View ($1,000)

4^th: Carmel River ($150)                                                              4^th: Forest Grove ($700)

5^th: Castroville ($500)                                                                  5^th: Dual Language Academy ($500)

Schools with less than 375 students:

By # of Participants                                                                        By Percentage of School Population

1^st: Monterey Bay Charter ($1,000)                                          1^st: Pacific Valley ($600)

2^nd: Sacred Heart ($800)                                                            2^nd: Graves ($500)

3^rd: San Carlos School ($200)                                                     3^rd: Captain Cooper ($400)

4^th: Monterey Bay Christian ($400)                                           4^th: Chartwell ($100)

5^th: Monte Vista ($300)                                                               5^th: Junipero Serra ($250)

The By the Bay 3K is a semi-annual event held in conjunction with the Big Sur International Marathon each April and the Half Marathon on Monterey Bay in November.  It serves as a ‘goal race’ for students enrolled in the marathon’s JUST RUN youth fitness program, and as a community event for children and their families.  The spring event offers the Schools Competition where Monterey County Schools can compete for cash awards based on participation.

For more information on the JUST RUN youth fitness program or races, visit www.justrun.org or contact the Big Sur Marathon office, 625-6225 or info@bsim.org.