Blue skies and cool temperatures greeted nearly 5,000 runners at the starting line
MONTEREY, CA – For the first time in three years, the Monterey Bay Half Marathon took place in Downtown Monterey and along the Pacific Grove coastline on the second Sunday in November. Kenyan athlete David Bett, 30, took the top men’s spot in 1:02:11, thereby setting a new course record. After quickly pulling away from the pack, Joyline Chemutai, 27, also from Kenya, took the top women’s podium spot in 1:10:57 in her debut American performance.
“I feel very happy for winning the race and breaking the course record,” said Bett. “I’ve been preparing for this race for many weeks, and I knew I would be competitive today.”
The previous men’s course record, 1:02:32, was set by Ian Dobson in 2006.
“I love to run” said Chemutai, when asked about her passion for the sport. “It is my career, it is my talent, and I work very hard at it.”
Each first place finisher took home a $4,000 prize purse, with Bett earning an additional $1,000 for breaking the men’s course record and $3,000 for crossing the line first per the race’s Equalizer Bonus program. For more details about the overall prize purse and equalizer bonus, please visit our website, montereybayhalfmarathon.org.
The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is the sister event to the iconic Big Sur International Marathon, held the last Sunday in April along Highway 1. Just three months ago, the nonprofit Big Sur Marathon Foundation named a new Executive Director/Race Director, Josh Priester, who was enthusiastic about his first event with the organization.
“The energy was palpable out there today” said Priester, “Without the support of our amazing volunteers, staff, partners, and various local organizations and cities, we would not be able to put on these fantastic races. We are so grateful to be part of such an involved community.”
Nearly 5,000 runners completed Sunday’s Half Marathon, which begins near Lake El Estero and weaves through Cannery Row and Downtown Pacific Grove before finishing on the Recreation Trail at the entrance to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Participants enjoyed sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 40s to low 50s during the 13.1-mile race. The Monterey Bay Half is a fast and flat USATF-certified course and Boston Qualifier, and is a popular venue for those looking to set a personal best. For more information and complete 2022 race results, visit montereybayhalfmarathon.org.
About the Big Sur Marathon Foundation
The Big Sur Marathon Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create beautiful running events that promote health and benefit the community. Under the brand are the Big Sur International Marathon in April and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in November. Each year, the organization donates roughly $300,000 to local nonprofits via their grant program to community volunteer groups.
