Beyond the Finish Line: How the Big Sur Marathon Foundation Gives Back Year-Round

Every spring and fall, thousands of runners gather in Monterey County with a common goal – crossing the finish line. From the iconic Big Sur International Marathon each April to the Monterey Bay Half Marathon every November, participants travel from around the world to experience breathtaking coastal views, challenge themselves, and become part of a tradition that has defined Monterey County for decades.

What many people don’t realize is the work being done between race weekends.

While race-day events last only a few hours, the efforts of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation (BSMF) strengthen the community year-round. Guided by its mission to enrich and empower the community through charitable giving and inspire healthy lifestyles, the Foundation reinvests race proceeds into Monterey County through youth running programs, grants, coaching initiatives, nonprofit partnerships, and community wellness efforts.

Since its establishment in 1986, BSMF has reinvested more than $7.2 million into the community. This year alone, local volunteer groups will receive over $432,000 in donations for their race-related support and an additional $219,000 in funding will be awarded through BSMF’s new Community Grants program, bringing projected charitable giving in 2026 to more than $650,000.

For the second year, the Foundation is partnering with the Monterey County Juvenile Hall to host the ‘Hall Half’, giving youth participants the opportunity to train for and complete an official half marathon race, completing 124 laps around the yard. This year's program includes 15 determined participants between the ages of 16 and 23 who have dedicated five months to training with their coach, Probation Aide Justin Garcia.

“Running has always been about more than crossing a finish line,” says Jennifer Edwards, Executive Director of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. “Through programs like the Juvenile Hall Half, we're helping these young people build confidence, resilience, and a belief that they can accomplish more than they ever imagined. We're planting a seed that we hope grows into a lifetime of movement, healthy choices, and the confidence to keep challenging themselves."

BSMF’s commitment to empowering youth also extends through its collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County. Throughout the summer, Foundation-supported programming introduces nearly 200 children each day to movement, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles through age-specific activities led by dedicated coaches.

"We use movement, games, and physical activity as tools to build confidence, healthy habits, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging," said Bertrand Newson, BSMF Community Engagement Manager. "Every student is welcome regardless of athletic ability or experience."

Beyond youth programs, BSMF continues to strengthen Monterey County through partnerships with organizations such as the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. They have co-hosted blood drives, offered Hands-Only CPR training at race expos, and created educational resources that earned the Big Sur Marathon Foundation the 2026 Red Cross Community Engagement Award.

While the Foundation has spent 40 years giving back to Monterey County, its work is far from over. Through continued community partnerships, youth programs, coaching initiatives, and scholarship opportunities, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation continues to prove that its greatest impact happens long after the finish line.