CARMEL, CA (April 27, 2008) - The 23rd Big Sur International Marathon on Sunday concluded in spectacular fashion with a postcard perfect day, nearly 8,000 event participants and flawless execution. The 26.2 mile course along scenic California Highway One includes daunting hills and breathless views. 3,192 marathoners finished under the 6 hour limit, including overall winner and two-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Andy Martin, 33, of Bend, OR who crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 29 minutes, 50 seconds. Runner-up was Jesus Campos, 23, from King City, CA in 2:30:21, followed by Robert Rosasco, 24 of Hamden, CT at 2:38:38. Defending champion Jeff Gardina, 25, of Santa Cruz finished fourth at 2:41:01.

The women's race champion Kris Lawson, 28, of Parker, CO, covered the challenging course in 3:00:53, nearly 18 minutes ahead of the second place woman, Annie Fisher, 33, of New York, NY who ran 3:18:47.

Additional Big Sur events included distances of 21, 10.6 and 9 milers (runners and walkers) and a 5K. Sergio Reyes, 26, of Los Osos, CA won the 5K in 14:53 followed by three Bay Area males. Jeffrey Peterson of Stinson Beach was third at 15:39, while his wife Clara finished first in the women's 5K division at 17:23.

For a descriptive slide show complete with audio along the course, courtesy of the Monterey County Herald, go to: http://extras.montereyherald.com/slideshows/marathon042 8/index.html

23rd Big Sur International Marathon Carmel, CA, Sunday, April 27, 2008

MEN
1) Andy Martin (OR), 2:29:50
2) Jesus Campos (CA), 2:30:21

WOMEN
1) Kris Lawson (CO), 3:00:53
2) Annie Fisher (NY), 3:18:47

Full results of all events are available at: www.BSIM.org