Big Sur Marathon Foundation Announces New Executive Director

January 22, 2025

January 22, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The non-profit Big Sur Marathon Foundation (BSMF) is thrilled to announce Jennifer Edwards as its new Executive Director. Most recently, Edwards has served as Executive Director for Falmouth Road Race, Inc., located in the seaside town of Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Edwards will manage the Foundations two iconic road races: The Big Sur International Marathon and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon as well as the organization’s youth fitness programs, including the Palo Corona Cross Country course in Carmel Valley. With the Board of Directors, she’ll administer the Foundation’s annual community grants program which has given more than $6 million to Monterey County non-profits.

Edwards will oversee the Blistering Pace Race Management team, led by Race Director, Michelle La Sala. Blistering Pace, which began partnering with BSMF in 2016, is responsible for the oversight of all race operations for both the marathon and half marathon events.

While leading the Falmouth Road Race, Edwards had proven success leading staff and volunteers and working with local municipalities and political leaders so she’s ready to step into this similar role with BSMF. Among other accomplishments in Falmouth, she developed a successful internship program allowing local students to gain marketable skills while helping execute its race-related events, and was instrumental in the development of one of the largest charity runner fundraising programs in the country.

“We couldn’t be more excited about Jennifer joining our team. She impressed everyone on our Board with her experience and her vision for the future of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, especially our community engagement,” said Board Chair Dino Pick.

“I am deeply honored to join the Big Sur Marathon Foundation as Executive Director. After an incredible 15 years with Falmouth Road Race, Inc., I am excited to bring my experience and passion for endurance events and philanthropy to this iconic organization. The Big Sur International Marathon is renowned for its breathtaking course and commitment to excellence, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to build on its legacy, expand its impact, and inspire runners from around the world. While I will always cherish my time with the Falmouth Road Race community, I am thrilled to embrace this new challenge and lead the Big Sur Marathon Foundation into its next chapter.”

In addition to its two flagship races, the non-profit Big Sur Marathon Foundation also collaborates with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District to provide a certifiable trail at Palo Corona Regional Park for area schools to run cross-country meets in the fall, and partners with the Boys and Girls Club to provide a summer fitness program.

Edwards will officially start on February 10 and will hit the ground running as marathon planning is already underway. Members of the Foundation board and staff look forward to welcoming her to the Monterey Peninsula area and introducing her to key members of the community.

About the Big Sur Marathon Foundation

The Big Sur Marathon Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich and empower our community through charitable giving and to inspire a passion for healthy lifestyles by creating memorable running experiences. Under the brand are the Big Sur International Marathon in April and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in November. Each year, the organization donates nearly $300,000 to local nonprofits via its grant program to support its volunteer groups.

About Blistering Pace Race Management

Founded in 2016, BPRM works in a variety of race management capacities, ranging from specific projects to full event oversight. Clients include the San Francisco Half Marathon (10K & 5K), the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, Chicago Event Management, and the New York Road Runners. For more information, visit blisteringpace.com.

Contact:

Mimi Hahn, Board Vice Chair
mimi@bsim.org
(831)595-2750