FAQ
When does the Race for Open Space take place?
Race for Open Space is a 1-day event that takes place on the second Saturday in May.
What do I get when I register and participate?
A beautiful day on the land! In alignment with our values, we minimize the race swag associated with this event. Participants will receive a physical race bib to help us identify and keep you safe on these courses. Custom posters will be screen-printed at no cost and available to participants, and Alvarado Street Brewery will be pouring a free beer for each participant as well. Big Sur Land Trust merchandise will be available for purchase for those wishing to take home additional keepsakes and further support and promote Big Sur Land Trust.
Can I participate on a bike?
No, this particular event is strictly a run/walk/hike event. (Wheelchair users are permitted to use their chairs, however.) If you are keenly interested in getting out on your bike, we encourage you to check out some of the other organizations and clubs in our region who are putting together great biking events.
How do I get more information about the courses you have?
Hover over "Event Info" in the navigation bar to get a list of the different courses available for this year's event.
Will nutrition or water stations be provided on any of the courses?
Yes! The 12k, 25k, and 35k+ courses will include a limited number of aid stations. There will also be hydration and nutrition available at the start/finish line.
Will restrooms be available along any of the courses?
There are multiple restrooms near the start/finish line. In addition, there is a portalet at the bottom of the hill below Inspiration Point and another at the Williams Canyon Aid Station.
What kinds of hazards should I prepare for during the Race for Open Space?
No matter if on Land Trust courses or running on your own, you should always consider the environment where you will be running and what kinds of things you might run into. For example, if you are running on or near a street, you should always be aware of traffic and wear reflective gear if you are running in the dark.
On all trails, conditions to prepare for include (but are not limited to) poison oak, snakes, thistle, stinging insects, and ticks. We also have terrain that can be muddy or sand-like depending on the weather. The terrain can also be quite uneven and steep. If you own trail running shoes, we recommend wearing those.
Preparing for weather exposure is also important. With the various microclimates in our region, it can be hard to predict what weather conditions you will encounter - you will likely encounter different conditions over the course of the day. It could be very chilly in the morning and could warm up significantly as the day goes on. It could be very foggy, even drizzly, and it could also be a hot, sunny, cloudless day. We recommend preparing yourself for all kinds of weather possibilities, especially by wearing layers and sun protection.
Is there a time limit on any of the courses?
Per our permit, there is a limited time window allowed for the 12k, 25k and 35k+ courses and we must adhere to aid station cut-off times. All participants must be off the course by 3:30 PM.
Will there be photos/videos taken of me at all during the Race for Open Space?
Yes! Our staff and volunteers will be busy capturing special moments on course, and we will share photos with participants after the race.
Are there refunds/rollovers?
Big Sur Land Trust hosts the Race for Open Space as a charitable community engagement event to inspire love of land across generations, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, and access to outdoor experiences for all. We follow standard running industry policy for the Race for Open Space and are not issuing registration refunds except under special circumstances.
If you registered for a Race for Open Space and can no longer make it at that date/time, or if we cancelled that day's outings due to inclement weather, please reach out to the race director Burke Boynton at (831) 224-5241 or bboynton@bigsurlandtrust.org.
I need help with something else!
If you are having issues with registration, please visit this FAQ page first before contacting the Race Director to see if your issue is there: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/17000080452. If your registration issue is not there, or if you have a question about something else, you may leave a message for the Race Director at (831) 224-5241 or bboynton@bigsurlandtrust.org.
