Sunday’s running of the annual Big Sur International Marathon was rerouted because of a landslide that crippled state Highway 1 south of Carmel.
The so-called “slip out” undermined the highway and took a bite out of the southbound lane near Rocky Creek on March 30.
The 26.2-mile run is usually one way, from Big Sur Station to Carmel. This year, runners will start in Carmel and turn around at Rocky Creek Bridge. Along the way, a loop has been added through Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Landslides in 1998 and 2011 also forced the marathon to be rerouted.
“The stunning, yet rugged coastline of this region can present unexpected challenges and unpredictability from Mother Nature,” marathon organizers said on the Big Sur Marathon Foundation website.
The highway is closed to all but local residents and essential workers, who are allowed through the area only in twice-a-day escorted convoys.
On the morning of the marathon, the first convoy at Rocky Creek was moved up from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m., Caltrans said Friday.
The road was closed between Rocky Creek Bridge and Rio Road in Carmel from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the marathon.
Convoys on Highway 1 through Rocky Creek have returned to their regular schedule at 5 p.m. Sunday, Caltrans said.