Good morning, Salinas.

Poets celebrated National Poetry Month at the Monterey Poetry Festival over the weekend while athletes ran the Big Sur Marathon on Sunday along Highway 1, with Simon Ricci finishing first in the men’s race + Elle Meyer winning the women’s race.

Monterey County fire officials began using a new Pump Pod® DRAFTS Unit to train and test, recycling water to save over 7.4 million gallons each year — the system was acquired with a $124,965 rebate from Cal Water.

Dr. Michael Davis (72) of Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula finished his 100th marathon and now teaches his run/walk method to help locals overcome challenges.

He began marathoning at 55 and leads the inpatient rehab unit, inspiring others to stay active.

Simon Ricci, a two-time Big Sur International Marathon champion, is preparing for a potential third win in Monterey County today.

He said he will adjust his strategy at Hurricane Point to maintain his 2.5-hour finish (aiming to join the elite group with Brad Hawthorne).

Six veteran runners (the 'Grizzled Vets') will run their 39th Big Sur Marathon this year in Monterey County, and Bob Utley said the race feels like a mini lifetime with many highs and lows.