More than 9,000 endurance athletes flooded downtown Monterey Sunday for the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay. The 13.1-mile race in Monterey began in waves, with elite runners starting first at 6:55 a.m.Jacob Chemtai, 27, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, won the half marathon with a time of 01:03:22. Chemtai crossed the finish line wearing race bib No. 1. Nelson Oyugi was close on Chemtai's heals, finishing at 01:03:31 for second place. The fastest Californian was Sean Gildea, 23, of Thousand Oaks, Calif.The women's division was won by Sarah Kiptoo, of Santa Fe, who completed the race with a blistering speed of 01:13:40. Kara Foster placed second for women at 01:14:29.The starting line was at the intersection of Del Monte Avenue and Camino El Estero in downtown Monterey, and the finish line was at Custom House Plaza near Fisherman's Wharf.Map: Race courseHalf marathon organizers aimed to bring the best international runners into the race, and help develop U.S. runners into tough endurance competitors, said John Mutty, chair of the Marathon Board of Directors.Already offering the largest prize money purse for a half marathon in the Western United States, the November 16 race is increasing the ante. A total guaranteed purse of $20,000 was awarded to the top eight male and female finishers, the top three male and female masters (over 40) runners, and to the top three U.S. male and female runners.Race record holder for men: Ian Dobson. Race time: 1:02:32. Set in 2006.Race record holder for women: Belainesh Gebre. Race time: 1:09:43. Set in 2010.VIDEO: Marathoner from Mexico running in Big Sur half marathon