The LA marathon has been added, removed, then re-added to my marathon wish list more than any other marathon. It was on my original list from back in the early 90's, but has had organizational issues, date changes, and course changes (not always good changes), so I was never really sure I wanted to run it. I'm almost scared to say it, but I think they finally got it together, so back on the wish list it goes!
The latest course layout appears to be the best course they've ever had, and they don't appear to be making any changes to it for 2013. It is a scenic point to point course, starting at the Dodger Stadium and finishing along the beach in Santa Monica. Some landmarks include: Little Tokyo, Grauman's Chinese Theater, Chateau Marmont, Rodeo Drive, and the Santa Monica Pier. It appears to be a great tour of the city, as it travels through downtown LA, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, West LA, and finally, Santa Monica. Terrain-wise, the course is far from flat, which is hard to tell from the elevation chart, as some reviewers on marathonguide.com pointed out. Still, the last 3 miles are downhill, which is always welcomed. There's the added bonus of possibly bumping elbows with a movie star or two, as celebrities often run this race.
Be forewarned that this is a large marathon, with over 20,000 runners, so expect all the logistical craziness that goes with large marathons! The point to point adds the element of shuttle buses, which seems to work out best if you stay in Santa Monica as opposed to downtown LA, but there are hotel shuttles for those that do stay in the city. There were complaints on marathonguide.com about the expo being held in a tent, but it appears to be held indoors this year. Traffic issues getting to the expo? YOU ARE IN LA. You will be dealing with traffic during your stay in LA, and that's a promise.
The main drawback would be the weather. Southern California gets a lot of rain in March, and a few years back they had monsoon-like conditions during the marathon. Not fun! It could potentially be warm, but with a 7:00 AM start and a coastal finish I think that wouldn't be too hard to handle.
The other drawbacks would include the high registration cost ($175 now), the crowded start; although they do provide seeded corrals if you're fast enough, and the crowded finish area in Santa Monica, which seems to be managed well enough, but crowded finishes aren't much fun in general.
I'm not sure when I will get around to running the LA marathon, but it is back on the list, so unless they change things for the worse, I will eventually run it!
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