With record temperatures forecast for Sunday’s LA Marathon, officials have made the call to start the annual race 30 minutes early. Santa Monica has stepped up preparations to ensure a smooth finish for all involved.
Morning temperatures are expected in the late 80s. Race organizers have issued a high level of risk warning for marathoners, cautioning all runners to take precaution.
“Everyone who participates should strongly consider running at a slower pace than they would normally plan to run a marathon,” they stated.
The marathon has moved the “full field” start time 30 minutes earlier – from 7:25 am to 6:55 am.
Organizers have also implemented the following heat-mitigating measures:
• Initiating wave starts to ensure proper runner spacing and enabling more efficient replenishment of supplies at early aid stations
• Increasing the overall supply of aid, including additional water and Gatorade Endurance Formula at all 24 aid stations
• Providing “cooling buses” along the course and at the finish line
• Providing misting stations, cold towels and ice
• Extending the length of time finish line services will be available
• Providing regular updates as to additional resources added for the event
Aid stations will be featured at every mile beginning at Mile 2 until Mile 25.
“At each aid station, electrolyte tables will be first, followed by water. If the first aid tables at any aid station are crowded, participants should continue moving through the aid station to the next set of tables in order to minimize congestion and provide all runners with convenient access to obtaining fluids,” organizers said.
Beginning at Mile 6, medical tents will be staged every two miles along the course – miles 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24. Medical tents will also be located at the finish line and in the post food and fluid area on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica.
Marathon Medical Director Glenn Ault, M.D. of Keck Medicine of USC advised that all runners should plan ahead for race day.
“Study the race course,” Ault said. “Be aware of water and aid station locations … Hydrate. Drink the proper amount of fluids, including water and electrolytes.”
The M.D added that runners should listen to their bodies during the race.
“If you’re dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, vomiting or in a lot of pain, find a course marshal or medical personnel and get help immediately,” he said.
Runners should also dress appropriately and wear lightweight, breathable fabrics.
Santa Monica Road Closures, Traffic Plan
With thousands of spectators and race finishers descending on Santa Monica, the City has created a comprehensive traffic plan to ensure the day’s success.
Reunion Area
The Santa Monica Police Department will set up a Reunion Area at the finish line, which visitors can enter after passing through security. The Reunion Area will be on Ocean Ave. stretching from Santa Monica Blvd. to Colorado Ave. Entrance points will be at Santa Monica Blvd. Broadway and Colorado Ave.
Real-Time Parking App
Find available parking in structures and beach lots at ASICS LA Marathon App.
Download the LA Marathon smartphone app for your Apple or Android phone for easy access to race information, the course map and social media tools. For more information, visit lamarathon.com/event-info/smartphone-app.
Bus Hub & Free Shuttle
To make taking transit to/from Santa Monica easier on race day, Big Blue Bus (BBB) and Metro will offer all transit services from a single bus hub on 11th St. between Olympic Blvd. and Colorado Ave. All BBB services that operate in Santa Monica on Sundays will stop here (except for Routes 4 and 9, which will not be in service on race day).
A free BBB Shuttle will be available from 6 am-6 pm for free rides around downtown Santa Monica and to the bus hub on Olympic Blvd. at 11th St.
The Metro Expo Culver City Shuttle will also offer free rides the day of the marathon. For more information, visit bigbluebus.com or call 310.451.5444.
