Patch Picks: Best Places to Carbo-Load for the LA Marathon

If you're running the LA Marathon, Santa Monica is the place to be. The race ends here of course, but more than that, local establishments are offering a slew of discounts to race participants.

Among them are reduced-price or specialty meals at restaurants that are hoping to attract runners with carbo-rich plates.

Before you read the below list, be forewarned: As 49-time marathon runner and Santa Monica resident Kevin Lohner told us, it's best to eat a big meal early in the day on marathon eve—or even two nights before the race.

Patch Picks: Best Places to Carbo-Load for the LA Marathon

•  in the : Executive Chef Keith Roberts has crafted a marathon menu consisting of specialty pastas. Best of all, perhaps, the special plates will be served all weekend, so you don't necessarily have to gorge yourself the night before the race.

• 4th Street Grille Restaurant at the : The hotel restaurant is offering a marathon dinner buffet on Saturday night from 5 to 9 p.m. The cost is $19.95 per person. Make a reservation ahead of time by calling 310.899.1366 or e-mailing Rebecca.Jackson@hilton.com.

• : For only 12 bucks, marathoners can eat as much spaghetti (with marinara sauce) as they want. The all-you-can-eat offer will stand after the race, but it'll be a 25 percent discount instead of $12.

• : Located at Colorado and Sixth, this charming Italian restaurant is only a hop, skip and a jump away from the , where shuttles will leave for Dodger Stadium on Sunday morning. Plus, they offer all-you-can eat calamari and salad throughout the weekend.

• : Runners lodging here can eat a free pasta dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. the night before the race. Like Fritto Misto, the hostel is also very close to the Civic Center.

Go here for more discounts that local establishments are offering to LA Marathoners.

Additional LA Marathon coverage on Santa Monica Patch:

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Previous installments of Patch Picks:

• Vegan Restaurants

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