The 26th edition of the LA Marathon is happening Sunday, in case you haven't heard. Whether or not you plan to run it, here's your chance to get up to speed on the registration info, as well as ancillary events happening before and after the big race.
First things first:
LA MARATHON START TIMES (AT DODGER STADIUM)
• 6:55 a.m.: wheelchair field
• 7:11 a.m. (approximate): women's elite field
• 7:29 a.m. (approximate): rest of the field
LA MARATHON AWARDS CEREMONY: Ocean Ave. and California Ave., Santa Monica; Sunday, 9:50 a.m. (approximate)
Interviews with the top three runners in the men's and women's races will take place in the Wedgewood Ballroom of the following the race.
POST-RACE FESTIVITIES: North Lot; Sunday
Last year, the was the destination where runners could get replenished, and meet up with family and friends, after the race. This year, the location has been moved to this parking lot a bit further north. "The last thing runners want to do after a marathon is have to walk up and down a steep bridge," LA Marathon Director of Operations Stacy Embretson told Santa Monica Patch. Loads of volunteers and exhibitors will be congregating in this area as well.
NEWS CONFERENCE #1: Dodger Stadium Stadium Club; Thursday, 10 a.m.
LA Marathon LLC Chief Operating Officer Nick Curl will give a “State of the Marathon” talk the day before registration begins.
NEWS CONFERENCE #2: Dodger Stadium Stadium Club; Friday, 10 a.m.
Similar to the above, this news conference will feature a discussion between elite athletes participating in the 2011 marathon.
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION: Dodger Stadium; Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Online registration for the LA Marathon closed over the weekend, but those still wishing to jump into the race can vie for one of the remaining 1,000 spots by registering in person. The cost is $145 (a $20 jump from last year).
THE EXPO: Dodger Stadium, Lot 6; Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
As runners register, they can loosen up with some live entertainment, fitness and running exhibits—and, of course, free swag. More than 100 exhibitors are participating this year, flaunting the latest running-related products and technologies.
LA BIG 5K RUN/WALK: Dodger Stadium, Lot G; Saturday, 8:15 a.m.
Those who can't make the full 26.2 miles—or want to warm up for the marathon—can take part in this year's 5K Run/Walk. About 4,500 runners are expected to participate. Race-day registration and bib pick-up is at 6:30 a.m. in Lot G; register here or at the Expo. The cost is $35 ($10 less if you're also running the marathon).
NEWS CONFERENCE #3: Dodger Stadium Stadium Club; Saturday, 10 a.m.
Participants in this news conference include Yvonne Holder, a tri-world-record-holder who ran 106 marathons in one year; Kelly Gneiting, a sumo wrestler attempting to set the world record for heaviest person to complete a marathon; and Joe D’Amico, who trained for the last 30 days leading up to the marathon by eating only at McDonald’s (super-size that, Morgan Spurlock).
CARBO-LOAD DINNER: Hard Rock Café at Hollywood and Highland; Saturday, 5 p.m.
American 50 km record holder Josh Cox and 2010 Ironman Triathlon Women's World Champion Mirinda Carfrae will speak at the annual dinner, which will feature entrées specially designed for marathon runners.
LA MARATHON/ MONTANA SPRING FLING: Montana Ave. in Santa Monica; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m.
On Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, stores will be staging this kick-off to the city's . On the bill is live music, trunk shows, a children’s art competition—and, of course, shopping and dining specials. A bingo game will be held Saturday, with the winner getting a $500 shopping-spree reward.
MONTANA SPRING FLING SCAVENGER HUNT: Montana Ave. in Santa Monica; Sunday, 12:30 start time
As part of the above hoopla, a scavenger hunt will be staged across Montana Ave. After receiving materials and clues, participants (who can work together in teams of two) will need to find pieces that, when assembled, form the shape of a runner. The pieces will be hidden in stores across Montana Ave., and the first one- or two-person team to collect them all will nab the grand prize (a $2,000-plus value). The second-place winner will receive a gift valued at more than $500, and a $200-plus-value prize will go to the third-place winner. Interested in joining the fun? Register on the Marathon Scavenger Hunt event page on Facebook (link not available just yet) before Saturday; or sign up at the table in front of the old Waterworks (between 11th and 12th Streets) on Saturday or Sunday. Gift baskets go to the winners, who will be announced on the Facebook page or on MontanaAve.com.
Finally, in light of the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Nagoya Women’s Marathon that was due to happen this past Sunday was canceled. Accordingly, the marathon has established these donation links to offer support for the relief efforts:
• World Assn. of Natural Disasters Relief for Japan
• Save the Children Relief for Japan
• American Red Cross Relief for Japan
Marathon organizers say more than $10,000 was raised within the first 24 hours of the announcement of its appeal.
