The 34th annual Los Angeles Marathon witnessed as more than 24,000 runners on the streets of LA. The 26-mile trek stretched from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica and is thus referred to as the “stadium to the sea” course.
The participants ranged from professional runners to joggers and walkers; all striving towards the price of $23,000 for first place in each category. Entrants this time included runners from a record 66 countries in addition to the 50 states.
And they’re off!!!! The wheelchair athletes kick off the 34th #LAMarathon starting at #DodgerStadium all the way to Santa Monica!! #abc7eyewitness @ABC7 @ABC pic.twitter.com/AZ5UTxgFPP
— Natalie Brunell (@natbrunell) March 24, 2019
The runners were even seen warming up before the main event that began at 6:30 a.m. with the wheelchair participants. The race included several categories including wheelchairs, elite women and men and hand cycles.
The wheelchair participants were followed by the women’s elite field at 6:45 a.m. who were then followed by the rest of the runners at 6:55 a.m. According to the National Weather Service, the temperatures were expected to be in the ideal range of low 70s with a sunny sky.
The race travels through West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Century City before finishing at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and California Avenue. Frank McCourt, former Los Angeles Dodgers owner purchased the rights and thus in 2008 created this course which was dedicated to showing off the best of Los Angeles.
And they’re off! @lamarathon for @latimes @latimesphotos #LAMarathon pic.twitter.com/QVTLvD70FL
— Patrick T. Fallon (@pfal) March 24, 2019
The 34th edition saw no changes in its course from last year. The 26-mile stretch will result in a number of street closures which were set to begin at Saturday midnight and go on throughout the day along the course. Most roads are expected to reopen by mid-afternoon.
LA Marathon 2019: street and freeway closures in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica https://t.co/Goz0WZ7RUo pic.twitter.com/gMcRWrWfVz
— L.A. Daily News (@ladailynews) March 17, 2019
For the first time in its history of three decades, the race will have Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner and Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols as its honorary starters.
Both of them have foundations that are among the race’s 70 official charities. The iconic marathon saw participants from all walks of life battling the temperature on a Sunday morning. While some participated with sheer enthusiasm, others simply cheered on and added to the beauty of this race in its 34th edition.