Honda LA Marathon announces Improvements to create an even better Race-Day Experience, release, note by Larry Eder

HONDA LA MARATHON ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENTS TO
CREATE AN EVEN BETTER RACE-DAY EXPERIENCE

Additional
Storage Space and Security for Gear, Enhanced Traffic Management at
Dodger Stadium, Increased Weather and Traffic Updates Are Among This
Year’s Enhancements

LOS
ANGELES – The Honda LA Marathon’s renowned “Stadium to the Sea”
athletic experience will become even better this year, thanks to a slew
of improvements that will enhance the race for athletes and spectators
alike. Working with a range of specialists, the Marathon has enacted
cutting-edge improvements in transportation, technology and race
logistics to ensure the March 18^th event is the best Honda LA Marathon yet.

The
new changes will impact several areas of critical importance to
participants and observers, from providing greater, more secure storage
space for athletes’ gear to improving traffic flow into Dodger Stadium
for the Marathon’s start. The enhancements reflect the ongoing
commitment of race organizers to create a top-quality marathon
experience for thousands of competitors, as well as hundreds of
thousands of fans who will be cheering them on.

For
the third consecutive year, Marathon runners will race from Dodger
Stadium to the Pacific Ocean, passing many of L.A.’s world-famous
landmarks along the way. The scenic and recognizable course makes the
Honda LA Marathon one of the most distinctive road races anywhere in the
world.

“Each
year we have an opportunity to review race day operations and to
respond to the needs of our runners.  From a logistical standpoint, this
is the best year ever to participate in the marathon,” said LA MARATHON
LLC Chief Operating Officer Nick Curl. “We’ve improved the organization
and security of our gear check operation, worked with the Department of
Transportation and Caltrans to ensure smooth traffic flow into Dodger
Stadium, increased shuttle locations to the stadium, and we’ll have more
up-to-the-minute traffic and weather updates on race day.  All of this
means a more runner-friendly race.” 

Runners’
gear that is checked at Dodger Stadium in the PODS Gear Check Zone
before the start of the race will be monitored by security coordinators
and then transported to the finish line in Santa Monica, where it will
be retrieved in a secure runner-only area.  The PODS Gear Check at

–          more –

2-2-2 LA MARATHON IMPROVEMENTS

Dodger Stadium will close at 6:45 am to make sure that all belongings arrive at the finish line on time.  

As
part of an improved traffic system into Dodger Stadium, vehicles will
be guided efficiently to a dedicated drop-off area and parking zone to
help ensure the race starts on-time promptly at 7:24 am.  

“Everyone
knows that traffic is always an issue in Los Angeles, but this year the
Marathon has taken steps to ensure that vehicles will be moving
efficiently into Dodger Stadium for the start of the race,” said Curl. 
“We’ve been working with Caltrans and the Department of Transportation
to ensure a smooth race morning.” 

Even
more free shuttle buses to the starting line at Dodger Stadium will
also be available this year for runners who reserve a shuttle time at
registration. The shuttles will be available from 2:30-5:30 am leaving
Santa Monica and 5:15-6:15 am from Union Station.  Official Marathon
hotels located in Downtown L.A. and Beverly Hills will also offer free
pre and post-race shuttles for runners who booked a stay with them. 

Timely,
accurate traffic and weather information are critical on race day. To
help keep athletes and spectators informed, there will be more live
updates and tweets on the AM 570 KLAC/FOX Sports LA broadcast beginning
at 5:00 am, on the pre-race television broadcast on KTLA Channel 5 from
6:00-7:00 am, and during the four-hour KTLA race broadcast from
7:00-11:00 am.  In addition, the Marathon’s social media channels will
be updated throughout the day to provide key race information, as well
as traffic and weather updates. Look for the Honda LA Marathon page on
Facebook, or follow @lamarathon on Twitter.

ABOUT THE HONDA LA MARATHON

The
Honda LA Marathon gives runners and fans a unique way to experience the
beauty and diversity of Los Angeles with the race’s third year of the
iconic “Stadium to the Sea” course. Runners will begin at Dodger Stadium
and continue through Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Echo Park and Silver
Lake, passing world-famous landmarks including the Hollywood Walk of
Fame, the Pantages Theatre, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Sunset Strip
and Rodeo Drive. The race ends on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, near the
Santa Monica Pier. The energy, enthusiasm and entertainment to be found
along the course is unparalleled.

# # #