All participants started off at Dodger Stadium just after 7 a.m. under cold and cloudy
skies. The weather forecast predicted there might be a chance of rain, as it
did during last year's marathon, when 2.36 inches fell. However, there was no rain throughout the entire race.
The so-called "Stadium to the Sea" course, is considered to be
among the top 10 marathons in the world. Runners continued through downtown L.A. and into Echo Park on the East side of town before hitting the famous
landmarks, including Hollywood, West Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, Beverly
Hills and Santa Monica Boulevard. Then runners tackled an incline at the
Veterans Administration grounds in Brentwood and continued to head west to the
Pacific, crossed the finish line at the world’s famous Santa Monica Pier.
In the long
history of L.A. Marathon, there
has been a tradition for encouraging entertainment along the way. Music by
local bands, dancing, cheerleading and other sorts of entertainment kept
spirits up, runners going and spectators staying. Many spectators, families and
friends of the runners were shouting out the runner’s name, as the bibs had
their names printed on them.
The reward ahead
in Santa Monica was the shiny blue Pacific in all its glory. Every finisher
expressed joy, happiness and excitement when they reached the goal.
“The 26.2 mile journey was longer than I thought and was quite tough. But
when I reached the goal, I forgot about all that. I was so excited and incredibly
proud of myself for my big accomplishment. Many friends came out to support me
and I had so much fun.” said Kevin Wagner, a 36-year-old first-time runner.
So now do you feel like participating in the Honda L.A. Marathon next
year? Mark your calendars for March 17, 2013.
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