And They're Off! More Than 26K LA Marathon Runners Take To Streets As Temperatures Soar
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — More than 26,000 runners and wheelchair racers flooded the streets of Los Angeles Sunday in the 30th Annual L.A. Marathon.
Daniel Limo, a 31-year-old runner from Kenya, won the men's side with an unofficial time of 2:10:36. Olga Kimaiyo, 26, also of Kenya, was the fastest woman, clocking in unofficially at 2:54:34.
Runners left Dodger Stadium at 6:55 a.m., a half-hour earlier than initially planned, because of the record-breaking temperatures pressing upon the Southland this weekend.
On their 26.2-mile route, participants passed L.A. landmarks, as they moved through L.A., West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, ending near the pier.
An earlier start, as well as starting the event in waves, allowed volunteers to stock the aid stations so they weren't bombarded with runners. They've added more water and Gatorade Endurance Formula at all 24 stations.
Spectators were advised to bring water and ice for themselves and for the runners they came to support.
Madison Ingram, 20, who is running her first marathon, said she had a plan.
"I'm going to try to get a really good time in the morning and then kind of slow it down when it gets hot," Ingram said.
The weather at the finish line, as the elite runners crossed, was a temperate 76 degrees. But temperatures were expected to rise, possibly causing problems for amateur runners, later in the day.
Hoping to beat the heat, race organizers have placed "cooling buses" along the course and at the finish line, where runners can find some relief with misting stations, cold towels and ice.
"We are confident in our level of preparedness and the resources we have available to support a positive race day experience for all participants," Dr. Glenn Ault, the race's medical director, said last week.
Those trying to get around the cities affected Sunday should note listed street closures, which will be in effect at the last part of the route until 5 p.m.
