The annual LA Marathon in March will include parts of Route 66 in its 26.2-mile course — including the western end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, it was announced today.
From the news release:
Along the way, runners will pass signature sites, including El Pueblo de Los Angeles (the city’s birthplace), Los Angeles City Hall, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Kodak Theater (home of the Oscars), the Sunset Strip, historic Route 66, Rodeo Drive and the Santa Monica Pier.
The course, which trends downhill and loses roughly 400 feet start to finish, is expected to be among the fastest courses in LA Marathon history.
Here’s the map of the course. It includes several miles of the Route 66 alignments of Santa Monica Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard. The race also ends at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Ocean Avenue — the western end of the Mother Road and just a few hundred feet from the Santa Monica Pier.
The race begins at Dodger Stadium, which is right off the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway, another historical alignment of Route 66. Officials are calling it the Stadium to the Sea Course.
The L.A. Marathon starts at 7:20 a.m. on Sunday, March 21.
Registration is being capped at 25,000 entrants. Because of the expected popularity of the course and the fact registrations already are far ahead last year’s pace, it’s advisable to sign up ASAP.
I’m no runner, but the course — and its attractions — sound fabulous. It wouldn’t surprise me if organizers stick with this course for years to come.