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City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon) Runner Comments
Back to City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon) Information & Reviews
Course 3.8 
Organization 3.6 
Spectators 4.4
Number of comments: 473 [displaying comments 271 to 281]
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J. G. from Behind the Orange Curtain
(3/24/2006)
"Not very walker-friendly." (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 The marathon was not very respectful of walkers. Zero support after about 6 hours. If they don't want walkers, they should say so. It appears they did not even get our finish time. Bad juju! However, the fans, the LAPD, LAFD, LADT and the Explorers were EXCEPTIONAL. Thank you! | |
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j. p. from Huntington Beach, CA
(3/24/2006)
"Another Great LA Marathon" (about: 2006)
3 previous marathons
| 2 City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon)s
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Thanks LA, this was another great race. My second year in a row and I improved by 7%. I just missed the 4 hour-mark by 1 minute, but that's ok, it was still my PR. Love the little kids and the high 5's. The crowds are great and supportive and hearing my name does help me smile and continue on. The last 1/2 mile seemed like a long way but the rest of the course seemed fine and my pace was very steady. It was hard to find the under 5-hour corral; let's try to make this better for next year. Plus one official told me it was full - it had a fixed number assigned. Please plan better!! I will be back for a 26.2-mile victory lap next year!!! I hear the course will be changed, probably to make it faster, but the hills are part of the challenge... at least to me. | |
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N. T. from Ventura, CA
(3/24/2006)
"My first marathon - a good debut" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 An exhilarating experience overall. Yes, I did think about the free lap dance for just a second... hey, it's LA! The aid stations seemed irregularly spaced, which threw off my pacing. They varied from 0-0.5 miles after the mile-markers. I'll probably carry my own water bottle next time, and use the stations for refills. Used various bushes along the course and passed on the crowded porta-potties. Yes, a course through Hollywood, Chinatown, and the beach would be great, but probably it's a permitting nightmare. The crowds were supportive, especially the little kids. The entertainment centers seemed sparse, although the three Taiko drum groups were great. Watch the first 10-miles, because you're natually going to go out too fast, with the slight decline. I paid for it later on. Thank goodness for the awesome weather. The last 1.2 miles were golden. I was practically sprinting. Got a high-five from Rod Dixon at the finish line. P.S. The carbo-load dinner was crowded and lame. The food was limited in selection and not that great. Think high-school cafeteria experience. Save your money and go to some of the great restaurants in downtown. | |
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P. C. from Columbus Ohio
(3/23/2006)
"What a Crowd!" (about: 2006)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Great race... I just wish the last half was more downhill. But, WOW what a group of spectators along the way. I have NEVER in 70 marathons heard cheers like I did along this course. Fantastic and fun! Best wishes to all. | |
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Gary Watkins from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
(3/23/2006)
"the best organized marathon I have ever run." (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Truly this was the best organized marathon I have ever run from start to finish. I had no problems finding the clothing check, the start line, the tremendous assortment of liquids, fruit, and supplements galore from both sides of the street and sometimes in the middle - volunteers were always there with oranges, bananas, gGatorade, water, GU, pretzels, yummy bagels, peanuts, candy, vaseline, you name it. And it wasn't just available at scheduled water tables. It was between water tables, on both sides of the road and down the middle of the street. I loved it. Never a problem finding nourishment of all kinds. And then there were the great fans who cheered us on immensely from start to finish where they were cheering for the last two miles, sometimes 5-7 deep on both sides. I loved it and will likely do this again next year for all the reasons I mention. Thanks for such a great time LA, and thank you for opening the hearts of your city. The medal was stupendous and I noticed how many runners proudly wore it down the street hours later. Also, getting to talk with Bill Rodgers was a huge bonus. He is always very personable and sensitive to everyone. A great role model and hopefully he will be back again next year. I also appreciated him signing my bib with "Run Forever," and taking the time to share some encouraging words. I also appreciated the Kiwi Olympian who let us all hold her silver medal and for her inspirational talk as well. "May your feet be wings," she wrote. They were both wonderful and hopefully there again next year. Thank you LA and I truly believe if you open the parking lot across from the convention center, there would be more visiting the displays and listening to you great speakers. Good luck next year. Hope to see you then. | |
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B. B. from Lancaster, SC
(3/22/2006)
"Best Large Marathon Around" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I run larger marathons and this is one I would run again. The Wilshire Grand had a very good rate and the start and finish of the race are right around the corner. I left for the race 30 minutes before the start and had an excellent starting position. The hotel offered a late check out so you can get a shower in. You can take a shuttle from the airport for $15.00 and save on the car rental and parking. I was concerned about the 8 a.m. start, but the temperature started at 52 degrees and ended with a high of 61 degrees. I enjoyed sleeping in compared to the start time of most races. The race is pretty flat for the most part. As far as the runners, they were great and the crowd was excellent. Everyone yelled encouragement using you name, which you have an option of printing on your bib. I had my doubts after selecting the option, but after the start, I never regretted it. What an experience having people yell your name, and making you feel like you are just as important as the runners taking home the prize money. They sound and act like they really care and what a pump that can be at mile 24. Not one negative comment about my running skills along the way. I would run this every year, if my schedule allowed. The expo had so much free stuff that I came out ahead of the race fee. Cycling and running expo combined allowed me to stock up on some needed items for free or just $1.00. I have been in 20,000+ races many times, and this expo put them to shame. Great medal, great weather and overall they handle a large race the best I have seen. Enjoy! | |
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D. S. from Rancho Cucamonga, California
(3/22/2006)
"Good First Marathon" (about: 2006)
2 previous marathons
| 2 City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon)s
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran this marathon last year as my first marathon (2005) and I loved it. It was probably because it was my FIRST. This year I did it again and I loved it. Here's why: 1. I'm shedding my college/graduate pounds so my time is in the 5-6 hours, which in a lot of marathons is slow, and they are already tearing down the course, so it's nice that a lot of people are still with me and behind me... makes me feel like one of the crowd. 2. It's humorous the people that run... costumes, spectators, just random funny things that happen along the way to keep you amused. 3. The spectators are all over the place, which boosts morale. 4. I had a good time and found that the volunteers I interacted with were nice. I only rated this 4 stars because it's the only place I've run and I'm going to branch out, now that running is becoming more of myself. However, because this is where I started, I have to say that I loved it and would recommend it. You won't be alone during the whole 26.2-mile adventure. This means a lot to a beginner. I hope that people who complain take these words to heart from an amateur runner (soon to be completing marathons in 4 hours). :) Overall, I think it's unique and you have to be willing to accept unique. | |
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Buck Carroll from Houston, Texas
(3/22/2006)
"I Love L.A." (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Great event and a great way to see LA. I thought the course was an interesting tour of LA's diverse communities, the fans were incredible, and the organization did a fantastic job. Highlights: 1. The participants - What a field, 25,000+ going the full distance! My thanks to all those I met along the way and helped me through this journey. My prayers go out to the Reyna and Leone families. 2. The fans and volunteers! - Along the whole route, loud, and lots of them. Each station was a refueling point, literally and figuratively. The volunteers' efforts of support and encouragement were phenomenal. The final sprint up Flower, with all those fans yelling my name... WOW! 3. The Entertainment - Incredible! The drums, the bands, cheer squads, dancers, the stripper on Fairfax, Cousin Sal. Always something to look forward to. 4. Sprint Phone Ahead - I had heard about this and was eagerly looking forward to it. Great to talk to my dad as I ran mile 18. 5. The course - I-ve seen some criticize the course, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. You get to see so many cultural neighborhoods along the way. Constructive criticism: 1. 8:17 start - I know this event is coupled with the bike tour, but starting this late? The sun had already been up for over two hours. When you're pounding out 26.2, even in So. Cal, that sun gets HOT. 2. Finisher's shirt - or lack thereof. I'll buy one, but even 20Ks hand out a shirt at the end. I don't want to leave a bad impression - I'd love to run this race again. But, it sure would have been nice to show off a finisher's shirt on the plane ride home. In summary, I Love L.A.! This is a great event and the community really comes out to support it. There was good press coverage in the LA Times, Jimmy Kimmel did a bit on it, billboards around town, and NBC CH4 in LA all get the word out. | |
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albert serna from Ontario, California..Beautiful USA
(3/21/2006)
"I knew I could do it, although there were doubters" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 First time ever running any kind of event. At 37, with no training or discipline, I did it! My workout was driving a truck and unloading it five times a week. Saturday prior to the marathon, I did restrict myself to no beer! (I had enough on St. Patrick's Day.) I thought I could do it in 5 1/2 hours only to underestimate myself. I did it in 5 hours 38 minutes 4 seconds!!! The whole experience was awesome. The pain and suffering during the race were all worth my right to brag now!! Thanks to all the volunteers and all involved, even the kind folks along the route who provided motivation. It really did help. Thank you. Thank you very much. Bib #27845 | |
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c. l. from pasadena ca usa
(3/21/2006)
"aid stations could have been more helpful" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ City of Los Angeles Marathon (L.A. Marathon)s
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The aid stations seem to be self-service. The police did a great job putting up with a lot of verbal abuse and more from people who wanted to drive across the course. I am having a terrible time getting my race results from Champion Chip. |
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