This year's L.A. Marathon began with a brand new course beginning at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Over 26,000 participants endured the warm sunny day. It was thought the new course, (touting the downhill grade at times) would bring about new record times. 
Not so! It was actually one of the slower paces in recent history. The men's winner was almost 9 minutes behind the course record. The women's top athlete finished almost 12 minutes over the prior record. Something somewhat unheard of at the professional level.
As usual, it was a fun event with street performers and great spectator participation encouraging you along. 
As a participant myself, I've always loved the fun of this event. Some years I've done the bike tour, some years the marathon. Two years ago I did both the same day. Yet this year I was sorely disappointed that so many of the water stations were either empty or completely closed by the time the later runners came by. I was one of those runners. The lack of planning and/or anticipation of the weather was inexcusable by the event organizers. No doubt the heat had a big impact on many...Seems to me the runners at the back of the pack paid the same entry fee as everyone else, right?
A couple of cheerleaders along the route.
If you're a marathoner yourself, I'd love to hear from you!
The colorful Indians were positioned outside of the Natural History Museum on Exposition Blvd.
The "banana team", the family pit crew at mile 21. All multiple marathoners themselves. Special THANKS to Deb, Carol, Marlene & Grant!
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