Thousands run as LA Marathon begins

Despite an extended hiatus and the ever-present awareness of a relentless pandemic, the 36th Los Angeles Marathon kicked off Sunday morning, Nov. 7, with shouts, horns and chants of support, as the epic L.A. race’s wheelchair participants crossed the starting line at Dodger Stadium on their long journey to Century City and the finish line.

‘Chairs. Set! Go!” … and they were off and going.

Thousands followed — from the world’s most elite runners to “legacy runners” who haven’t missed a year — in a beloved L.A. event that barely happened last year, and was postponed twice this year before actually happening today.

There was no shortage of excitement among the thousands of runners, from around the world and the country prepared to take the streets early Sunday.

The #lamarathon2021 is BACK! pic.twitter.com/iYiMGe5lF7

— Brennon Dixson (@TheBrennonD) November 7, 2021

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Runner Allen Roman, taking part in his first marathon, was cheered on by his family on the sidelines.

“He’s really been wanting to do this and he’s been training since March,” said his wife Adrianna. “He runs almost every day.”

Before the run, most appeared to be wearing face coverings. But even the ubiquitous masks didn’t cover runners’ enthusiasm. Before start time, they stretched. They took photos of each other. The moment to run was present and as adrenaline-pumping as ever in the early morning L.A. chill.

“I try to look at it as a bit of an extra challenge,” Brian Nguyen, San Diego, said about wearing a face mask during the run. “I don’t normally (wear a mask while exercising) but there’s so many people here.”

An estimated 13,000 runners were expected to travel from all across the globe to take part in this year’s races. The action kicked off in downtown at 6:30 a.m., with the wheelchair division taking off from Dodger Stadium and breaking in the new finish line location in Century City.

The marathon’s new “Stadium to the Stars” course continues the traditional starting line at Dodger Stadium, touring through West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. After reaching Brentwood, the 26.2-mile route takes a U-turn and doubles back on San Vicente, Sepulveda and Santa Monica boulevards. Instead of the Santa Monica Pier finish line, runners will wrap up at Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

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Thousands of runners are getting ready at Dodger Stadium this morning for the LA Marathon, which kicks off at 6:30. pic.twitter.com/QXgEZUH7pF

— Hunter Lee (@huntslee) November 7, 2021

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And like most anything in this post-pandemic world, the finish line wasn’t the only change this year’s marathon saw.

All participants, staff, volunteers, media and spectators entering the starting area at Dodger Stadium were required to show proof of full vaccination against the coronavirus, or a negative test. Face coverings were also required at  like a concert later in the day.

Plenty of spectators lined the route rooting on runners, and virtual viewers tuned in to stream from their homes — likely enjoying the extra hour of sleep courtesy of Daylight Saving Time coming to an end.

One aspect untouched by the coronavirus, however, was the finish line festivities, with bleachers packed with cheering fans, friends and loved ones at the finish line. The final celebrations were set to start at Century Park at 9 a.m. and will continue throughout the afternoon, with performer Tai Verdes taking the Winston House Main Stage at 12:30 p.m.

The event informally kicked off Saturday with the 36th annual LA Big 5K race on Saturday from the same Dodger Stadium start line where runners line up on Sunday.

Seven minutes out from starting the #LAMarathon and runners are warming up pic.twitter.com/xbUHja4eJi

— Brennon Dixson (@TheBrennonD) November 7, 2021

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Source: Orange County Register