2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2015 ASICS LA Marathon Official Race Program WELCOME TO ALL A few words from some of the people who make race day a success 8, 10, 12

NUTRIBULLET HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO Mix and mingle with fellow runners and spectators 18-19

LA BIG 5K

TRANSPORTATION AND SECURITY Tips to get around safely 26

CLIF BAR PACE TEAM

ALL FOR THE CAUSE

Fast or slow but always steady 44

Over 100 charities team up with the ASICS LA Marathon 58-59

ASICS HIGHLIGHT CHECKING IT OUT

46-47

A spectator’s guide to this year’s ASICS LA Marathon 28-29

ELITE RUNNERS

RECOVERY AFTER THE RUN

PG. 60-61 ASICS LA Marathon celebrates their arrival 48-49

Keck Medicine of USC shares tips for runners 30

START LINE

STILL RUNNING

Information to get you started 21

The big three-oh for the ASICS LA Marathon 32-33

CHAIRMAN OF THE COURSE

COURSE MAP

LEGACY RUNNERS

STUDENTS RUN LA

‘Stadium to the Sea’ route in all its glory 22-23

Keep the streak alive 38

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ASICS LA Marathon hosting PG. 62

ASICS LA Marathon breaks the mold 52-53

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HOLLYWOOD STATE OF MIND Stadium to the Sea route a cinematic adventure PG. 64

BY THE NUMBERS Did you know 599,211 runners have entered the ASICS LA Marathon since 1986?

PG. 66

TRACKING TIMES SIGHTS TO SEE

Information about the final destination 24

USATF MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS

SMARTPHONE APP

Kicking off race weekend 20

FINISH LINE

OLYMPIC RELAY

Stadium to the Sea incorporates Landmarks 40-43

Simple chart helps you figure out your numbers 56

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION This Official Race Program has been created as a partnership between the ASICS LA Marathon and the Santa Monica Daily Press. It was produced to give runners and spectators of this historic event an opportunity to learn more about the marathon. It speaks to all aspects of the race: competition, charity, the course and the diverse communities that it serves.

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

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March 15, 2014 Dear Friends, Welcome to the 2015 ASICS LA Marathon—the 30th edition!

I also extend a special welcome to the incredibly talented men and women competing in the 2015 U.S. Track and Field Marathon Championships! This great race is a celebration of athleticism, determination, and the City of Los Angeles.

Close to 25,000 runners are expected to traverse the Stadium to the Sea course which begins at historic Dodger Stadium and moves west through some of our city’s most iconic neighborhoods before ending by the Santa Monica Pier.

I congratulate this year’s athletes and everyone who worked to make this event possible. I am especially thankful to ASICS, which is retuning as the Tittle Partner.

Their support has helped bring more than 100 organizations to the Marathon’s Official Charity program this year and brings global attention to this race.

On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, I send you my best wishes for a successful race.

Sincerely,

ERIC GARCETTI Mayor

ERIC GARCETTI

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

Dear Runners and Sports Enthusiasts, ASICS is pleased to welcome you to the 30th edition of the ASICS LA Marathon.

At ASICS, we understand the magnitude of the commitment and effort it takes to prepare for and run a marathon and applaud your efforts for getting to the start line on March 15th, no matter what your personal goals may be.

We are thrilled to have such a passionate and dedicated group of runners here to run the iconic stadium to sea course. We are proud to continue our long-term partnership with the ASICS LA Marathon, a premier date on the running calendar, which takes place here in our own backyard in Southern California.

This is a year of celebration. Not only are we bringing together the most competitive field of elite athletes in the history of the race, but 2015 marks the 30th edition of the ASICS LA Marathon. We are excited to shine a spotlight on the individuals and groups who have played a significant role in the race's past, present and future through our "ASICS Spotlight on 30 Series."

As part of this program, we will be recognizing and honoring one of your peers with the "People's Choice Spotlight Award" for an individual who has made an extraordinary impact on the ASICS LA Marathon.

We also would like to recognize the outstanding team of people who make this race possible—without their dedication none of this would be possible. Their tireless efforts do not go unrecognized and we express incredible gratitude to the volunteers, city officials, city agencies, devoted ASICS LA Marathon staff and the fans who line the streets of LA and provide terrific energy for our runners.

Good luck to all the runners and a big thank you for taking part in the 2015 ASICS LA Marathon and now it's time to GO RUN IT! All the best, KEVIN WULFF

CEO and President, ASICS America Corporation

KEVIN WULFF

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

Dear Friends, It's a true pleasure to welcome you to the 30th Edition of the ASICS LA Marathon!

This week, we will celebrate our storied tradition along with the incredible personalities and influential partners who have left a lasting impact on this race.

It was the remarkable and historic marathon gold medal won by Joan Benoit Samuelson at the 1984 Olympics that helped to inspire the creation of the LA Marathon.

The inaugural run took place in 1986 on a loop-course in downtown Los Angeles with 7,553 marathon finishers. Thirty years later, we expect to surpass the milestone of 500,000 runners who have crossed our marathon finish line.

This year, we're excited to host the USA Track & Field Marathon Championships that will include many of the best American marathoners joining our largest field ever at more than 26,000 runners. Together, they will journey the 26.2 miles along the iconic 'Stadium to the Sea' course, beginning at Dodger Stadium and culminating with a majestic finish in Santa Monica, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In the midst of our record—breaking field, 178 Legacy Runners are expected to finish their 30th ASICS LA Marathon - an amazing achievement!

We're thrilled to partner with 101 charitable organizations at this year's ASICS LA Marathon, providing an important stage for our runners who are dedicated to making a difference in other people's lives by raising vital funds for their respective causes.

We sincerely appreciate the support from our partner cities in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica as well as the Veteran's Administration, without whose partnerships and collaborations the marathon could not take place. The same is true of our 6,000 enthusiastic and loyal volunteers whose efforts are invaluable and pivotal to producing a marathon of this scale. To all of them, we thank you!

We are extremely grateful to our corporate partners, including our title sponsor ASICS, who are committed to the sport of running and making this race among the best marathons in the world .

On behalf of all our partners, we wish the best of luck to each participant in our marathon week activities!

TRACEY RUSSELL Chief Executive Officer LA MARATHON LLC TRACEY RUSSELL

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

2015 PARTNERS We’d like to give a special thanks to all our partners, without whom this race would not exist Title Partner

Premier Partner

Sponsors

Licensee Sponsor

Media Partners

Community Partners GE

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

TWO-DAY NUTRIBULLET HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO Celebrates latest and greatest gear EXHIBITOR

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 10 A.M. — 7 P.M SATURDAY, MARCH 14 9 A.M. — 5 P.M.

T

he race itself is only half the fun. Featuring interactive exhibits, live entertainment, the Official ASICS LA Marathon Merchandise Store, product trials and all things marathon, the NutriBullet Health & Fitness Expo is one of the highlights of marathon week.

The NutriBullet Health & Fitness Expo annually hosts over 120

LOCATION

EXHIBITOR

LOCATION

115

Forster Physical Therapy

729

Polar Electro

417

A Runner's Circle

838

Forster PT

729

Pro-Tec Athletics

429

A Snail's Pace

537

Harman

421

RaceForce LLC

102

A4

438

Healthmate International, LLC

518

Real Time Pain Relief

745

Acti-Tape

628

Hippie Runner

431

Red Bull Wings for Life

245

AIDS Project Los Angeles

216

Hoka One One

737

Renewal By Andersen

436

Allied Medal Displays

122

Hyperice, Inc.

120

Rhein Dusseldorf Marathon

630

AllWhites

830

Ice-Sox, Inc.

616

Road Runners Club of America

446

AMO Marketing, Inc.

746

Jaybird Sports

730

RockTape

415

ASICS

237

Kaleo Marketing LLC

322

ROLL Recovery

207

Auckland Marathon

220

Keck Medicine of USC

622

Ronald McDonald House Charity

644

BelleCore

520

Kool N Fit

337

Roo Sport

509

Bic Bands

130

KT Tape

100

Run Racing

206

Big 5

229

L.A. Leggers

528

Salming USA

345

Boston's Run to Remember

114

LA Fusion Marketing

301

Scott James Jewelry

614

Brooksee LLC

339

LA Road Runners

218

Skechers

307

C3Fit

109

LA Times

629

Smarty Pants

320

California International Marathon

316

LARABAR

314

Sparkly Soul

529

CEP Compression

506

Legacy Runners

519

SPN Sampling (Mahatma Rice)

836

Charity Booths

116

Lenny & Larry's

439

SportHooks

515

Clif Bar

101

LifeStyle Sports

744

St. Jude

516

Conni USA

106

Lululemon

536

Students Run LA

521

CoTZ Skin Care

618

Magic Masseuse

318

Sun Chlorella USA

731

Cozy Orange

709

Marathon Foto

129

Sungevity

107

Crunchies Natural Food Company

444

Marathon Pain Relief, Inc.

507

Superhero Events

514

DoctorInsole®

409

MESP, Inc.

402

Sweaty Bands

308

Dream Center

119

Minute Rice

221

Team in Training

517

EarQ

828

MJM Associates

600

Team Parkinson

214

Elite Sport Optics

522

Moeben

437

The Beast 980

219

Enovative Technologies

423

MuscleAid Tape

223

The Stick

209

Events Management Queensland

108

Navitas Naturals

547

ThinkCure!

121

Explore Asian, Inc.

302

New Years Race

407

TomTom

134

Fitletic

123

Nutramax Laboratories

306

Tude Juice/Fresh Matters LLC

117

Fleet Feet Burbank - SpiBelt

631

OC Marathon

208

USA-Sport Eyewear

531

Fleet Feet Sports

445

On The Avenue Marketing

215

USATF

329

FlipBelt

545

Orgain Inc.

347

Verengo Solar

401

Fond Memories

523

PEAR Sports

728

Yurbuds

530

Force of Nature

400

Pear Sports

728

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

EXHIBITOR

exhibitors featuring brand-new designs in running gear and shoes, as well as the latest developments in sports, fitness, and nutrition. In addition, the NutriBullet Health and Fitness Expo is the home of Participant Packet Pick-Up for all marathon and LA BIG 5K runners.

The two-day Nutribullet Health & Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.

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LOCATION

LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER, WEST HALL

ASICS LA Marathon

TWO-DAY NUTRIBULLET HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO

March 13-14, 2015 Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

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LA BIG 5K Saturday, March 14, 2015

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he 2015 LA BIG 5K serves as the official warm up race for the 2015 ASICS LA Marathon. The 3.1 mile race through scenic Elysian Park draws thousands of participants. With both the Start and Finish Line just steps from Dodger Stadium, runners are assured a unique “ASICS LA Marathon" experience.

AWARDS & AGE DIVISIONS The prize structure for the LA BIG 5K (Men and Women): 1st — $500 gift card to Big 5 Sporting Goods 2nd — $250 gift card to Big 5 Sporting Goods Participants will compete in the following male and female age divisions: under 15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 4549, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over The top finisher in each age division will receive a $50 gift card to Big 5 Sporting Goods and a commemorative 1st place medal. The 2nd place finisher in each age division will receive a $25 gift card and 3rd place finishers in each age division will also receive a commemorative medal. Awards can be picked up after the race at the Awards tent. Awards must be picked-up in person on race day as awards are not shipped.

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

GETTING TO THE RACE Due to street closures for the LA BIG 5K, only two entrances will be open to Dodger Stadium for participants, the Sunset Gate, accessible via Sunset Blvd, and the Downtown Gate, accessible via CA-110. These gates will open at 6 a.m. The Golden State Gate, accessible via I-5, will be closed until 10 a.m. due to street closures.

There will not be shuttle transportation from Downtown LA to Dodger Stadium for the LA BIG 5K. PACKET PICKUP Pre-registered participants in the 2015 LA BIG 5K have two options to pick-up their race packet prior to the LA BIG 5K: Friday, March 13, — 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Participants may visit the NutriBullet Health & Fitness Expo to pick up their LA BIG 5K bib, timing device, and participant shirt. Friday packet pick-up is not required.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, — BEGINNING AT 6:30 A.M. Dodger Stadium, Parking Lot 6 1000 Elysian Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Pre-registered participants can pick up their race packet beginning at 6:30 a.m. in Parking Lot 6 at Dodger Stadium.

RACE WEEKEND REGISTRATION Participants that register for the LA BIG 5K on Friday at the Los Angeles Convention Center will be able to collect their race packet at the point of sale. Participants that register for the race on Saturday at Dodger Stadium will also collect their race packet onsite at the point of sale.

RACE SCHEDULE March 14, Dodger Stadium Dodger Stadium parking gates open at 6 a.m.

Bib Pick-Up & Race Day Registration Opens 6:30 a.m.

LA BIG 5K Race Start 8 a.m.

Sunday, March 15, 2015 START LINE SCHEDULE 3:00 a.m. — Dodger Stadium Opens to Vehicles /Security Checkpoints Open 5:00 a.m. — Gear Check/Seeded Corrals Open 6:45 a.m. — Gear Check Closes /Security Checkpoint #1 Closes 6:55 a.m. — Wheelchair Race Start 6:50 a.m. — Handcycle Race Start 7:00 a.m. — Seeded Corrals Close 7:02 a.m. — Elite Women Start 7:10 a.m. — Legacy Runners Start 7:12 a.m. — Olympic Relay Starts 7:25 a.m. — Elite Men and Full Field Start RACE WEEK COMMUNICATION: Runners and spectators can keep up with the latest news and schedule updates downloading the smartphone app or by following us on: • Twitter: www.twitter.com/lamarathon; • Facebook: www.facebook.com/lamarathon • Website: www.lamarathon.com

GEAR CHECK Gear Check is located in Parking Lot K at Dodger Stadium. All gear checked at the Start Line will be transported to the Finish Line for pickup post-race. Participants must use the clear plastic eventissued Participant Bag to check gear. Non-transparent bags, backpacks, or luggage will NOT be accepted. Do not check anything valuable or fragile as the ASICS LA Marathon is not liable for any loss or damage. Gear Check closes promptly at 6:45 am.

SEEDED CORRALS Seeded corrals A, B, C, D, and E will open at 5 a.m.

Each corral will have its own entrance and runners that have qualified for a Seeded Corral must show their bib to security personnel to gain entrance. The Seeded Corrals will close promptly at 7 a.m.

Runners should plan accordingly and must be in their appropriate corral by 7 a.m. or they will not be permitted entry into their seeded corral.

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

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C

heer the runners home as they take their final steps toward the finish line in Santa Monica at Ocean Avenue, between Santa Monica and Broadway and then join them in a post-race celebration at the Family Reunion area or at the Finish Festival. Runners have access to the free massage tent while everyone is invited to enjoy the free music and entertainment at the Finish Festival, home of the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden.

RUNNER SECURED FINISH ZONE Once runners cross the Finish Line, they will enter the Runner Secured Finish Zone, which is closed to the non-credentialed public. The Runner Secured Finish Zone is located on Ocean Ave from California Ave to Santa Monica Blvd. Runners will keep moving south on Ocean Ave to collect their finisher medal, mylar 24

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

blanket, Water, Gatorade Endurance Formula, post-finish food, and any items at UPS Gear Check.

Runners will exit the Runner Secured Finish Zone at Santa Monica Blvd.

Spectators are not allowed into the Runner Secured Finish Zone.

SPECTATOR ACCESS Spectator access will be closed on Ocean Ave from Washington Ave to Santa Monica Blvd. Palisades Park will also be closed to spectators from Washington Ave to Santa Monica Blvd. Any spectator wishing to watch their runner cross the Finish Line will need to station themselves on Ocean Ave north of Washington Ave. Spectators are strongly encouraged to meet their runners at the Finish Festival or Family Reunion Area.

FAMILY REUNION Make arrangements to meet your family at one of the letters of the alphabet.

The Family Reunion area will be located on Ocean Ave between Santa Monica Blvd and Broadway Ave. FINISH FESTIVAL The Finish Festival is home to the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden, music, and other fun entertainment and giveaways! The Finish Festival is located on Santa Monica Blvd between 2nd St and Ocean Ave. Open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

MICHELOB ULTRA BEER GARDEN Runners and Spectators will be able to pick up their complimentary Michelob ULTRA at the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wristbands will be required and can be picked up at the NutriBullet Health & Fitness Expo. If you are unable to pick up your wristband at

the NutriBullet Health & Fitness Expo, there will be an ID check station located at the entrance of the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden where you can show your ID and those 21+ can pick up a wristband. Michelob ULTRA will be for sale at the Finish Festival.

MASSAGE TENT All runners are able to receive a complimentary massage after completing the ASICS LA Marathon.

Look for the Massage Tent on Ocean Ave just south of Broadway Ave. HOTEL SHUTTLES For participants who booked hotels in Downtown LA or Beverly Hills through the Hotel Reservation Center, Hotel Shuttles will be staged at Santa Monica City Hall.

Shuttles require a wristband to board and will depart every halfhour beginning at 11 a.m. with the last pick-up at 4 p.m.

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

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CHECKING IT OUT A spectator’s guide to this year’s ASICS LA Marathon R

unning is a great way to get your legs pumping and to break a sweat; sometimes, you don’t even have to be in the race to do it. The ASICS LA Marathon is just as fun as a spectator sport, and it’s easy to get into the action. Pick the best spots to watch the race, support the runners and make some noise. Just remember, wherever you watch the race and however involved you get, have a good time.

Best viewing spots START LINE Anyone dropping off participants at Dodger Stadium will tell you that watching over 25,000 runners begin their journey through Los Angeles is an exhilarating experience. Entry only available through the Golden State Gate entrance.

ENTERTAINMENT STAGES Atmosphere is a big part of the ASICS LA Marathon, and all of our bands, DJs and entertainers make race day one to remember. Head on out to enjoy free music and entertainment while you cheer on the runners! Check the smartphone app or www.lamarathon.com for more information on entertainment.

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

STAGE LOCATIONS: Mile 1 - Stadium Way & Elysian Park Ave featuring Acoustic Hotel Mile 3 – 1st Street & Main Street featuring Adam’s Attic Mile 10 – Hollywood Blvd & Vine Street featuring Hardly Deadly Mile 11.5 – Sunset Blvd & La Brea Avenue featuring A Thousand Suns and the Glam Skanks Mile 18 –Santa Monica and Avenue of the Stars featuring Moose and Veronica Powers Mile 20 –Sepulveda Blvd & Ohio Avenue featuring Ronny North Mile 21 –San Vicente & Barrington featuring Ann Lies Red and Felis Mile 25 – San Vicente Blvd & Ocean Ave featuring Core CHARITIES Over half of our 101 official charities will be on the course to offer support and inspiration to the runners. To find out where your favorite charity will be on race day, visit www.lamarathon.com/charities/official-charities.

CHEER ALLEY As runners leave Beverly Hills and head toward Mile 18, they are greeted by over 600 hundred local cheerleaders making noise to encourage runners get to the Finish Line of the ASICS LA

Marathon. Cheer Alley is the Pep Rally of the Year, and is comprised of Middle and High School cheerleaders from across Southern California. Cheer Alley will also host a cheer competition, where each squad will be judged on overall spirit, creativity and showmanship.

ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS: Mile 2: Broadway and Alpine. Chinatown Chinatown brings out the East Wind Foundation for Youth Lion Dance Troupe, an early highlight in the race!

Mile 4: 1st and Grand.

Hongo Taiko School A runner favorite, dozens of Japanese Drummers have kept the tradition alive for over twenty years to motivate runners.

Mile 7: Sunset Blvd and Fountain Avenue. Earlez Grille Joining us for over a decade, Earlez Grille pro-

vides quite the party featuring a DJ and Disco music Mile 8: Hollywood Blvd and N Vermont. Salvadoran Community One of the great spectator spots, this location features music, raffles, gifts and more.

FINISH LINE Spectators at Ocean Avenue , north of Washington Avenue, will get in one final cheer, as the runners cross the finish line in downtown Santa Monica.

The Family Reunion area is a good spot to meet up and the new Finish Festival, home of the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden, is also a great location to find your runner.

Remember to have a finish line plan; the finish line can get crowded, so make sure you and your runner know where to meet after the race.

Support your runner RUNNER TRACKING Keep time with your runner via the new ASICS LA Marathon App. Participants can tap into ASICS LA Marathon social channels, talk to other runners or post from the course.

Find more information about the app at www.lamarathon.com.

APPROXIMATE RUNNER CROSSINGS

APPROXIMATE TIMES RUNNERS WILL BE CROSSING EACH MILE

MILE

LOCATION (CITY)

Start 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Finish

Dodger Stadium near Lot G Sunset Blvd., north of Marion Ave. Broadway, just north of Sunset Blvd.

Main, between Temple & 1st Streets 1st Street, just north of Spring Street Temple Street & Victor Street Glendale Blvd., before Santa Ynez St. Sunset Blvd., before Silver Lake Blvd.

Sunset Blvd. between Myra & Bates.

Hollywood Blvd. & Edgemont Street Hollywood Blvd. & Wilton Place Hollywood Blvd. & Wilcox Ave. Sunset Blvd. & LaBrea Ave. Sunset Blvd., west of Fairfax Ave. Sunset Blvd., past Alta Loma Road Santa Monica Blvd., Burton Way, past Oakhurst Drive Rodeo Drive & Dayton Way SM Blvd/Century Park East SM Blvd., past Westholme Ave. Sepulveda Blvd., north of SM Blvd.

Dowlen Drive before Bonsall Ave. San Vicente Blvd., near Montana Ave. San Vicente Blvd., past Bristol Ave. San Vicente Blvd. & 18th Street San Vicente Blvd., between 7th & 4th Ocean Ave., past Idaho Avenue Ocean Ave. & California Ave.

LEAD WOMEN

7:02 7:07 7:13 7:18 7:24 7:29 7:35 7:40 7:46 7:51 7:57 8:02 8:08 8:13 8:19 8:24 8:30 8:35 8:41 8:46 8:52 8:57 9:03 9:08 9:14 9:19 9:25 9:28

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m.

LEAD MEN

7:25 7:30 7:35 7:40 7:45 7:50 7:55 8:00 8:04 8:09 8:14 8:19 8:24 8:29 8:33 8:38 8:43 8:48 8:53 8:58 9:02 9:07 9:12 9:17 9:22 9:27 9:32 9:34

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m.

MID-PACK

7:29 7:39 7:49 7:59 8:09 8:19 8:29 8:39 8:49 8:59 9:09 9:19 9:29 9:39 9:49 9:59 10:09 10:19 10:29 10:39 10:49 10:59 11:09 11:19 11:29 11:39 11:49 11:52

a.m. a.m. a.m. a m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m.

Family and friends can sign up for race day tracking in March for updates as their runner makes his/her way along the course.

TIPS FOR SPECTATORS Don’t forget the runners in the back! They might need the most encouragement, since they will be out there the longest. Be sure to cheer for them as well.

Don’t crowd the runners by standing in the street, especially in the earlier miles. You might cause a back up for the runners and slow down the marathon.

If you see a runner who appears to need some help or medical attention, try to remember his or her race number and tell a course monitor or fluid station volunteer. If the runner’s injury looks serious, try to find a police officer on the course.

Don’t be afraid to move around the course. Runners will remember you, and seeing you again will encourage them to keep going.

Do something to make the runners smile. Clap, cheer, play music, blow horns, sing or dance; it may put the runners at ease for a few moments.

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS • The Beverly Hills Spectator spot will be located at Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way and will feature DJ Bella Foxx and an amazing Stiltwalker!

• Longtime marathon entertainer, Drum Beats, will join us once again at Santa Monica Blvd and Manning Avenue

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

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READY, SET, RUN! Keck Medicine of USC helps you bring your best to race day.

G

lenn Ault, MD, associate professor of surgery at Keck Medicine of USC, and official medical director of the ASICS LA Marathon, wants every participant to have a healthy, safe marathon experience.

Being ready for race day means more than just training. Here are 10 tips to help you improve your ASICS LA Marathon experience.

Logistics: Know where you plan to park, and calculate your travel time. Remember there will be pre-race traffic, and to allow time to warm up and stretch.

Fuel: Pre-race nutrition is critical. Limit fiber and eat high carbohydrate meals (80 percent of intake) for several days prior to the race, and a 500-800 calorie breakfast 23 hours before the race.

Shoes: It seems obvious, but avoid changes in equipment on race day, especially shoes. Wearing your tried and true runners will help to prevent the foot pain and blistering that are common in long-distance running.

Hydration: Although perspiration rates vary from runner to runner, a good guideline for hydration is 6-8 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes. In addition to water, make sure your race-day hydration consists of energy drinks containing carbohydrates and electrolytes — water alone can lead to

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

GLENN AULT, MD

hyponatremia, which is a condition in which the amount of sodium in the blood is lower than normal and can lead to serious medical issues.

Energy Gels/Bars: Familiarity is key to avoid race-day stomach upset, so stick with energy snacks you’ve used during your training. Consume one 45-60 minutes (with water) after the race starts and every 45-60 minutes thereafter.

Lubrication/Skin Protection: Protect your skin with anti-chafing, anti-blister products, and apply UVB/UVA sunscreen at least 30 minutes before running.

Consider wearing sun protective clothing.

Pace: The adrenaline of the race start will lead to the possibility of starting too fast.

Begin your pace near or

slower than your typical pace from your long training runs to avoid a late race flame out.

Temperature: The temperature can increase significantly during the race. Consider layering your clothing, and most importantly, wear what has been comfortable for you on long training runs.

Pain: Training may lead to some pain on race day, but it is best to stick to your routine. Take over-the-counter medications as normal, but don’t experiment on race day.

Danger Signs: If you experience sharp pain with each step, joint swelling, escalating pain or you begin to limp, it is not advisable to

push through and finish the race. In addition, confusion, light-headedness, chest pain and shortness of breath all can be signs of a significant medical issue — seek medical attention immediately.

Keck Medicine of USC will provide medical support at 12 aid stations along the course route, including two facilities at the Finish Line.

Volunteer physicians, nurses and staff will be ready to assist if you suffer an injury or experience medical difficulties.

Follow the routine on race day that supports the training you have done up to this point and you will have the best opportunity to hit the finish line feeling like a winner!

THE ASICS LA MARATHON Turns 30 T

hroughout it’s 30 year history, the ASICS LA Marathon has become a modern day cornerstone of the running world alongside the likes of New York, Boston and Chicago.

While those cities are equally well known for their inhospitable climates, Los Angeles is known for its beautiful weather.

Leveraging the climate, population and its Hollywood stage, the ASICS LA Marathon has built a reputation in the race community for providing a top notch runner experience highlighted by an exemplary course, significant charity involvement and world-class competition.

The ASICS LA Marathon was born in 1986 and was by all accounts the results of Olympics-mania, which swept the City of Angels after it hosted the 1984 Summer Games.

Some race participants worried that the perception of traffic and smog would deter people from signing up but on March 9, 1986 nearly 11,000 people registered for the race.

Olympian Ric Sayre crossed the finish line in front of more than 7,500 other runners, breaking the attendance record for first-time American marathons.

The race never rested on its laurels from its initial success, and organizers established a tradition of innovation.

SEE HISTORY PAGE 33

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

HISTORY FROM PAGE 32

In 1987, teacher Harry Shabazian trained six students from East Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights High School. This grew into Students Run L.A., a region-wide program that’s led to more than 30,000 students crossing the finish line.

In 1996, the LA Marathon was the first major U.S. marathon to adopt field-wide chip timing in which each participant’s performance is measured using a transponder and radio receivers located at the strategic points along the course. Chip timing is now a common feature at most organized marathons.

In 2004, the Gender Challenge was introduced, giving the elite female runners a head start on the elite male runners and tacking a $50,000 bonus to the prize for whoever finished first.

Tatyana Pozdniakova smoked her male counterparts in the inaugural challenge. Women lead the men 6 to 4 since the challenge began.

In 2009, the LA Marathon became the first big city marathon to fully adopt social media outlets such as Facebook, YouTube, RSS, Flickr and Twitter to not just promote the race, but to also allow participants to connect with one another and to be immediately alerted of all marathon-related developments.

Perhaps the most important change in the race’s history was the establishment of the Stadium to the Sea route.

The original course was a loop that began and ended near the University of Southern California’s Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — a hat-tip to the centerpiece

of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic games. Organizers tinkered with the route for years and in 2010 new owner Frank McCourt made a final shuffle starting at Dodger Stadium and ending in Santa Monica, grabbing the nickname “Stadium to the Sea.” The new route was a huge hit and the marathon has grown tremendously. More than 21,000 racers crossed the finish line last year and in all likelihood, the ASICS LA Marathon will surpass the half million mark this year in alltime finishers. Aside from the athletes, tens of thousands gather along the course route to cheer on the runners in what is becoming a tradition similar to the New York, Chicago and Boston Marathons.

As the ASICS LA Marathon continues to grow in participation and reputation, the race attracts a larger and deeper field of elite runners. This year’s field will experience one of the strongest fields ever due to the presence of elite runners that have flocked to the race, headlined this year by Ryan Hall.

“It’s a distinct pleasure to announce Ryan Hall’s participation in the 2015 USATF Marathon Championships,” said Tracey Russell, Chief Executive of LA MARATHON LLC. “Ryan’s longstanding history as one of America’s top marathoners, combined with his California roots, truly highlights the outstanding legacy of running in Los Angeles.”

2015 will prove to be a huge year for LA MARATHON LLC. Current innovations include a mobile app that integrates social media into the race experience like never before, an enhanced charity runner program, a VIP program open to runners of all levels,

THE ASICS LA MARATHON TURNS 30 THIS YEAR. IT IS THE 5TH LARGEST MARATHON IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE 10TH LARGEST IN THE WORLD.

inclusion of the USATF’s National Championships and preparation for the hosting of the February 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Charity fundraising has become a significant element of the ASICS LA Marathon.

There are more then 100 charities associated with the 2015 race and organizers have a goal of raising $4,000,000 in support of these good causes. Racers can partner with one of the approved charities to race as part of their official team.

Organizers said the charity runner program is a chance for participants to give back and show the greater Los Angeles area who they are and what they stand for.

About $30 million has been raised for various charities since the races’ inception.

Organizers are also innovat-

ing off the track. The race is pursuing certification from the Council for Responsible Sport to recognize it’s sustainable and socially responsible practices.

“Attaining certification from the Council for Responsible Sport will help solidify LA MARATHON LLC as an industry leader in endurance sports and reinforce our vision serving as a catalyst for economic and social impact in the local community,” said Russell.

“With the 30th edition of the ASICS LA Marathon and the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials in sight, we are committed to bringing a more sustainable marathon to our participants, sponsors and the surrounding communities.”

For more information about the marathon and its history, visit www.lamarathon.com.

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

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LEGACY RUNNERS Keep the streak alive F

or many people, one marathon is enough. Not the case for the ASICS LA Marathon Legacy Runners.

The more than 175 runners have never missed a single ASICS LA Marathon since its inception in 1986. That means, when they cross the finish line in Santa Monica on Sunday, they will have 30 straight ASICS LA Marathons under their belts.

All told, that’s over 786 miles — the distance from the Santa Monica Pier to the Golden Gate Bridge and back, or, if you like one-way trips, from Dodger Stadium to Albuquerque, N.M. Aimee Wyatt is the youngest Legacy Runner thanks to some help from her encouraging father; Aimee and her sister Anne were only 16-years-old in 1986, which at the time was two years shy of the requisite age.

“Oops, perhaps we were 18 three years in a row,” Aimee said. “My dad agreed it would be fun for us. My mom wasn't so sure but she agrees that it's better than some things other 16-yearolds fudge their ages for.”

Arlene Fichman is one of the fastest Legacy Runners.

She finished 19th among all female racers that first year.

Marathon or not, 30 straight years of health is rare for any human. Arlene has twice overcome streakending injuries.

Last year, thanks likely to overtraining, she developed muscle twitching and tingling

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

in her arms and legs. She stopped training but was able to finish the race — albeit an hour slower than usual.

“In 1991, I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease three months before the ASICS LA Marathon,” she said. “Fortunately, with medication adjustments I was back on training and able to complete the race without any problems.”

Not unlike the ASICS LA Marathon itself, both Arlene and Aimee were inspired by the 1984 Olympic games, which were held in Los Angeles.

Aimee has a hard time nailing down a favorite year but all Legacy Runners remember 2011 when Los Angeles got some rare torrential downpour.

“I loved it,” she said.

Once I’m soaked, I don't worry about getting wet any-

more and the water seems to make the ground softer.

There were puddles as large as swimming pools through the V.A. Center and it was funny to watch people try to avoid the puddles. I just splashed right through.”

Arlene’s only race day ritual is scheduling a massage for after it’s over.

She is a cardiac nurse and she practices what she preaches.

“I cross train with yoga classes, spinning classes and weight training,” she said.

“Running with great friends and the Legacy Runners keeps me motivated to complete the ASICS LA Marathon every year and beyond.”

She warns against starting too fast or racing in anything (shoes or clothing) that you haven’t been training in.

Both Aimee and Arlene recommend hydration.

“Find running buddies to

train as much as you can and make it fun, before, during and after the race,” Aimee said. “Give kids high fives. Thank all the wonderful volunteers, as you make sure to stay hydrated and avoid blisters and rashes by using Vaseline or glide. Be prepared for whatever the weather will bring, sunblock for hot and wool for cold, and don't worry too much as you enjoy the journey. “ Finally, she says don’t let your mind off the hook until the race is over.

“No matter what people tell you along the way about ‘being almost there’ ignore it,” Aimee said. “It’s a grind all the way to the end. The last six miles are harder than the first 20, and you aren’t there until your nose crosses the finish line. And when you are there, it’s a great feeling to realize that you can do anything.”

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A LANDMARK RACE

Stadium to the Sea incorporates LA Landmarks WEST HOLLYWOOD

DODGER STADIUM

DODGER STADIUM Sitting atop its perch in Chávez Ravine, Dodger Stadium appears to preside over Downtown Los Angeles.

Construction began on the stadium in 1959 and it opened in 1962 after the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to L.A. The third oldest baseball stadium still in use today, it was also the home of the California Angels until 1965. Dodger Stadium seats more people than any other baseball stadium in the country.

OLVERA STREET Situated on the site of the original Los Angeles settlement, Olvera Street takes its name from Agustin Olvera, the first judge in Los Angeles County. Today it acts as a thriving Mexican marketplace where tourists and shoppers alike find brightly colored

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

“Runners in this year’s marathon will enjoy a route that takes them down West Hollywood’s legendary Sunset strip before heading over to the equally famous Santa Monica Blvd. Our business community is working to maximize their visibility as they best serve residents and visitors alike on race day.”

Mayor John D’Amico West Hollywood

GRAUMAN’S CHINESE THEATER

piñatas, sombreros and pottery in addition to the smells of Mexican cuisine. But Olvera has had a rocky history since its establishment as the central plaza for the early settlement. With the expansion of L.A., it lay forgotten by the 1920s and became a gateway to downtown for Mexican immigrants. Its revitalization began in 1926 when the city agreed to save

the Avilla Adobe, the oldest home in L.A., from demolition. Since then, it has grown into a bustling tourist attraction and historic site.

CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS Towering over Downtown Los Angeles, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels SEE LANDMARKS PAGE 41

MAYOR JOHN D’AMICO

VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (VAGLAHS)

HOLLYWOOD SIGN

LANDMARKS FROM PAGE 40

steeps the community in cultural and religious significance, serving as the archdiocese of more than four million Catholics. Visible from the Hollywood Freeway and located on an elevated section of the old Bunker Hill, the cathedral marks the location of the Archbishop’s celebration honoring the major liturgies of the year. The cathedral is rich in cultural diversity and holds Sunday mass in 42 different languages. Inside, visitors are brought to awe by the beautifully colored stained glass depicting religious figures outlined by vivid gold, burgundy and royal blue tones.

With further exploration, the main church contains smaller wings colored by art pieces and paintings.

HOLLYWOOD SIGN On a clear day in L.A. it’s hard to miss the Hollywood Sign looming from its place atop Mt. Lee. The original sign, constructed in 1923,

CHATEAU MARMONT HOTEL

spelled out “Hollywoodland” and served as an advertisement for L.A. Times publisher Harry Chandler’s new real estate development.

Originally adorned with flashing lights, the sign fell into disrepair throughout much of the mid-1900s. In the early 1940s, the Hollywoodland real estate development went under and by 1949 the “land” had been removed.

TCL CHINESE THEATER Located along the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theater was commissioned in 1926, and

celebrated its opening in 1927 with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s film “The King of Kings.” One of the theater’s most distinctive points of attraction is the concrete blocks set in the court, which bears the signatures, footprints and handprints of more than 200 celebrities spanning from the 1920s to present day. Structurally daunting, the theater rises more than 90-feet with two red coral columns adorned by wrought iron masks holding up the dazzling bronze roof. Adding to the grand SEE LANDMARKS PAGE 42

“The exciting Stadium to the Sea route is brilliant and truly highlights what Los Angeles has to offer. We feel that our VAGLAHS campus adds to the route’s mantra of ‘a landmark every mile’ as we have been here since 1888 providing excellent healthcare to our Veterans. This partnership is an excellent example of community fellowship and trust expanding healing opportunities and environments in the care of our nation’s heroes, our Veterans.” representatives from the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS)

VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (VAGLAHS)

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

41

BEVERLY HILLS

LANDMARKS FROM PAGE 41

design, between the columns is a 30-foot high dragon carved from stone. The theater was declared a historiccultural landmark in 1968.

CHATEAU MARMONT HOTEL Modeled after Chateau d’Amboise in the French Loire Valley, the Chateau Marmont Hotel has brought a little French class to the city of L.A. It opened in 1927 as an apartment house, but high rents and the Great Depression kept business away. When it reopened as a hotel in 1931, it saw an influx in celebrity clientele.

Famous guests have included Jim Morrison of The Doors, who hurt his back during a stay at the hotel after dangling from a drainpipe, Greta Garbo and members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Members of the band Led Zepplin once drove their motorcycles through the lobby of the hotel, leaving a considerable amount of damage.

WHISKY A GO GO Billed as a discotheque when it opened in 1964, the Whisky A Go Go established itself as a hot spot for the Los Angeles music scene early on, even hosting a live band on its opening night. During the 60s, the Whisky helped popularize the go-go dance craze that shook the nation, hiring go-go dancers and DJs to perform. It also launched the career of many L.A. bands, including Love and The Doors. Because of its music role, the Whisky has been immortalized in a variety of songs, such as Motley

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

LOS ANGELES NATIONAL CEMETERY — VETERANS’ ADMINISTRATION

“The ASICS LA Marathon has become an annual tradition in Beverly Hills. We love the energy it brings and the connectivity with other cities. Our goal for Beverly Hills is to be one of the healthiest communities in the world; and sharing our beautiful streets with thousands it athletes from all over the world really brings that message home.”

Mayor Lili Bosse Beverly Hills

WHISKY A GO GO

Crue’s “Down at the Whisky.” The Whisky learned to reinvent itself as go-go dancing evolved into the new wave and punk trends of the 70s. But it fell on hard times in the early 80s as punk began to die out. To save face, it closed as a club and turned into a

venue with rentable space.

BEVERLY HILLS CITY HALL The Beverly Hills City Hall has presided over the city since 1932 when architect William Gage created the building in the Spanish MAYOR LILI BOSSE

SEE LANDMARKS PAGE 43

SANTA MONICA

SANTA MONICA PIER

LANDMARKS FROM PAGE 42

Renaissance style. But when it showed signs of age in the early 1980s, Beverly Hills embarked on a renovation project to bring it up to safety and earthquake codes.

Ensuring the preservation of the green- and gold-tiled dome and marble floors, the renovation also increased the office space. The architectural style has since inspired the design for the Beverly Hills Civic Center.

ROUTE 66 This famous highway was established in 1926 and originally ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. The route was traversed as a path for migrants who traveled west during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and towns built up along the road to cater to these travelers. It was

then popularized by the Nat King Cole Trio song “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66.”

The road was removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985 but various portions have been designated national scenic byways. In 2009, the Santa Monica Pier became the official end of Route 66, even though it originally ended at the intersection of Lincoln and Olympic boulevards.

LOS ANGELES NATIONAL CEMETERY — VETERANS’ ADMINISTRATION Just off of Wilshire Boulevard is the home of the Los Angeles National Cemetery, spanning more than 114 acres, operated by the Veterans’ Administration on lands shared with national veterans’ homes or treatment centers for disabled soldiers.

Each year, thousands of people come to pay their respect, and reflect on the white marble headstones.

SANTA MONICA PIER The Santa Monica Pier has a storied history as a world-famous tourist attraction. When first built in 1909, it was meant to be a municipal pier to carry sewage to the water. It wasn’t until 1916 that a shorter pleasure pier was built. In 1922 the famed carousel was added. During its heyday, the pier was home to the La Monica Ballroom and a variety of rides and attractions. When the city took control of the pier in 1953, many Santa Monicans feared this foreshadowed its demise.

In the 1970s, citizens organized to preserve the pier from being converted into a resort hotel and the city eventually rescinded its decision.

Tourists can still find the carousel and amusement park situated atop the pier, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009.

“As the marathoners come down Ocean Avenue toward the finish line, the Pacific Ocean before them and a cool sea breeze welcoming them, they’ll understand why people have been coming to the City of Santa Monica for 140 years, although most of us didn’t have to run 26 miles to get here.”

Mayor Kevin McKeown Santa Monica

MAYOR KEVIN MCKEOWN

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

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FAST OR SLOW BUT ALWAYS STEADY for CLIF Bar Pace Team H

ave a race goal but your splits are all over the place? Follow one of the runners with the balloon signs.

The CLIF Bar Pace Team will be keeping things evenkeeled on Sunday, leading racers to their goals.

One pace team member will be running — with balloon sign in hand — to finish in 3 hours and 5 minutes.

Another will be shooting for 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Eleven pace leaders will be gunning for times in between.

You’ll see the pace runners leading a pack of striving racers.

Clif Bar started sponsoring a pace team 13 years ago.

This year, they’ll send members of the squad to 17 marathons, including the ASICS LA Marathon.

“Originally when we created it, it was sort of a physical manifestation of our food,” said Ricardo Balazs, who helps oversee all things running-related for Clif Bar. “It was a way to feed athletes in their adventures and allow them to accomplish something that they couldn’t do without us. They’re there supporting runners, guiding them, and reminding them to eat at the aid stations.”

Balazs said that while the fastest pace running groups are necessarily locked-in, the slower pace teams have more fun, singing and chanting.

Unlike some locally organized pace teams, Clif Bar’s team is selected from a national pool — pacers commit to three of four races

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

each year.

Star Blackford is a veteran of the pace team. She started in its first year in 2002.

The ASICS LA Marathon, she said, has had some great moments for pace team members.

“There was the time that one of our leaders was tripped at the start in the midst of the crowds, and a couple of his group members picked him up and said, ‘You're not getting out of it that easily!’” she said.

Camaraderie tends to develop over a 26-mile stretch.

“Across the races, we've had runners sprint ahead to "reserve" porta-potties for the pace leaders,” Blackford said, “contests to see who could find sunscreen first at an aid station; one pacer even took a $5 bill on a course with a McDonald's

and offered the change to anyone who would go in and buy her a milkshake.”

(No one took the bet.)

Some pacers chant, she said, and some do trivia.

“A couple of our pace leaders have received marriage proposals from runners after particularly outstanding races, but no weddings quite yet,” Blackford said.

Social media is making it easier for some runners to stay in touch after their marathons.

Tons of our runners and pace team leaders stay in touch through Facebook, whether through our personal pages or the Clif Bar Pace Team page that's specifically dedicated to keeping up with our runners,” Blackford said.

Still, she said, the pace runner’s goal is to help the racers have their special moment, so they’re accus-

tomed to fading to black at the finish line.

“Finishing alone can be one of our favorite things if it means that our runners were able to sprint ahead to the end,” she said.

It can be hard on the pace runners when its rainy or cold. The pacers are running slower than they’re capable of so it takes discipline not to speed off and finish the race.

“As runners ourselves, we truly understand the investment of trust that runners put in us when they line up with our groups, and we don't want to do anything to let them down,” Blackford said.

“It's an incredibly humbling feeling to be trusted with another runner's race, and we want to do everything we can to honor that trust and make good on our promise.”

ASICS SPONSORSHIP A celebration of the power of sport

L

ike an athlete at the starting line of a grueling 26.2-mile race, ASICS is ready to run.

The title sponsor is playing a key role in the ASICS LA Marathon for the third year in a row, and its active

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

involvement with the local marathon builds on its portfolio of partnerships with similar running events in Tokyo, Paris and Barcelona.

“As a world-leading running brand, our goal was to

associate with major running events around the globe, and we identified L.A. as one of those opportunities,” said Shannon Scott, Senior Director, Marketing, Communications and Advertising for ASICS America. “This puts L.A. in that world-class realm.”

Just as the ASICS LA Marathon benefits from the support of ASICS, which has headquarters in nearby Irvine, the apparel company is bolstered by the opportunity to share its brand and vision — not just with marathon runners, but with supporters, spectators and television audiences.

“It’s inspiring to see someone run a race like this,” Scott said. “It makes you want to get up and run.”

After all, ASICS is deeprooted in hope and perseverance. Its origins can be traced back to the devastation of Japan in the aftermath of World War II, when company founder Kihachiro Onitsuka saw kids playing with a plastic bag, seemingly oblivious to the rubble around them.

“He saw how much joy sport brought to them,” Scott said. “He wanted to spread that.”

In 1977 he began spreadSEE SPONSOR PAGE 47

SPONSOR FROM PAGE 46

ing it under the ASICS name, an acronym for a Latin phrase — Anima Sana In Corpore Sano — that means “a sound mind in a sound body.” It’s a philosophy that drives the company today, even as it evolves and innovates to meet the needs of modern athletes.

“It’s the platform for everything we do,” Scott said.

“Bringing harmony to body and soul — that thought is really timeless. We really understand runners. We feel we’re uniquely positioned to communicate with runners in a way that motivates them and recognizes the commitment, hard work and sacrifice that goes into tackling a major running event like the marathon.”

ASICS has designed a special collection of products to celebrate the history of the ASICS LA Marathon, the centerpiece of which is a commemorative 33-DFA shoe that highlights the event’s 30th edition with subtle newsprint accenting a bright, colorful collage.

“It’ll get you noticed when you put it on,” Scott said.

But the training shoe’s aesthetic flash complements a carefully engineered design that reflects the company’s close attention to runners’ needs. Flex grooves, adaptive heel reinforcements and a low profile encourage natural motion of the feet. The materials are lightweight and breathable.

The special-edition footwear exemplifies ASICS’ dedication to science and mechanics in the creation of consumer products, which starts at a research and development center in Kobe,

“AS A WORLDLEADING RUNNING BRAND, OUR GOAL WAS TO ASSOCIATE WITH MAJOR RUNNING EVENTS AROUND THE GLOBE, AND WE IDENTIFIED L.A. AS ONE OF THOSE OPPORTUNITIES.” Shannon Scott Senior Director, Marketing, Communications and Advertising ASICS America

Japan.

All of ASICS’ shoes undergo intense review and analysis. There’s the Run Long line for distance events, the Run Natural style for training and exercise, the Run Fast cluster for serious sprinting and the Run Tough selection of trailminded footwear.

“We’re not comfortable just putting a shoe out there,” Scott said. “We’re testing all parts of the body, from the bottom of the foot to how the shoulders move. How do we help people run longer? We identify pain points — the lower back, the upper shoulders — and design product solutions. We’re rooted in making sure we have the scientific knowledge.”

As a committed multisport brand, ASICS is in constant pursuit of knowledge that it can apply to products for the ASICS LA Marathon and beyond.

“We’re super-excited about the race,” Scott said, “and we couldn’t be happier to be the premier sponsor.”

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

47

ASICS LA MARATHON CELEBRATES The arrival of Elite runners

RYAN AND SARA HALL

W

ith its Stadium to the Sea course ranking high on most runners’ bucket list, the ASICS LA Marathon has long been a draw for runners of all levels and as this year shows, the world's elite runners are as excited to tackle the challenge as anyone.

The 2015 ASICS LA Marathon welcomes the largest field of elite runners in the event's history with 74 American athletes registered to run. “This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive fields in the history of the marathon,” said Tracey Russell, Chief Executive of LA Marathon LLC. “On both a

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

national and international level, the breadth of talent is at an all-time high to set the stage for a historic race.”

Included in the elite field are Ryan and Sara Hall, two of the countries best runners who will run the course for the first time this year.

“The accomplishments and energy that Sara and Ryan bring to this year's race as America's premier long distance couple are very unique and will add to the celebration of the 30th edition of the ASICS LA Marathon,” said Russell.

Ryan's entry raises the bar for the other 34 men in the race. Ryan is a two-time U.S. Olympian and holds the

fastest American marathon time (2:04:58).

In 2008, Ryan won the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon in a record 2:09:02 in New York qualifying to run the marathon at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Hall finished second in the 2012 Olympic Team Trials in Houston, Texas with a time of 2:09:30, securing a spot on his second Olympic team. With a time of 59:43, Hall is also the American record holder for the half marathon.

Some of the additional exciting runners to keep an eye on are Americans Jared Ward, runner-up of the 2014

Twin Cities Marathon and Sergio Reyes, Patrick Rizzo and Carlos Trujillo will round out the top competitors for the U.S. men's field.

The international men's athletes are equally as talented, as 15 of the top elite runners sport a sub 2:12:30 personal best. Lani Rutto of Kenya, who has valuable course experience as runnerup of the 2014 ASICS LA Marathon, will return for a second chance at the title.

2012 U.S. Cross Country Champion Sara Hall will make her marathon debut coming off of a half marathon SEE ELITE PAGE 49

ELITE FROM PAGE 48

winning streak, clinching the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half, the San Jose Half Marathon, the Healdsburg Wine Country Half, the Dallas Half Marathon and setting a personal best of 1:10:46 at the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Houston, Texas this month. Hall will race against the world's fastest contenders, including Janet Bawcom, a 2012 Olympic 10,000-meter runner, who achieved a marathon personal best of 2:29:45 at the 2012 Olympic Trials.

Olympian Nuta Olaru, the reigning champion of the Big Sur Marathon in 2012-2014, is also in the field, as is Becky Wade, winner of the Cal International Marathon in

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her 2013 marathon debut.

They will be challenged by Alissa McKaig, Heather Lieberg and Melissa White for the 2015 USATF Marathon Championship title.

Headlining the international women's field are accomplished Ethiopian runners Misiker Demissie and Konjit Biruk, who hold the third and fourth fastest times in the field, respectively.

While many of these elite athletes would run for pride alone, there's more at stake this year.

The 2015 USA Track & Field Marathon Championships, which will take place within the 2015 ASICS LA Marathon. Many of those Americans competing in the 2015 USATF Marathon Championships will gain experience in Los Angeles before returning to

the city for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon on February 13, 2016.

There's also a cash prize with a combined total of $260K in prize money up for grabs between the Championships and the open race.

There is a $150K prize purse for the USATF Marathon Championships, with the male and female winners each taking home $25K. The $110K prize purse for the ASICS LA Marathon offers $25K to the male and female winners as well.

American athletes competing in the Championships are eligible to 'double-dip', meaning if someone wins the entire race (beating both Americans and internationals) they would take home $50K.

“THIS IS SHAPING UP TO BE ONE OF THE MOST COMPETITIVE FIELDS IN THE HISTORY OF THE MARATHON. ON BOTH A NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL, THE BREADTH OF TALENT IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH TO SET THE STAGE FOR A HISTORIC RACE.” Tracey Russell Chief Executive of LA Marathon LLC

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SMARTPHONE APP ASICS LA Marathon breaks mold

R

unners will finish the ASICS LA Marathon in Santa Monica. The area has become a hub for tech startups hoping to shape the future and the ASICS LA Marathon has a piece of the action with its new smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android.

The 2015 ASICS LA Marathon smartphone app delivers a best-in-class experience that allows runners, spectators and the entire Los Angeles community easy access to race information, the course map and social media tools to enhance their experience with the 30th edition race. Race officials and app designers said the software caters to a growing audience of plugged-in athletes.

“Over the last several years, more and more runners are taking to the ‘Stadium to the Sea’ course with their smartphones,” said Ryan Cavinder, Marketing Manager for LA MARATHON LLC. “Whether they’re tracking

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

their progress, listening to music or snapping photos of the landmarks, it’s definitely become one of the top running accessories.”

Patrick Moore works for Aloompa, the company responsible for the app, and he said the company was able to leverage experience gained from working with Bonnaroo, Ultra, Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival and artists such as Kenny Chesney and John Mayer to create a unique user experience around the race map.

The course map features detailed views of the start and finish areas that will allow both runners and spectators to navigate easily. The GPS capability allows users to find themselves on a map and to drop pins to share their location with others.

“LA MARATHON LLC came to us with some great ideas that showcase their initiative to be at the forefront of their industry,” he said. “One of

these ideas, the app map, allowed us to take what we were already doing in many of our apps, GPS enabled app maps, but use this feature to truly highlight what makes the ASICS LA Marathon so special, the course route. This map functionality allows the app user to trace the marathon course route and the many historic Los Angeles landmarks that runners encounter along the superbly scenic course."

In app features also include race information (including dates, times and facts to build a Race Week calendar), points of interest (including information on the famous landmarks populating the course), tracking & results (with easy access to sign up for runner-tracking, which will be available for the 2015 race via text message, Facebook or Twitter updates) and a social element.

The app makes it easier SEE APP PAGE 53

“LA MARATHON LLC CAME TO US WITH SOME GREAT IDEAS THAT SHOWCASE THEIR INITIATIVE TO BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THEIR INDUSTRY.” Patrick Moore App Developer

APP FROM PAGE 52

than ever for runners to "socialize" their marathon. Tap into the ASICS LA Marathon social channels, hear what others are saying about the race or post directly from the app.

“Completing a marathon is a tremendous accomplishment and we wanted to provide runners with tools to memorialize that accomplishment on social media,” said Cavinder. “Users can access custom ASICS LA Marathon Instagram borders, post directly from the app and stay up to date with the latest marathon-related posts.”

Cavinder said runners who have used the features love the experience.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “Users love the state-ofthe-art map features, social

“OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, MORE AND MORE RUNNERS ARE TAKING TO THE ‘STADIUM TO THE SEA’ COURSE WITH THEIR SMARTPHONES.” Ryan Cavinder Marketing Manager, LA Marathon LLC

tools and ability to create their own race week calendar. Professional athletes, amateur runners and race organizers have been raving about this app. We’re excited to show it off to the masses during race week.”

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

53

CHAIRMAN OF THE COURSE R

alph Pieplenbos can recall the moment when his life changed forever.

It was more than a decade ago, and the Disneyland mechanical designer was passing by a booth at work where a representative was trying to put together a group for the Malibu Triathlon.

“He said, ‘How would you like to join the team?’”

Pieplenbos says. “There was nobody around—he was actually talking to me. I pointed to my chair and said, ‘What are you, blind?’ I’m in a wheelchair.”

That’s when Pieplenbos learned about the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a San Diegobased nonprofit organization that provides opportunities in athletics for people with physical disabilities.

He had never heard of it.

He resolved to attend an informational meeting, and it wasn’t long after the chance encounter that he was competing in a sporting event for the first time.

“That was it,” he says. “It took my life in a totally different direction.”

It’s a direction that has given Pieplenbos, 61, renewed purpose and appreciation. And it’s a direction that will allow the Monrovia resident to complete the ASICS LA Marathon for the fourth time this year.

Pieplenbos never envisioned being able to participate in athletic activities, let alone complete a marathon.

When he was 7 months old he contracted polio, which

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stripped him of much of his muscle power. He went through several operations and rounds of treatment, but he detested how restricted his movements were.

He wanted nothing to do with a wheelchair. But after learning about the Challenged Athletes Foundation and knocking out a portion of the Malibu Triathlon, Pieplenbos came to see it as a gateway.

“Prior to that, I had no clue anyone with a physical disability could compete at that level,” he says.

Indeed, Pieplenbos was not aware of Bob Wieland’s story.

Wieland, 69, lost his legs while serving in the Vietnam War. He responded by completing the ASICS LA Marathon three times, most recently in 2003, and walking across the country in the 1980s.

All by swinging on his hands.

“Some of the things I’ve been able to do, I myself have to scratch my head,” says Wieland, who now travels the nation as a motivational speaker. “We know it’s happened, but I scratch my head every now and then and think, ‘Did I really do that?’”

Pieplenbos discusses his accomplishments with a similar sense of awe.

After receiving a grant for a racing chair from the Challenges Athletes Foundation, he entered half marathons and more triathlons. He worked his way up to 26.2-mile events, competing in events from San

Diego to New York.

Pieplenbos says sports have dramatically improved his physical fitness and allowed him to enjoy a camaraderie that he had never experienced.

At Disneyland, he has worked to ensure that all the rides and attractions are accessible to visitors with disabilities.

And he has also given back through the Challenged Athletes Foundation, mentoring young athletes who have suffered life-altering injuries.

One of his mentees, Ryan Chen, is also participating in this year’s ASICS LA Marathon. Chen, a former track athlete at Arcadia High School, injured his spinal cord in a 2009 snowboarding accident that left him paraplegic.

“He contacted me and wanted to get into racing,” Pieplenbos says. “I’ve met so many great athletes from all around the world that I would’ve never met.”

“SOME OF THE THINGS I’VE BEEN ABLE TO DO, I MYSELF HAVE TO SCRATCH MY HEAD.” Bob Weiland Vietnam Vet

On the morning of the ASICS LA Marathon, Pieplenbos will line up at the front of the pack -- he and other athletes in racing chairs typically move faster than those on foot. And although he has finished marathons in just over 2 hours, he won’t worry much about his final time.

On one condition.

“My goal is not to have the elite athletes catch me,” he says. “When I hear the helicopters coming (to follow the leading runners), I know I have to step it up.”

STUDENTS RUN LA R

emember when you were a kid and an hour-long drive felt like an eternity, $100 sounded like enough money to last you several decades, and running a mile seemed impossible?

Students Run LA is shattering that last one. Last year, 3360 students, grades 7 to 12, finished the ASICS LA Marathon.

Perhaps more impressive is the fact that of the high school seniors who ran from the stadium to the sea in 2013, 95 percent said they were planning to go to college in the fall, according to the nonprofit organization.

Students Run LA has been around for a quarter-century.

Volunteers start by taking the kids out on slow, short runs early in the school year, building up to the big race.

Most students head home after the last bell at Jane B. Eisner Middle School — within the Camino Nuevo Charter Academy network — but more than a dozen seventh and eighth graders gather in Anthony Madonna’s classroom for SRLA practice.

In early February, still weeks from the marathon, and the kids’ most recent feat is a 15 mile run — their

longest yet.

“Every single long run that we do, when it's a new distance, always starts off in a negative way and they don't feel that they can do it,” Madonna said. “Then once they reach the halfway point, it's always like a light switch turns on to them and then they get into it and coming home is always faster than going out. Every single time.”

Not one of the kids — they’re nearly all girls in this group — had run even three miles before joining SRLA. Seventh grader Kailey Gulliver’s longest run was, she estimated, “probably a block.”

“I didn't really know how to run and I used to just stay in bed and watch TV,” she said, “and Mr. Madonna had motivated me to run without stopping. I remember the first time I could do only two laps without stopping and I was pretty tired but for the most part I was pretty proud of myself for doing it. I would have never have done that.”

By the time the group hit the 15-mile run, Gulliver had learned to take things in stride.

“I was actually tired and I didn't have food and I had to keep on running,” she said.

Jenny and Anahi Cruz, twin sisters in seventh grade, spoke in near-unison about how much they love the program.

They’ve run two half marathons since starting up the program and their times improved dramatically.

“We were like nervous,” Anahi said. “We were like, ‘Oh my God can we do this?’ But I was really surprised by my time.”

“I thought that I couldn't run until I joined SRLA,” Jenny said, “and I feel that once you join SRLA you know that you could do more than what you think can.”

“When were getting almost done I thought, ‘Oh I can do this. This is getting easier.’ I just ran for it,” Anahi said of the half marathon. “I think it was like eight miles in and I was like, ‘Oh I can do it.’”

Madonna sees the program as healthy carrot in a middle school world of sticks.

“It keeps them focused on getting their homework done,” he said. “It keeps them focused on being respectful in class so they don't get detentions. One boy that we have is one of the kids who as a sixth grader was in trouble in lot with a lot of detentions. This year he's on the straight and narrow. His grades are up because he wants to make it to practice.”

Gulliver said she'll keep running because it's taught her stamina.

"In writing class I had to write 30 pages front and back, and I thought of, if I could run 15 miles then this

is less work than that would be," she said. "So I was stopping at 20 and I just thought of all the accomplishments I did in SRLA so I just kept on continuing to do 30 pages. " Carlibeth Jimenez, an eighth grader, says SRLA has helped her value goals.

“I wanted to go for it. It's 26.2 miles," she said. "It's crazy. I believe in myself and I want to accomplish it.

When I'm running, I motivate myself and think about the finish line or the medal."

The runs have helped Madonna build rapport with students.

"We get to know each other," he said. "That's all we're doing all day long is we're running together, talking, getting to know each other, getting to know their families as well, because they come out to the events."

Perhaps most notably, Gulliver has learned to live in the moment.

"If you put your mind to it, it will actually work out," she said, "because when running 15 miles, you don't think about the finish line, at least I don't, I think about how much I've accomplished, not how much more I have to do."

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

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2015 ASICS LA Marathon Arrival Times Mile/Location

Wheelchairs

Handcycles

Elite Women

Elite Men

3:30 Finishers

4:00 Finishers

5:00 Finishers

6:00 Finishers

7:00 Finishers

Pace per mile

4:00

3:30

5:30

5:00

8:00

9:10

11:27

13:44

16:02

6:50 AM

6:55

7:10

7:21

7:28

7:28

7:28

7:28

7:28

6:54

6:58

7:15

7:26

7:36

7:37

7:39

7:41

7:44

6:58

7:02

7:21

7:31

7:44

7:46

7:50

7:55

8:00

7:02

7:05

7:26

7:36

7:52

7:55

8:02

8:09

8:16

7:06

7:09

7:32

7:41

8:00

8:04

8:13

8:22

8:32

7:10

7:12

7:37

7:46

8:08

8:13

8:25

8:36

8:48

6

7:14

7:16

7:43

7:51

8:16

8:23

8:36

8:50

9:04

7

7:18

7:19

7:48

7:56

8:24

8:32

8:48

9:04

9:20

8

7:22

7:23

7:54

8:01

8:32

8:41

8:59

9:17

9:36

9

7:26

7:26

7:59

8:06

8:40

8:50

9:11

9:31

9:52

10

7:30

7:30

8:05

8:11

8:48

8:59

9:22

9:45

10:08

11

7:34

7:33

8:10

8:16

8:56

9:08

9:33

9:59

10:24

12

7:38

7:37

8:16

8:21

9:04

9:18

9:45

10:12

10:40

13

7:42

7:40

8:21

8:26

9:12

9:27

9:56

10:26

10:56

14

7:46

7:44

8:27

8:31

9:20

9:36

10:08

10:40

11:12

15

7:50

7:47

8:32

8:36

9:28

9:45

10:19

10:54

11:28

16

7:54

7:51

8:38

8:41

9:36

9:54

10:31

11:07

11:44

17

7:58

7:54

8:43

8:46

9:44

10:03

10:42

11:21

12:00

18

8:02

7:58

8:49

8:51

9:52

10:13

10:54

11:35

12:16

19

8:06

8:01

8:54

8:56

10:00

10:22

11:05

11:48

12:32

8:10

8:05

9:00

9:01

10:08

10:31

11:17

12:02

12:48

21

8:14

8:08

9:05

9:06

10:16

10:40

11:28

12:16

1:04

22

8:18

8:12

9:11

9:11

10:24

10:49

11:39

12:30

1:20

23

8:22

8:15

9:16

9:16

10:32

10:58

11:51

12:43

1:36

24

8:26

8:19

9:22

9:21

10:40

11:08

12:02

12:57

1:52

25

8:30

8:22

9:27

9:26

10:48

11:17

12:14

1:11

2:08

26

8:34

8:26

9:33

9:31

10:56

11:26

12:25

1:24

2:24

26.2

8:45

8:27

9:32

9:32

10:57

11:27

12:27

1:28

2:27

Start time

Dodger Stadium 1 Chinatown 2 Little Tokyo 3 Bunker Hill 4 Westlake 5 Silverlake

Little Armenia

Hollywood

West Hollywood

Beverly Hills

Westwood

West LA 20 Brentwood

Santa Monica

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

57

CHARITY LIST PREMIER CHARITIES

Camp Kesem

Prader-Willi California Foundation

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

CATS (Center for Assault Treatment Services) Northridge Hospital Foundation

P.S. ARTS

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society / Team in Training

City of Hope

Reading to Kids

City Year Los Angeles

Rebuilding Together

TEAM TO END AIDS

Concern Foundation

Rover Rescue

ThinkCure!

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

Runwell, Linda Quirk Foundation

The Dream Center

Door of Hope

Spina Bifida Association

Team World Vision

Dream Center

Students Off And Running - SOAR

Epilepsy Foundation / Epilepsy

Stupid Cancer

FEATURED CHARITIES

Foundation Greater Los Angeles

Team Parkinson

Angel City Pit Bulls

Every Mother Counts

Team Red, White and Blue

Corazon de vida Foundation

Extended Family

Teen Cancer America

Family Assistance Program

Testicular Cancer Foundation

Kitten Rescue Los Angeles

FORCE - Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered

Save the Children

Forte Animal Rescue

SOAR Santa Clarita

Fulfillment Fund

Train 4 Autism

Girl Up

UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County

Students Run LA

Healing Heart Across Borders PARTICIPATING CHARITIES Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Race 4 Veronika's Place

The Bili Project Foundation The Child S.H.A.R.E Program Inc. The Friends4Michael Foundation The Friendship Circle of the South Bay The Future Project The Pablove Foundation The Peacock Foundation

Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission

Urban Compass

Hostelling International USA

Westside German Shepherd Rescue

Alzheimer's Association, California Southland Chapter

Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research

LA BIG 5K CHARITY PARTNERS

American Association for Cancer Research Foundation

International Medical Corps

ARC Activities, Recreation & Care

John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health

Armenian Relief Society of Western USA

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Keep a Child Alive

CRE Outreach

LA River Revitalization Corp

El Nido Family Centers

American Indian Community Council

LA Universal Preschool

Eric's Vision

Asian American Drug Abuse Program, Inc.

Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club

Good Neighbors USA

Athletes for a Cure - Prostate Cancer Foundation

Love Without Boundaries

Junior League of Los Angeles

Magic Bus USA

Khalili Foundation

Marathon Kids

Lupus LA

Meals On Wheels West

Public Counsel

Music for Relief

Sojourn - OPCC

National Kidney Foundation

spcaLA

Blind Childrens Center

Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County

The Painted Turtle

Blind Start of America

OneLegacy Foundation

Union Rescue Mission

ALS Association - Orange County Chapter

Autism Speaks Azusalighthouse Mission Back on My Feet Bassett Hound Rescue Beit T'Shuvah

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

UDLA

(Unification of Disabled Latin Americans)

CHARITY RUNNERS T

he ASICS LA Marathon isn’t only about breaking personal bests and basking in the finish line afterglow.

Every year, runners raise millions of dollars for dozens of marathon-backed charities.

Runners can select from a list of charity partners, join a charity team, choose from any of the different races, and begin fundraising on behalf of the team, directly through the Charity Portal.

"The Official Charity Program is an integral part of what makes the ASICS LA Marathon great," said Rachel Sanchez, manager of Charity Partnerships. “It captures the determination and passion of people who want to make a difference in their own lives through running a marathon, as well as making a difference in the lives of others by raising money for a good cause. By partnering with these amazing nonprofits, we get to be a part of that incredible story.The program increases awareness for the nonprofit and in turn helps the ASICS LA Marathon build a sense of community, and gives runners an opportunity to give back. It’s really a win-win!”

Many of the charity runners are dogooders passionate about a particular cause but some have incredible and inspirational stories that tie directly into the organization they’re supporting.

Miss California United States Brandy Fisher is running the 2-person charity relay on behalf of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Fisher has made it her mission to stamp out suicides after her own experience as an 11-year-old, when her father murdered her mother and then took his own life.

The Venice-resident is running not only to raise funds but also awareness about suicide loss and prevention.

“Throughout my lifetime, I have served as an advocate for multiple charitable organizations and have recently unveiled the courage to publicly share my own experience with suicide,” she said in her funding outreach letter.

“After living through the murder-suicide involving my father murdering my moth-

er and taking his own life (when I was 11 years old), I developed a strong passion and desire to help others cope with losing a loved one and have made it my life mission to speak out about suicide loss and suicide prevention. I am honored to run alongside those who will be present at the upcoming ASICS LA Marathon with Team AFSP.” Teen Cancer America also has an inspiring representative.

The organization, which is fronted by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who, creates youth-specific centers for teens and young adults receiving cancer treatment. The spaces are often stocked with pool tables, video game systems, and lounge furniture to instill a warm environment for these patients who aren’t quite adults but aren’t quite kids either.

Hernan Barangan, a filmmaker who fended off cancer once as a teen and once as a young adult, will compete in the hand cycle division of the full marathon as an ambassador for Teen Cancer America.

“We are on a mission to provide specialist facilities for teens and young adults with cancer and Hernan is on a quest to make the voices of young cancer patients heard by filming them and getting them to tell their story,” said Geraldine Lee of TCA. “He’s been doing this by driving around the country but has taken time out to undertake the LA Marathon and we are very proud of him.”

Union Rescue Mission (URM), which is dedicated to serving men, women, and children experiencing homelessness, has a slew of charity runners, including Laquita. Laquita will represent the Union Rescue Mission, where she works, in the 5K. URM isn’t just Laquita’s employer — it also helped her through a rough patch in her life.

She has three kids under the age of 17 and for 10 years, she moved from couch to couch at family members’ homes — working a full-time job but still not making enough to support her family.

“I always felt like I wasn’t a good

BRANDY FISHER, CHARITY RUNNER FOR AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

mom because I didn’t have a place for my kids to lay their head,” she said in a short film produced by URM. She ended up moving into Hope Gardens, a URM facility. Two years later she got the job with URM as a gifts in-kind representative.

“Now I’m able to give back to what helped me get on my feet,” she said in the film.

Now that her family and job is squared away, Laquita says, she’s working on improving herself physically and spiritually. That’s where the 5K comes in.

“This’ll be finishing something I started,” she said. “Letting myself know, even though its hard, I did it. It’s like life: What we’ve been through.”

You can learn more about the ASICS LA Marathon Official Charity Program at http://www.lamarathon.com/charities/official-charities.

Do you know a nonprofit doing amazing work in your community? The ASICS LA Marathon accepts applications to be a part of the Official Charity Program every June. Get more info online, including times of information sessions, starting in May.

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

59

RELAY RACE PREVIEWS

Special Olympics celebration T

housands of athletes are convening in Los Angeles to celebrate competition and camaraderie — and we’re not just talking about the ASICS LA Marathon.

The Special Olympics World Games will be held this summer in the City of Angels, an event that will feature some 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from more than 170 countries. It is expected to involve 30,000 volunteers and half a million spectators at 27 venues in the region over nine days.

But before the Games begin July 25, Special Olympics athletes will get acquainted with Southern California and introduce themselves to the community by running portions of the ASICS LA Marathon.

During the ASICS LA Marathon, members of Special Olympics Team USA will be paired with

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

“THE RELAY IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO COME OUT AND SUPPORT SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES WHO WILL BE COMPETING THIS SUMMER.” Steven Vanderpool Senior Vice President of Communications and Media Operations with the Special Olympics World Games

Olympians and Paralympians in a unique relay arrangement.

“The relay is a wonderful way to come out and support Special Olympics athletes who will be competing this summer,” said Steven Vanderpool, senior vice president of communications and

media operations with the Special Olympics World Games. “But also, this opportunity shows the great support — and respect — that local Olympians and Paralympians have for their fellow athletes.”

The relay came about with the support of ASICS LA Marathon and the encouragement of KTLA, a longtime partner of Special Olympics Southern California.

Special Olympics Southern California, one of the nonprofit organization’s 52 chapters in the country, will have 13 delegates participating in the marathon and a few designated alternates.

Each participant will run an approximately 2-mile leg of the 26.2-mile race alongside either an Olympian or Paralympian, according to

Vanderpool.

All of the Special Olympics athletes, who have experience in a variety of sports, are expected to compete in the upcoming World Games.

The relay at the ASICS LA Marathon will place them alongside members of the Southern California chapter of the U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association.

For the association, the relay underscores its mission to foster a sense of community among athletes while supporting Olympians and Paralympians throughout the region.

Association chapter president Tamara Christopherson, a U.S. Olympian who competed in sprint kayak in the SEE RELAY PAGE 61

RELAY

“THE SPECIAL

FROM PAGE 60

OLYMPICS WORLD

2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, said in a statement, “The SoCal Olympians and Paralympians help fund the dreams of future Olympians and Paralympians, coordinate member appearances at youth, community and corporate events, offer fellowship to members of past and current Olympic teams, and support the creation of an active, visible worldwide Olympian organization.”

Indeed, the relay doubles as a preview of what the Special Olympics World Games will bring to Los Angeles this summer. The World Games have not been held in the City of Angels since 1972.

“The Special Olympics World Games are one of the most powerful vehicles for communicating to the world the abilities and gifts of people with intellectual disabilities,” the event website proclaims. “Wherever they are held, the World Games act

GAMES ARE ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL VEHICLES FOR COMMUNICATING TO THE WORLD THE ABILITIES AND GIFTS OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES.” www.LA2015.org as a catalyst for growth in Special Olympics sports programs in communities around the world and promote awareness among all segments of society. We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place — one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.”

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

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ASICS LA MARATHON HOSTING USATF Marathon Championships W

hen thousands of participants set out to conquer the ASICS LA Marathon, they’ll be chasing some of the most elite runners in the country.

That’s because this year’s edition of the local marathon is doubling as the race for the USA Track & Field Marathon Championship, which attract top athletes who will be leading the pack and competing for prize money.

It’s the result of an ongoing partnership between the LA Marathon LLC and the national governing body for track and field as the two organizations prepare for the 2016 Olympic Team Trials, which will also be held in Los Angeles.

“With the LA Marathon hosting the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, it made sense on a number of fronts to have our national championships there,” said Jill Geer, chief public relations officer for USATF. “It gives us a chance to work together with the local organizers and establish that working partnership. The opportunity to work together will ensure maximum success for the Olympic Trials.”

The national championship marathon has not been held in Los Angeles since 1994, according to Geer. Last year’s marathon championship was held in conjunction with the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis, where Tyler Pennel and Esther Erb cap-

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2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

tured national titles.

“It’s a race within a race,” Geer said. “Typically, with our national championships, the top Americans are the national champions. In some races you’ll have foreign athletes who win, but it’s our hope that the American is first to cross the finish line.”

The national championship marathon is part of the USATF running circuit, which features races with distances ranging in miles from 1 to 26.2. Geer noted that Los Angeles is an appealing host in part because the West Coast has been somewhat neglected for events on the running circuit.

A total prize purse of $150,000 will be awarded to the top 15 men and women at this year’s USATF Marathon Championships, including $25,000 for the winner and $15,000 for the runner-up.

Only athletes registered for the USATF Marathon Championships are eligible to earn prizes from the USATF marathon prize purse.

Athletes registered with USATF will also be eligible to claim portions of the $110,000 prize purse that is available to top finishers in the overall field.

The marathon course at the Olympic trials in 2016 will be different than the “Stadium to the Sea” course featured in this year’s ASICS LA Marathon, but the continuity of location is still helpful for USATF officials and athletes.

JANET BAWCOM

RYAN HALL

“They get to see how they’ll be hosted and treated,” Geer said. “It gives them a chance to experience working with the local organizers. They get the ASICS LA Marathon experience. It’s a world-class company.”

The Olympic Team Trials marathon will be held Feb. 13, 2016, and broadcast on NBC. The February date allows athletes enough time to recover for the track and field Olympic Trials in June.

“We are thrilled with what Los Angeles will provide to our athletes, the Olympic movement and the sport of long distance running by hosting this event,” USATF CEO Max Siegel said in a news release.

Los Angeles beat out Houston and Cincinnati for the Olympic trials. Houston hosted the men’s and women’s marathon trials in 2012.

“I'm happy and honored USA Track & Field and the U.S. Olympic Committee have chosen Los Angeles as

host city for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a news release. “With its iconic landmarks and decades of experience hosting world class sporting events, Los Angeles is the ideal location for America’s elite marathoners to prepare for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.”

The regular ASICS LA Marathon in 2016 is slated for the following day, Feb. 14, yielding a weekend festival to celebrate road racing.

31 DAY

sale window

& patio door

This isn’t one of those ‘limited time’ offers that’s not really limited; we’re only offering this discount for 31 days.1 There are limited appointments available, and you must book yours before March 31st…

LESS THAN TH WEEKS LE REE FT!*

which means you only have LESS THAN three weeks left!1 Renewal by Andersen is the replacement window division of Andersen; there isn’t a more trusted window company in the country.

SAVE $300

SAVE $825

on every window1

on every patio door1

SmartSun™ Glass

NO NO NO

—our most energy-efficient glass option comes standard on all our windows.†

Money Down

Payments

Interest

for 1 year1

Discount offer only available as part of our Instant Product Rewards Plan.

LESS THAN three weeks left to book your FREE Window Diagnosis1

1-424-320-0743

1 Restrictions and conditions apply; see your local representative for details. Cannot be combined with prior purchases, other offers, or coupons. No adjustments to previous orders. Offer not available in all areas, Discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to minimum purchase of 4 or more windows and/or patio doors. Offer does not include bay/bow windows. Offer only available as part of our Instant Product Rewards Plan. As part of the Instant Product Rewards Plan, all homeowners must be present and must purchase during the initial visit to qualify. To qualify for discount offer, initial contact for a free Window Diagnosis must be made and documented on or before 3/31/15 with the appointment then occurring no more than 10 days after the initial contact. 0% APR for 12 months available to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. Not all customers may qualify. Higher rates apply for customer with lower credit ratings. Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. No Finance Charges will be assessed if promo balance is paid in full in 12 months. Renewal by Andersen retailers are independently owned and operated retailers, and are neither brokers nor lenders. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only and all financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen retailers, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. CA License # 992285.

OC License # 990416. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2015 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2015 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved. *See limited warranty for details. †Summer values are based on comparison of Renewal by Andersen Insert doublehung window SHGC to the SHGC for clear dual pane glass non-metal frame default values from the 2006, 2009 and 2012 International Energy Conservation Code “Glazed Fenestration” Default Tables.

FEATURE PRESENTATIONS

Stadium to the Sea route a cinematic adventure

T

he first movie shot in Los Angeles was filmed over 100 years ago, and moviemakers have not stopped using the City of Angels as a backdrop ever since. The city’s unique feel and diverse locations have been used in comedies, crime dramas and more. If you’re looking for the location of an old favorite or seeking the setting of the next movie you watch, keep an eye on the city; Los Angeles was made for the movies.

The ASICS LA Marathon’s Stadium to the Sea route is a prime example of the area’s rich history in film. The following locations along the route have all had their close-ups:

“Gangster Squad,” “Rush Hour” and “Lethal Weapon 4” all made memorable use of the L.A. setting.

DODGER STADIUM The race begins at Dodger Stadium, which was memorably used as a location for the baseball scenes in the slapstick comedy “The Naked Gun.” Other films featuring the stadium include the apocalyptic classic “The Omega Man” and the original “The Fast And The Furious.” The Stadium served as the model for the baseball scene in “Superman Returns” and the airplane rescue scene was filmed on site.

Tom Cruise’s character from the 2012 film “Rock of Ages” performs at the stadium in the closing scene.

HOLLYWOOD Hollywood is still the location of Paramount Studios, the city’s last remaining classic movie studio. Paramount was the filming place of some of the industry’s biggest movies and TV series, including “The Artist,” “Rear Window,” “Breakfast At Tiffany’s,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Glee.”

Shot at both Paramount Studios and around Hollywood was film noir legend “Sunset Boulevard,” named after one of L.A.’s most iconic streets and a true piece of cinematic immortality. The streets of Hollywood also served as the set of 1953’s “The War Of The Worlds,” L.A.’s original disaster movie.

CHINATOWN Although Roman Polanski’s iconic neo-noir “Chinatown” made obvious use of its namesake, other films have borrowed Chinatown’s mix of exotic and hometown feel.

Crime and action dramas

WEST HOLLYWOOD David Lynch’s head spinning meta-film “Mulholland Drive” and the uniquely Los Angeles crime drama “L.A. Confidential” featured some scenes in West Hollywood, as well as in and around the

64

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

city. The city is also featured prominently in the Real Housewives franchise as the home of Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants. Entourage filmed extensively in the City as well.

BEVERLY HILLS How can you think of Beverly Hills without thinking of “Beverly Hills Cop.” The Eddie Murphy comedy was shot right on the streets of Beverly Hills. Also shot around the Hills were the romantic comedy “Pretty Woman” and Quentin Tarantino’s cult masterpiece “Pulp Fiction.” While the story of “Argo” is set in Iran, it was filmed locally with the Beverly Hilton featured as a setting. It’s a “Wonderful Life,” “X-Men,” “The Muppets,” and “Austin Powers”: Goldmember all filmed at locations in the city.

CENTURY CITY The ASICS LA Marathon route runs right across Avenue of the Stars, which contains the infamous Fox Plaza; as well as Fox Studios headquarters, Fox Plaza houses the building used as the setting for 1988’s explosive action classic “Die Hard.”

SANTA MONICA Santa Monica has been a popular location for filming since the early days of cinema. Caper comedies “Get Shorty” and “Ocean’s Eleven” were shot in the city.

“The Truth About Cats And Dogs” made use of Palisades Park, and the Santa Monica Pier was featured in key scenes in 1971’s “The Sting,” 1994’s “Forrest Gump,” and more recently, 2008’s “Iron Man.” Finally, it is fitting that the end of the ASICS LA Marathon happens on Ocean Avenue in downtown Santa Monica, since that’s the same spot the madcap marathon in the 1963 epic comedy “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” came to its cacophonous conclusion.

The Santa Monica Pier has also been used in countless television shows including, Modern Family, The Mindy Project, America’s Next Top Model, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS: Los Angeles and South Park.

Multiple episodes of the Grand Theft Auto franchise also modeled locations on the Pier.

31 DAY

window & patio door

sale

This isn’t one of those ‘limited time’ offers that’s not really limited; we’re only offering this discount for 31 days.1 There are limited appointments available, and you must book yours before March 31st…

which means you only have LESS THAN three weeks left!1

SAVE $300 on every window1

SmartSun™ Glass —our most energy-efficient glass option comes standard on all our windows.†

SAVE $825

on every patio door1

NO NO NO

Money Down

Payments

Interest

for 1 year

1

Discount offer only available as part of our Instant Product Rewards Plan.

LESS THAN three weeks to book your FREE Window Diagnosis1

1-424-320-0743

1

Restrictions and conditions apply; see your local representative for details. Cannot be combined with prior purchases, other offers, or coupons. No adjustments to previous orders. Offer not available in all areas, Discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to minimum purchase of 4 or more windows and/or patio doors. Offer does not include bay/bow windows. Offer only available as part of our Instant Product Rewards Plan. As part of the Instant Product Rewards Plan, all homeowners must be present and must purchase during the initial visit to qualify. To qualify for discount offer, initial contact for a free Window Diagnosis must be made and documented on or before 3/31/15 with the appointment then occurring no more than 10 days after the initial contact. 0% APR for 12 months available to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. Not all customers may qualify. Higher rates apply for customer with lower credit ratings. Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. No Finance Charges will be assessed if promo balance is paid in full in 12 months.

Renewal by Andersen retailers are independently owned and operated retailers, and are neither brokers nor lenders. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only and all financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen retailers, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. CA License # 992285. OC License # 990416. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2015 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2015 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved. *See limited warranty for details. †Summer values are based on comparison of Renewal by Andersen Insert doublehung window SHGC to the SHGC for clear dual pane glass non-metal frame default values from the 2006, 2009 and 2012 International Energy Conservation Code “Glazed Fenestration” Default Tables.

CONGRATULATIONS Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) applauds our running program, in partnership with Students Run LA, for participating in the 2015 marathon.

Monica Onofre and Daniel De La Cruz, PAL youth runners in the 2013 marathon.

th

This is the 17 year that PAL has participated in the marathon.

Congratulations to: Chris Aguilar, Edwin Antonio, Rosie Bravo, Jose Cortez, Daisy Garcia, Nicholas Garcia, Alfredo Gonzalez, Giovanni Javier, Leslie Luis, Gaby Lopez Meyer, Monica Onofre, Beverly Ramos, Cesar Rodriguez, Ernesto Sernas, Zaahir Shorter, AB Tessema, Nayla Torres, Gloria Ventura, and Jenny Zelaya. PAL staff runners: Monica Banach, Karen Humphrey, and Sam Tello.

We are so proud of you! www.smpal.org

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

65

By The Numbers 4 Cities and the Veterans’ Administration on ‘Stadium to the Sea’ course

50 States Represented

Band-Aids

5,400

Ibuprofen tablets

6,000

50 Bands,

600+ cheerleaders, 70 Charity Cheer Zones

2:25:38

Fastest Women’s Course Time in 2010 by Edna Kiplagat of Kenya

54Represented Countries

Volunteers

178 Legacy

25,500

599,211

33,000

481,497

Participants

101 Official Charities

3200+

Students Run LA members

401 Feet

course elevation decrease

698

Portable Toilets

66

3,500

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

Bagels

Bananas

55,500 Gallons of Water

1,325,000 Cups

10

Medical Stations

Total entrants (1986-2014)

Total finishers (1986-2014)

2:06:35 Course record in 2011

by Markos Geneti of Ethiopia

1986 First LA Marathon

2015 ASICS LA MARATHON

67