Naturally, the media spotlight at the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon called the “Stadium to the Stars” taking place on Sunday, March 17 shines brightest on the 26,000 runners.
But the spectators who will number about 200,000 play a supporting role that organizers say makes this event an only-in-L.A. production. Whether coming to catch a glimpse of the runners, to spread cheer, or to kick back on a beach chair or atop a double-decker bus, the watchers on the 26.2-mile route are more than extras.
“The spectators make the experience,” said Dan Cruz, spokesperson for the McCourt Foundation, organizer of the marathon. “When they are high-fiving and cheering it is what separates the L.A. Marathon from other races. It is really a block party out there.”
Spectators are encouraged to bring homemade signs and offer the runners water, doughnuts, bacon, jellybeans, pretzels, licorice sticks, Otter Pops or other food bites, said Laurie Gestal, senior marketing director for McCourt Foundation. Orange slices are prohibited because the rinds end up underfoot on the route, she said.
The course, which runs through the streets of Los Angeles and the cities of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, finishing in Century City, will be lined with spectators at all mile markers, Gestal said. But where are the hot spots for watching? How should they get there?
She said choose the most convenient spot. But many line up in Hollywood and West Hollywood where bands and DJs are king. At Echo Park, the Sidel Entertainment Drum Line will play (at Mile 6), keeping runners moving along, she said. Details on entertainers on the course are at: tinyurl.com/4r7sapby
Driving: Parking and Shuttles
Driving around detoured streets and closed freeway ramps and turn lanes along parts of the 101, 110 and 405 will add to drive times. Closures are set from 3 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 17. For real-time freeway traffic information, go to Caltrans Quickmap: quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
If parking at Dodger…
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