The 38th annual Los Angeles Marathon returned on Sunday, March 19 — and about 22,000 competitors completed the 26.2 mile course through some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks without a hitch, despite some concerns about wet weather.
The massive field of runners, who came from all 50 states and 67 countries around the world, nearly matched the marathon’s highest-ever turnout of 27,150 racers in 2020.
The first post-pandemic marathon was hosted in November 2021 — eight months later than usual — because of concerns about spreading the virus. Participants that year were required to show proof of vaccination, wear masks and maintain a semblance of social distance.
The pool of contestants dipped significantly that year, with about 13,000 athletes taking on the 26.2 mile course through the City of Angels that year.
The 2022 marathon, hosted just six months later, also had trouble recruiting entrants because of the public health restrictions and concerns. About 14,000 athletes ran the race that year.
“Everything was a nightmare,” said Dan Cruz, the LA Marathon’s head of communications, on Monday, March 20. “All of the attention was on that — it was a distraction not only for society, but for the organization.”
But now, with COVID-19 restrictions lifted, the LA Marathon is returning to normal.
“The marathon is back in a big way, after two years pandemic impacts,” Cruz said. “This was a race that was born out of the (1984) Olympics — with the Olympics returning, it’s only going to continue to get bigger and more meaningful for our community.”
Sunday also saw the return of the LA Marathon’s famous supporters, Cruz said, with celebrities including world-renowned DJ Diplo completing the full marathon. Other celebrities, including actors Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, participated in the half marathon.
“It went forever, but by the time I hit the turnaround I had to take my shirt off and celebrate,” Diplo said in a…
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