Running News Daily

Dominic Ngeno, Stacy Ndiwa celebrate after winning 2024 L.A. Marathon

Upon breaking the tape on a pristine St. Patrick’s Day morning in the City of Angels, Dominic Ngeno dropped to his knees and kissed the ground in celebration of winning the 39th Los Angeles Marathon.

The 26-year-old Kenyan separated from countryman Cosmas Kiplimo with a little more than three miles to go on the 26.2-mile route that started at Dodger Stadium and ended on the Avenue of the Stars in Century City. Ngeno prevailed by five seconds in 2:10:20 — almost three minutes faster than last year’s winner, Jemal Yimer of Ethiopia.

“I watched the race the last couple of years and my coach gave me a plan in training,” Ngeno said. “I wanted to go 2:08 but it was a little humid the last three kilometers and that reduced our speed. In my mind it was about setting the right pace.”

Ngeno clocked a personal-best 2:07:26 to place third at the Eindhoven Marathon in the Netherlands in October and was ninth in 2:11:23 at the Milan Marathon in Italy in April. Ethiopian Markos Geneti set the L.A. Marathon men’s record of 2:06:35 in 2011, but Sunday was about the Kenyans — Ngeno, Kiplimo and Stacy Ndiwa, who repeated as the women’s winner in a personal-best 2:25:28.

“Last year I didn’t know the course but this year I prepared well for the hills and the weather was better,” said the 31-year-old Ndiwa, who pulled away from runner-up Volha “Olga” Mazuronak in the last mile to win by 20 seconds and shave 5:32 off last year’s effort. Ndiwa received an additional $10,000 for winning the Marathon Chase.

“People cheered us from the start until the last minute,” she said. “At 40 kilometers I increased my pace. I was worried [Mazuronak] would catch me.”

Askale Merachi of Ethiopia set the women’s record of 2:24:11 in 2019.

The elite women started on time at 6:43 a.m. and were supposed to have a 17-minute head start in the Marathon Chase, a feature unique to the L.A. Marathon in which the first runner to reach the finish line, either male or female, is awarded a $10,000 bonus. Due to a miscommunication, however, the men were sent off at 6:55, only 12 minutes behind the women, lessening the drama of the “battle of the sexes.”

In 13 previous Chase competitions the women won the race-within-a-race nine times, but their “early” start enabled Ngeno and Kiplimo to overtake the top three women in Mile 22. However, Ndiwa was still declared the winner because the men would not have caught her had they started on schedule.

“When the men passed us and I saw who they were I thought ’no problem!’ ” Ndiwa said.

“She trains not far away and we see each other on the track a lot,” Ngeno said of his fellow winner. “Last week, we wished each other the best. We’re proud to have won.”

The L.A. Marathon debuted in 1986 and a Kenyan has won the men’s race eight times and the women’s race six times since 2015.

Mazuronak, who finished fifth in the Olympics twice, was running her first marathon in three years. In September, the 34-year-old from Belarus relocated to Irvine with her son and gained membership in USA Track & Field after not being able compete as a result of her protesting election fraud in her native country.

(03/17/2024) Views: 566 ⚡AMP
by Los Angeles Times

Pamela Rotich headlines Los Angeles Marathon

Kenya’s Pamela Rotich will be the lady to watch at the 39th edition of the Los Angeles Marathon slated for Sunday (17) in Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Rotich who is the oldest and fastest athlete on the entry list, comes to this race with a life time best of 2:22.43 that she got two years ago at Daegu International Marathon, where she took the silver medal.

The 40 year-old will not have an easy time as she will face-off with Olga Mazuronak of Belarus who is the second fastest athlete on paper with a time of 2:23.54 that she got at the 2016 London Marathon where she finished in fourth place and the former Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medallist, Stacy Ndiwa of Kenya who holds a personal best of 2:31.00 that she got last year at the Chicago Marathon.

Another title contender is Olympian Silvia Paredes from Ecuador of personal best 2:40.58 and the 2015 Pan American Games marathon bronze medalist, Rachel Hannah from Canada who holds a personal best of 2:32.09 that she got at the 2016 Houston Marathon, where she finished in sixth place.

LEADING TIME

42KM WOMEN

Pamela Rotich       (KEN) 2:22.43

Olga Mazuronak   (BEL) 2:23.54

Stacy Ndiwa          (KEN) 2:31.00

Rachel Hannah      (CAN) 2:32.09

Silvia Paredes        (CAN) 2:40.58

(03/13/2024) Views: 473 ⚡AMP
by John Vaselyne

Elite Runners Gear Up for Thrilling Showdown at 2024 Los Angeles Marathon

Event organizers are optimistic about witnessing one of the fastest men's races in the history of the Los Angeles Marathon.

The spotlight will be on Kenya's Dominic Kipyegon Ngeno when the 2024 edition of the Los Angeles Marathon takes place on March 17.

Ngeno clinched the third spot at the Eindhoven Marathon in the Netherlands last October, achieving a personal best of 2:07:26 and is set to lead the elite field  in what promises to be a thrilling race.

Ngeno's compatriot, Moses Kiptoo Kurgat, arrives in Los Angeles boasting a personal best of 2:08:40, following his recent triumph at the 2022 Kuala Lumpur Marathon, where he clocked an impressive 2:11:05. The duo's presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, showcasing Kenya's dominance in long-distance running.

Eritrean runners Tsegay Tuemay and Tesfu Weldegebreal, who have been honing their skills in Flagstaff, Arizona, are also set to make their mark. Tuemay, with a personal best of 2:09:07, claimed victory at the McKirdy Micro Marathon in New York last October in a time of 2:11:04. Meanwhile, Weldegebreal, with a half marathon personal best of 62:48, is gearing up for his marathon debut.

Other contenders vying for the top spot include Cosmas Kiplimo from Kenya, boasting a 2:09:44 personal best and a third-place finish in the Geneva Marathon (2:10:44) in Switzerland last October. Sammy Rotich, a Kenyan who secured victory at the Austin Marathon (2:14:25) and achieved a personal best of 2:10:08 at Grandma's Marathon in 2022, will also be a force to be reckoned with. Ethiopia's Belay Tilahun Bezabh, winner of the 2019 NYC Half Marathon and with notable performances in Hamburg and Dalian Marathons, completes the formidable lineup.

Given the impressive credentials of these elite runners, the event organizers are optimistic about witnessing one of the fastest men's races in the history of the Los Angeles Marathon. 

The current fastest time ever recorded in Los Angeles is Ethiopia's Markos Geneti's remarkable 2:06:35 effort in 2011 on the Stadium to Sea course. The Stadium to Stars route's course record is held by Ethiopia's Bayelign Teshager, who clocked 2:08:26 in 2020, setting the stage for an exciting showdown among these elite athletes.

(03/08/2024) Views: 434 ⚡AMP
by Michezo Afrika

Having completed his first half-marathon, Travis Barker has caught the running bug and is now signed up for the Los Angeles Marathon

The drummer of Blink 182, Travis Barker, has found a new passion and has lofty goals for the year ahead. On New Year’s Eve, the 48-year-old completed his first half-marathon in Santa Monica, Calif., and now he has his eyes set on 42.2 km at the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon on March 17.

Barker finished the half-marathon in 2:08:57, averaging a pace of six minutes and seven seconds per kilometre and placing 32nd overall out of 59 runners. Barker had family and friends at the race to cheer him on for his debut, including his wife, reality TV and fashion megastar Kourtney Kardashian.

Kardashian was seen sporting Barker’s finisher medal afterward. His first half-marathon capped off a big year for Barker. In November, the couple had their first child together, Rocky Thirteen.

“Ending 2023 with a bang,” the drummer captioned his post on Instagram. When asked about his next race, Barker revealed his plans to run the LA Marathon.

Barker’s training for the half did not go smoothly. The drummer said he had to halt his training due to an iliopsoas tendon strain a few weeks before the race. He posted that he knows the marathon won’t be easy, but he trusts the guidance he’s received from Stanford neuroscience professor Andrew Huberman and human performance professor Andy Galpin.

Now that the Kardashians are attending races and Taylor Swift is doing fartlek workouts has our sport officially reached its peak?

(01/02/2024) Views: 547 ⚡AMP
by Marley Dickinson

Top US Spring Marathons to Get a 2024 Personal Best

 

Christmas, New Year, multiple parties, and family gatherings are just around the corner. With the holiday season and the cold weather, planning for your next spring marathon in 2024 is probably the last thing on your mind. 

 

However, there’s no such thing as being too busy or too early when planning your next race. In fact, a solid 20-week-long marathon training plan with some breathing room requires around five months. That’s why “now” is the best time to prepare for your next spring marathon. 

 

From World Majors and massive city marathons to trail runs and small-town races, there are a lot of marathons to choose from this coming spring. But we’ve got you covered. We’ve listed some of the must-try spring marathons across the United States. Check them out here. 

Myrtle Beach Marathon

In March, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina has an average temperature of 64 degrees, which might feel cool for swimming but is perfect for running a marathon. Hence, before the town gets busy with spring break, it hosts a race by the beach called Myrtle Beach Marathon. This year, it’ll be held on March 2, 2024.

 

Myrtle Beach Marathon is one of the best spring marathons in South Carolina that you can run all year. It’s a great choice for first-time marathon runners because the course is flat and follows the coast in a loop without many hills. The cool ocean winds also help you stay comfortable and prevent you from overheating while running.

Little Rock Marathon

Unlike most races that stick to simplicity, the Little Rock Marathon in Arizona goes all out to make their event extraordinary. They choose a theme every year to make their race as spectacular and entertaining as possible. In this coming race, the planned theme is a touch of prehistoric flair, so expect to see runners in Jurassic Park-themed gear on March 3, 2024. 

 

Another unique feature of the race is their massive and extravagant finisher medals, some of the biggest in the business! Plus, the race will introduce a new course that’s a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. It’s one of the major races that allow betting from different sportsbooks like FanDuel Sportsbook. 

Los Angeles Marathon 

While the Los Angeles Marathon may not have the same global recognition as New York, Boston, or Chicago marathons, it stands out as one of the finest city marathons in the USA. What’s more, the vast and diverse landscape of Los Angeles provides a fantastic backdrop for the race. 

 

This race will be held on March 17, 2024. The course will begin at Dodgers Stadium, pass through iconic LA spots like Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Boulevard, and conclude on Santa Monica Boulevard. What makes this marathon even more exciting is the chance to run alongside celebrities who often participate in their hometown race.

Newport Marathon 

The Newport, Rhode Island often has two races: one in spring and another in fall. Both promise a scenic and memorable experience, blending natural beauty with a touch of local charm. They offer breathtaking views of the town’s stunning mansions, windy beaches, and rocky coastline. However, they’re managed by different organizations. 

 

The spring Newport Marathon, in particular, is well-known because it coincides with the city’s celebrated blooming of over one million golden yellow daffodils. This year, it’ll be held on April 13, 2024. After tackling the hilly course, you’ll also be treated to a finisher festival with plenty of goodies like a much-needed pizza. 

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon 

Experience the thrill of racing through Churchill Downs, not just with horses but also as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon. It will take place on April 27, 2023, a week before the renowned horse race. This allows you to run through Louisville, including a pass through the iconic home of the Kentucky Derby.

 

Since the marathon offers a blend of athleticism and the charm of the equestrian world, it’s recommended to turn your marathon into a full-fledged vacation. Consider staying for a week filled with events leading up to a lap around the famous track—a must-try experience for any avid runner! 

Eugene Marathon 

Surprisingly, Eugene (not Seattle or Portland) hosts the largest marathon in the Pacific Northwest. This means you’ll be part of a sizable running community, enjoy the cheers of enthusiastic spectators, and receive ample support from dedicated volunteers throughout the race. 

 

Next year, the Eugene Marathon will be held on April 28. Its back half takes you along the scenic Willamette River, offering beautiful natural landscapes to admire as you approach the finish line. Although it may sound hard, the race is beginner-friendly and a good start to getting a personal record (PR). It’s also a favorable choice to qualify for the Boston Marathon. 

Final Thoughts

Finding the right race for you involves considering your skills, training needs, and personal preferences. While this highlights marathons offering unique experiences and challenges next spring, it’s incomplete. Take the time to explore various options, ensuring that the chosen marathon aligns with your abilities and allows for adequate training and rest.

(12/09/2023) Views: 1,084 ⚡AMP

Kenya’s Korir and Meringor were the winners of the 37th Los Angeles Marathon

Delvine Meringor of Kenya emerged Sunday as women's champion of the 37th annual Los Angeles Marathon while John Korir of Kenya was the men's winner.  

Meringor held off Korir’s challenge by about 8 seconds at the finish line, winning the women’s race in 2 hours, 25 minutes and 3 seconds. For the second consecutive year Korir won the men’s race in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 7 seconds. Under marathon rules, elite female runners started the race 16 minutes and five seconds ahead of the men.

The elite athletes led the pack of an estimated 15,000 runners from around the country — and the world — covering a 26.2-mile course that spans some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. It was the second L.A. Marathon in four months. Last year’s race was moved from March to November because of the pandemic.

First American was Tyler McCandless in 4th place clocking 2:25:18.  "4th place overall and 1st American today at the Los Angeles Marathon…and I qualified for my 4th Olympic Marathon Trials! Stoked," Tyler said.  

(03/20/2022) Views: 1,130 ⚡AMP

John Korir and Natasha Cockram prevail in Los Angeles Marathon

John Korir of Kenya made a break with 7 miles remaining to win the 36th Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday.

Natasha Cockram of Wales won the women’s race with a similar strategy.

The 24-year-old Korir, who was second here two years ago, finished in 2 hours, 12 minutes, 48 seconds, nearly six minutes better than countryman Edwin Kimutai (2:18:01). Eritrea’s Amanuel Mesel Tikue finished third in 2:18:17.

Korir’s older brother, Wesley Korir, is a two-time Los Angeles champion.

“Now our family is so happy today,” John Korir said. “This is three times our family winning this race. We are happy now.”

Cockram won after placing 13th in the London Marathon on Oct. 3. She ran the 26.2-mile Stadium to Stars course in 2:33:17.

“I wasn’t sure how my body was going to be feeling after London,” Cockram said. “About halfway, I felt sure and comfortable. I kind of wish I’d gone earlier.”

Kenya’s Antonina Kwamba was second in 2:37:36, edging Russia’s Nina Zarina by a second.

Korir and Cockram each won $6,000. The total prize purse was $40,000.

The race traditionally takes place in March. It returns to that spot next year.

(11/08/2021) Views: 1,143 ⚡AMP
by Associated Press

The 2021 Los Angeles Marathon returns on Nov. 7 debuting a new 26.2-mile course that is expected to draw thousands of runners from around the world

The marathon’s new “Stadium to the Stars” course begins at Dodger Stadium, runs through West Hollywood and Beverly Hills before ending on Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

That means that the course will follow its traditional route until Brentwood, where runners double back on San Vicente, Sepulveda and Santa Monica boulevards before finishing at Avenue of the Stars. Organizers say this will allow for a more interactive finish and greater spectator participation.

Because of pandemic-related delays, it will be the first time the L.A. Marathon will be run in November. And since it’s considered a mega event, runners will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or negative test results to participate.

When does the marathon begin?

The main event will begin with the wheelchair start at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, followed by the elite women at 6:45 a.m. and the elite men and full field at 6:55 a.m.

At 8:14 a.m., Charity Challenge 13.1 participants will start.

Since daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. the same day, don’t forget that clocks fall back an hour. 

How to watch

KTLA Channel 5 will have live coverage of the event, starting from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. that Sunday. 

Viewers can also watch the race on KTLA.com, the KTLA 5 News app, KTLA’s YouTube or KTLA+, which can viewed on the KTLA+ app on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick.

KTLA’s Facebook page will also have a livestream from the finish line cam.

The finish line will be open for six hours and a half after the start of the race.

For those hoping to get an in-person look at the finish line, organizers say spectator access will be limited on Avenue of the Stars from Santa Monica to Constellation boulevards. 

Spectators who want to watch runners cross the finish line will need to head to the area of Santa Monica Boulevard and Avenue of the Stars.

(11/02/2021) Views: 1,183 ⚡AMP

2021 Los Angeles Marathon date moves to the fall

For the first time in its 35-year history the Los Angeles Marathon Presented by Asics will take place in the fall and will use an updated course, organizers announced yesterday.

Since its inception in 1986, the race was held in March every year but two (May in 2009 and February in 2016), and this year it will be held on Sunday, November 7. That's the same day as the TCS New York City Marathon, the world's largest, which is traditionally held on the first Sunday in November.

In addition, organizers modified their "Stadium to Sea" course, which begins at Dodger Stadium and finishes at the Santa Monica Pier, with a new "Stadium to the Stars" route which retains the previous start location but will finish instead on the Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

"We've been thinking about the next evolution of the marathon for a few years," said Murphy Reinschreiber, the chief operating officer of The McCourt Foundation which owns and operates the race. He continued through a statement: "Finishing on Avenue of the Stars allows for a more vibrant and exciting finish experience than previously possible. We expect the closing miles and finish line to be the highlight of the must-do, world-class experience that is the Los Angeles Marathon."

Organizers had originally selected Sunday, May 23, for the 2021 edition of the race, but with the trajectory of the pandemic still uncertain the decision was made to move to the fall. Other large marathons traditionally held in the spring are planned for the fall of 2021, too, including Boston (Oct. 11), Hamburg (Sept. 12), London (Oct. 3), Rotterdam (Oct. 24), Tokyo (Oct. 17), and Taipei City (Nov. 21).

Unlike most large road races in the United States, the Los Angeles Marathon was held in the normal format in 2020 on Sunday, March 8. The race recorded 20,989 finishers and was the last truly large road race held in the United States before the pandemic took hold.

(03/09/2021) Views: 1,182 ⚡AMP

Los Angeles Marathon 2021 postponed until fall due to coronavirus

The 2021 Los Angeles Marathon was rescheduled for a second time Tuesday due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with the 36th edition of the annual race now set for sometime in the fall.

In November, the marathon was postponed from its original date of March 21 to May 23, pending final approval of all city partners, applicable health departments and other governmental agencies. But organizers couldn't make that date either, they said Tuesday.

"Given the current state of the pandemic in the Los Angeles area and the pace of the vaccine roll-out, the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, the LABig5K and the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS will be rescheduled for the fall 2021," marathon officials tweeted.

"We are currently exploring available dates with our host cities and venues. This process will take some weeks and a decision regarding new dates will be announced as soon as possible. All decisions will be made with the health and safety of all athletes, volunteers and city officials as our top priority."

The LA Big 5K is customarily run on the eve of the marathon.

The McCourt Foundation, which runs the marathon and the Rose Bowl 5K and Half Marathon, announced a major course change to the Los Angeles Marathon last year, replacing the "Stadium to the Sea'' course it had been run on since 2010 to a "Stadium to the Stars'' course from Dodger Stadium to Brentwood where runners will double back on San Vicente, Sepulveda and Santa Monica boulevards, ending at Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

The change was made because "the dramatically increased costs quoted by the city of Santa Monica for the 2021 running of the marathon, and future events, made remaining in Santa Monica financially infeasible,'' according to the foundation.

(01/27/2021) Views: 1,140 ⚡AMP
by City News Service

2021 Los Angeles Marathon has been rescheduled for May 23 due to coronavirus

The 2021 Los Angeles Marathon has been rescheduled for May 23 and the LA Big 5K to May 22 because of the coronavirus pandemic, pending final approval of all city partners, applicable health departments and other governmental agencies, organizers announced.

The 36th edition of the marathon had been scheduled to run March 21 and the LA Big 5K for March 20. LA Big 5K is customarily run on the eve of the marathon.

The McCourt Foundation also announced Tuesday format changes to two other races it operates. The 2021 Rose Bowl 5K will be run Jan. 16-17, and the Rose Bowl Half-Marathon on March 27-28. The 2021 Rose Bowl 5K and Half Marathon had both been scheduled for Jan. 17.

Both events are being planned for two days on separate weekends in January and March to ensure proper runner and walker distancing, as well as a safer, more manageable event flow, according to the foundation operated by the family of former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt.

The rescheduling was made “after careful consideration and following guidance provided by the Medical and Operations Advisory Group,” the foundation said.

March and May event dates will continue to be evaluated to meet the highest possible health and safety of participants, volunteers and partners, according to the foundation. These considerations will include:

Significantly limiting field sizes;

COVID-19 vaccinations and rapid-testing for participants;

Mask use; and Hygiene practices and procedures.

The McCourt Foundation announced in July a major course change to the Los Angeles Marathon, replacing the “Stadium to the Sea” course used since 2010 to a “Stadium to the Stars” course, from Dodger Stadium to Brentwood, where runners will double back on San Vicente, Sepulveda and Santa Monica boulevards, ending at Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

The change was made because “the dramatically increased costs quoted by the city of Santa Monica for the 2021 running of the marathon and future events made remaining in Santa Monica financially infeasible,” the foundation said.

“The finish on Avenue of the Stars also allows exciting modifications not previously possible in Santa Monica,” the foundation added, “such as enhanced spectator viewing and celebrations at the finish line.”

The “Stadium to the Sea” course began at Dodger Stadium and ended near the Santa Monica Pier.

The Los Angeles Marathon has been held in March since its inaugural edition in 1986 except for 2009 and 2016.

(11/26/2020) Views: 1,277 ⚡AMP
by Steven Herbert

Bayelign Teshager of Ethiopia, Margaret Muriuki of Kenya win 2020 L.A. Marathon

Ethiopia’s Bayelign Teshager won the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday after finishing in 2:08:26.57, while Kenya’s Margaret Muriuki topped the elite women’s field with a time of 2:29:27.68, according to the marathon’s leaderboard.

John Langat of Kenya had the lead until Teshager made his move down the stretch to win by 40 seconds.

Teshager turns 20 years old on Monday. (The L.A. Marathon listed his age Sunday as 20.)

Wilson Kwambai Chebet, 34, also from Kenya, placed in third, L.A. Marathon’s website said.

Last year’s winner Elisha Barno, 34, came in ninth place.

In the women’s field, Muriuki won with her personal best time. It’s her second marathon victory in three months after the 33-year-old won at Honolulu in December.

She was in control of the women’s race throughout and kept a strong pace, eventually pulling away from 23-year-old Almaz Negede of Ethiopia with seven miles remaining to win by 3:01.

Jane Kibii, a 34-year-old runner from Kenya, placed in third.

 

(03/08/2020) Views: 1,783 ⚡AMP

New Zealand middle and long-distance runner Zane Robertson is the one to beat at the 35th annual L.A. Marathon this weekend

His obstacle Sunday morning will be 26.2 miles winding up, down and through Los Angeles, from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica.

Given the hurdles Zane Robertson cleared in reaching the starting line of the 35th L.A. Marathon, a little more road work shouldn’t be too discouraging.

“I want to see what talent and a very hard mind-set can get me on Sunday,” said Robertson, 30, a New Zealand native and one of the race favorites.

He’ll be joined in an elite field that includes a pair of two-time L.A. winners — Elisha Barno and Weldon Kirui of Kenya — and nine runners who have broken 2 hours, 10 minutes.

The event is expected to be staged as planned despite growing concerns throughout the country regarding the coronavirus.

Organizers are attempting to maintain as much normalcy as possible, while they acknowledged that the size of the field — more than 26,000 runners are registered — and spectator turnout could be affected.

“I’d encourage everyone to go out and enjoy the race,” Robertson said. “Don’t stress about the things you can’t control. It’s only extra stress. Your body follows your mind. I’m not even worried about it. I think we’ll be fine.”

An accomplished track athlete, Robertson competed for New Zealand in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and set a national record while he finished 12th in the 10,000 meters.

This will be his second marathon, after his debut came in July when he ran a 2:08:19 in Australia’s Gold Coast Marathon.

“I’m here to try and win,” Robertson said. “I’ll run my own rhythm and run my own race and see what happens. It’s all about position, not time.”

(03/07/2020) Views: 1,755 ⚡AMP
by Jeff Miller

Despite coronavirus concerns, the L.A. Marathon will go on, officials say

As the Los Angeles Marathon approaches, some athletes and city residents are worried that the race could be a hotbed for the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The marathon, scheduled for Sunday, is one of the largest in the country. Runners traverse the city, starting at Dodger Stadium and ending near the Santa Monica Pier.

This year, roughly 27,000 athletes have registered from all 50 states and more than 78 countries, according to the marathon’s website. That total doesn’t include the thousands of volunteers and others who watch from the sidelines each year.

Many have raised questions about whether the marathon will continue given the spread of coronavirus cases in the United States. More than 100 cases of the virus have been diagnosed nationwide, with 90,000 cases around the world.

In California, the state’s first coronavirus-related death was announced Wednesday as the number of cases continue to rise.

L.A. County officials confirmed Wednesday that there have been a total of seven cases of the virus in the county, all linked to travel, and announced a public health emergency to ensure that aid from the state and other counties may be obtained if needed. Tests so far have not indicated that the virus is spreading in the community, officials said.

County officials have discussed the possibility of banning spectators from attending sporting events in Southern California, but so far, the L.A. Marathon is scheduled to proceed as planned.

The Paris Half Marathon was canceled Saturday as cases mounted in Europe. The Seoul Marathon, originally scheduled for later this month, also has been indefinitely postponed. Other marathon organizers have asked only elite runners to participate in their races in order to reduce crowds.

L.A. County’s health officer, Dr. Muntu Davis, said officials have been discussing precautionary measures with marathon organizers to make sure there are places for people to wash their hands and for medical staff to evaluate whether people are ill.

“When we look at the relatively small number of cases in the U.S., the risk of exposure for those who are here to this virus is relatively low,” Davis said at a L.A. City Council meeting on Wednesday.

Davis said the most important recommendation is that people stay home if they are sick, so as to not infect others.

Jason Redmond, 45, plans to fly from Seattle to L.A. to run his first marathon this weekend. He and a childhood friend agreed to jog the course together.

He said that he had been monitoring updates from the L.A. Marathon to see if he needed to cancel his trip. The virus is most dangerous for people who are elderly or have underlying health conditions, experts say.

“For someone like me, I’m not at great risk,” said Redmond, a freelance photographer. “I feel like in my situation, I’m OK doing the marathon, but I worry about other people.”

At the L.A. City Council meeting, Councilman Mike Bonin raised concerns about people traveling to L.A. for the marathon from other parts of the world. Major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in China, Italy and South Korea.

Davis said that travelers will be screened at the airport. People flying in from countries such as China and Italy “probably would not, based on their risk assessment at the airport, be able to participate,” he said.

Other large events and conferences have been canceled by organizers who did not want to worry about having to mitigate the risk of spread of the virus, Davis said. In rare circumstances, health departments have shut down events because of a known risk, he said.

“Given what we’ve seen based on the screening that’s happening, based on the numbers that we understand, based on areas of community transmission in the U.S. ... the risk to the general public is still deemed as low in the U.S.,” Davis said. “I wish I had a crystal ball.”

Redmond, who used to live in Echo Park, said his goal is just to finish the marathon, and he’s looking forward to it.

“It’s just one of those things I’ve been excited to do, but I’m also nervous,” he said.

(03/06/2020) Views: 1,606 ⚡AMP
by Soumya Karlamangla

iTAB is excited to announce a new partnership with the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS

Over 27,100 athletes from all 50 states and more than 78 countries will set out from Dodger Stadium, on 8th March 2020, to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the Finish Line in Santa Monica. The Stadium to the Sea course is considered one of the most scenic in the world.

The iTAB is a small engraved plate which is secured onto the ribbon with a custom-made buckle. Runners simply collect their medal at the finish line and their iTAB arrives in the mail a few weeks later, laser engraved with their name and finish time.

Los Angeles Marathon runners can order an iTAB during the race registration process or by logging into their Active.com account at any time before the race day.

“The dedication and commitment it takes to cross the finish line of the Los Angeles Marathon is something that should be celebrated,” said Steve Powell, CCO. “This year’s event will welcome the largest field in our 35-year history, and we are excited to give runners the opportunity to commemorate their personal achievement and lifetime memories with iTAB.”

About iTAB, We believe "Every Race Tells a Story..."

The iTAB is a simple, yet innovative, product which transforms a conventional finisher medal into YOUR personal finisher medal.

Founded 12 years ago, the iTAB is now enjoyed by over a million happy athletes across the globe - enabling them to personalise and commemorate their medal with their name and a unique finishing time, creating a memory that will last forever!

We've partnered with 500+ races globally, offering a seamless service to enhance a participant’s race day experience and generate income for organisers. Globally we work with the largest mass participation running event, half marathon, 12K, triathlon and fun run; along with the largest OCR race series USA, 10-mile road race and 15K road race.

In the UK we are proud to work with the largest running & swimming event series.

(03/02/2020) Views: 1,824 ⚡AMP

The 35th Annual Los Angeles Marathon will be the biggest field ever

The experience of running from the ‘Stadium to the Sea’ has never been more popular. The 2020 Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS will welcome the largest field in the 35-year history of the event on Sunday, March 8.

With less than 30 days until race weekend, the marathon team notes that the event continues to build on its strong legacy of being Southern California’s most popular running event and is on track to sell out well in advance of race day.

“Our goal in celebrating this milestone 35th edition is to raise the bar of the marathon’s positive impact on the Los Angeles community,” said Murphy Reinschreiber, Chief Operating Officer of The McCourt Foundation (TMF).

On January 1, 2020 Conqur Endurance Group merged with The McCourt Foundation (TMF). The combined entity with offices in Los Angeles and Boston, produces a portfolio of events including the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS, Pasadena Half Marathon & 5K at the Rose Bowl, the Santa Monica Classic 5K/10K, the LA BIG 5K, Boston Waterfront 5K Fitness & Wellness Festival, Tour de South Shore and the Educational Update.

Reinschreiber continued,“With incredible neighbourhood support, exciting competitive wheelchair and elite races, amazing charity partners and compelling athlete stories, the marathon continues to deliver experiences and life-changing moments unmatched by any other event in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

“Now operated by a non-profit, the increased size of the marathon is a strong initial indication of our intention to grow the marathon’s charity, community and economic footprint. This year we will surpass our previous registrant record of 26,054 and can’t wait to deliver another world-class experience.”

To celebrate its 35-year history, the Los Angeles Marathon launched a ‘35 Reasons’ campaign featuring the stories behind the event. The 26.2-mile road race is a community tradition, taking runners by several major LA landmarks from Dodger Stadium to the finish line, just a few steps from the Santa Monica Pier.

Marathon weekend kicks off with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center starting on Friday, March 6. The free expo is open to the public and features interactive exhibits, live entertainment and the official Los Angeles Marathon Merchandise Store, where all runners pick up their race packet.

The running begins on Saturday with the BIG LA 5k. The course starts and finishes at Dodger Stadium and runs through Elysian Park. This family-friendly event starts at 08:00 PT and is open to participants of all ages and abilities, including kids races for children from kindergarten to seventh grade. All participants will receive a race shirt, finishers medal and post-race refreshments.

On Sunday, the 35th Los Angeles Marathon will commence with the wheelchair start at 06:30, and the elite women scheduled to start at 06:45. Runners enjoy a ‘one-of-a kind pre-race starting line venue’ at Dodger Stadium.

Los Angeles is a global destination event with runners from all 50 US states as well as 69 countries registered to participate. Nearly 32% of the 2020 field will be participating in their very first marathon.

The marathon’s charity platform educates and empowers 74 local and national charities to raise awareness for their causes and increase fund-raising efforts. Since 1985, the Los Angeles Marathon has helped charities raise over US$54 million for a variety of causes and non-profit organizations.

The 35th running of the event also welcomes 125 legacy athletes who have competed in all previous 34 editions of the race.

(02/12/2020) Views: 1,515 ⚡AMP

Zwift, the multiplayer online training and racing platform for cyclists and runners, proudly announces its new partnership as the Official Training Partner of the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS

Zwift brings its training gamification concept to Los Angeles Marathon runners through a custom tailored 26-week training plan, weekly in-game group runs, and a series of virtual races.

The progressive 26-week training plan has been designed to help runners of all levels conquer both the Pasadena Half Marathon on January 19, 2020 and the Los Angeles Marathon’s iconic 26.2-mile Sea to Stadium course on March 8, 2020.

To access the Los Angeles Marathon training tools and events, runners need access to a Bluetooth-enabled smart treadmill or a traditional treadmill with a running shoe-based foot pod sensor like the Zwift RunPod and as part of the partnership Zwift is providing RunPods to all registered 2019/2020 LA Road Runner program members, the official training program of the marathon.

“By partnering with Zwift, we are offering runners a world-class training tool and a meaningful new avenue for social connection," said Murphy Reinschreiber, Chief Operating Officer. "With Zwift as our official training partner, more athletes than ever – regardless of where they live in the Greater Los Angeles Area or the world –  are able to best prepare for the epic running experience that is our Stadium to Sea course.”

Zwift will also hosting a series of Virtual Santa Monica Classic Races each month between now and March 2020. The virtual editions of the sold-out race, which took place on September 8, 2019, is the only remaining way for runners to earn the 2020 Conqur LA Challenge medal–– a top-tier accomplishment which required runners to complete all 3 of Conqur’s marquee events; Santa Monica Classic, Pasadena Half Marathon and the Los Angeles Marathon.

“For 35 years, the Los Angeles Marathon has helped hundreds of thousands of athletes achieve their goals, hand in hand with a long list of worthy charities,” says Eric Min, CEO and co-founder of Zwift. “We know that we can bring even more people together to train socially and discover the efficiencies and sheer fun of running on Zwift.”

(11/08/2019) Views: 1,712 ⚡AMP

The family of marathoner Frank Meza Says He Was Cyberbullied and then committed suicide

The family of Frank Meza, the 70-year-old marathoner who was found dead Thursday amid cheating allegations, spoke exclusively to Inside Edition about his death.

Authorities say a 70-year-old man has died by suicide after he was disqualified from the Los Angeles Marathon over cheating allegations.

Frank Meza of South Pasadena was found in the Los Angeles River last Thursday after reports that someone may have jumped from a bridge.

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office says Meza died from multiple blunt force traumatic injuries and ruled his death a suicide.

Meza, a retired physician, was a longtime marathon runner.

Days before his death, the Los Angeles Marathon disqualified his finish in the March race. Officials said he left the course and came back from a different position. His time of 2 hours, 53 minutes 10 seconds had been the fastest ever for a man his age.

Meza said he only stopped to relieve himself.

Asked whether the allegations against him killed her husband, Meza's wife, Tina Nevarez, replied, "Yes, I do believe that." He was found dead Thursday in the LA River.

The family said they didn't anticipate he would take his own life but believe cyberbullying led him to do it.

(07/09/2019) Views: 3,718 ⚡AMP

70-year-old Frank Meza who was disqualified after clocking 2:53:10 at the Los Angeles marathon has been found dead

Firefighters found a body this morning in the L.A. River bed after they responded to a report of a possible jumper, said the L.A. Fire Department.  The incident was reported shortly before 10 am.  

The county coroner said the body was that of Frank Meza, 70, of South Pasadena. The cause of death has not been determined.  ABC 7  says that Meza was the retired doctor and marathon runner who was recently disqualified by the L.A. Marathon.

The Los Angeles Times had reported earlier that “it wasn’t until Frank Meza checked the internet that he realized so many people were talking about him. Hundreds of strangers from across the country had posted on message boards, branding Meza a liar and a cheat.

“All kinds of allegations were being thrown at me,” he said.  “It was pretty traumatic.”

To that point, the retired physician had forged a different sort of reputation. Soft-spoken and gray-haired, he had mentored Latino students while working to provide healthcare for low-income patients throughout Southern California.

Meza was also a devout runner who, late in life, began entering marathons. The problems began there.

Though he ran mainly around California, eschewing bigger races across the country, his unusually fast times for a 70-year-old caught the attention of the long-distance community.

Runners grew skeptical when he was twice disqualified for irregular splits, the times recorded at various points along the course. An impressive finish at the recent Los Angeles Marathon prompted officials to look closer as doubts erupted into online vitriol and a series of articles on a website called MarathonInvestigation.com.

Derek Murphy, an amateur sleuth who operates the site from Ohio, looked back at numerous races, compiling an array of data, photographs and video that he considered incriminating.

“At this point,” Murphy says, “I have no doubt.”

My Best Runs did not post his time because his splits did not add up.  “For sure Frank did cheat and did not run a 2:53:10 marathon at age 70,” says MBR Director Bob Anderson. “We are sad how this story has played out before he could prove to the world he could run that fast.”

(07/04/2019) Views: 4,037 ⚡AMP

Elisa Barno and Askale Merachi win the Los Angeles Marathon

Twenty miles into the 34th Los Angeles Marathon Sunday morning Kenya’s Elisha Barno had already conceded the race to his countryman John Korir.

Korir had reduced a lead pack of 15 to three with a 4:39 19th mile. When Korir followed that with a 4:35 20th mile he was flying solo, his sizable lead growing with each step.

“I was already thinking ‘let him win,’” Barno recalled.

Then Barno turned left onto Ocean Avenue for the race’s postcar final mile along the Pacific coast.

“And I see John,” Barno said.

Barno passed Korir in the final 150 meters to win the closest and most dramatic race in the event’s history that saw the top three runners finish within 14 seconds of each other.

Barno claimed the $23,000 first prize and his second Los Angeles victory in three years with a 2 hour, 11 minute, 45 second victory. Korir staggered across the finish line in 2:11:52 with Mexico’s Juan Luis Barrios third in 2:11:59.

“I knew I was going to win from the beginning,” Merachi said. “This morning.”

Indeed Merachi seemed to be in a hurry almost from the moment the race left Dodger Stadium at dawn. Merachi dropped out of the New York City Marathon last fall with hamstring and shoulder injuries was clearly restless through the early stages Sunday, pushing the pace.

By the fourth mile, Merachi’s aggressiveness had thinned the lead group from nine to three, only Kenya’s Cynthia Jerop and Lucy Karimi keeping pace. Karimi was the big pre-race question mark. She won the 2016 Prague Marathon in 2:24:46 but beset by injuries had not finished a marathon since.

(03/25/2019) Views: 2,320 ⚡AMP

Weldon Kirui will aim to become the first three-time winner at L.A. Marathon

It was a couple of months ago that Weldon Kirui struggled at a half-marathon in Houston, finishing well behind the lead pack. Disappointed, the Kenyan long-distance runner looked ahead to his next race.

“I know what I need to do for L.A.,” he told his agent.

If anyone understands the course and conditions in Los Angeles it would be Kirui, who will start this weekend’s L.A. Marathon looking to become the event’s first three-time winner.

After victories last year and in 2016, he has made himself right at home in Southern California.

“It’s a very fun course to race,” the 30-year-old said through an interpreter. “I know where the good parts are, where the harder parts are.”

Nearly 24,000 runners are expected to participate in this year’s edition of the marathon, which dates back more than three decades to the afterglow of the 1984 Summer Olympics.

At several points in its history, organizers have talked about rivaling the big boys in New York, Boston and Tokyo. But the elite marathon calendar is packed, and elbowing for higher status requires six-figure prize money, more than L.A. has been willing to offer.

This year, the winner’s purse will be $23,000 for first place in each division.

“I think L.A. has gone up and down,” said Robert Johnson, co-founder of LetsRun.com, an influential web site that covers elite running. “It’s definitely, at this stage, a minor-league race.”

The annual race draws massive crowds of runners who are attracted by a “stadium to the sea” course that begins at Dodger Stadium and weaves past various landmarks on the way to Santa Monica.

Though men’s winners have not consistently broken the benchmark of 2 hours, 10 minutes, the marathon has nonetheless drawn elite competition from around the world.

Juan Luis Barrios of Mexico and a number of Kirui’s countrymen, including Lawi Kiptui and John Korir, are expected to race on the men’s side this weekend.

 

(03/23/2019) Views: 2,201 ⚡AMP

Paul Brestyanszky, 76, will attempt L.A. Marathon on crutches to avoid breaking his 33-year streak

Paul Brestyanszky is a Los Angeles Marathon legacy runner, which means he is one of 178 who have completed the race every year since it started in 1986.

So when the 76-year-old Huntington Beach resident fractured his knee in February, he worried he would have to break his 33-year streak.

Over the decades, his fellow legacy runners — whose ages range from 40s to 80s — have become like family to him. Every year, a group meets a few weeks after the marathon for what it calls a DAB (damage assessment brunch) to see how many people made it.

After his injury, Brestyanszky sent out a mass email with the tongue-in-cheek title “Breaking News,” asking the legacy runners for advice. One told him he had to do the marathon several times in leg braces. Another did it several years ago on crutches, even though it took him 11 hours.

Brestyanszky took away from the conversations that it was still possible.

So on Sunday, Brestyanszky, who didn’t run a marathon until he was 41, will try to complete his 34th L.A. Marathon on crutches, with a small group of fellow injured legacy runners by his side.

Brestyanszky’s doctor and his wife, Mila Cangelosi-Brestyanszky — who cheers him on annually with the sign she made in Year 19 — knew they couldn’t stop him. But they made him promise he will quit if his knee starts to throb.

“It is terrifying to me to think he’ll be on crutches for 26.2 miles,” Cangelosi-Brestyanszky said. “And everyone else also thinks he’s crazy.”

He once had a bad fall in the middle of a race. But the only time he’s considered not finishing was in 2011, when there were torrential rains and thousands of people were evaluated for hypothermia. When his wife greeted him at the end of the race with a beer, as she always does, his lips were blue and he joked about needing two shots of tequila, no ice.

As usual, he plans to pace himself, make sure he has a sip of water at each station and make a quick stop for Starbucks coffee around Mile 20 to help him avoid the “wall,” the point in a marathon where it goes from difficult to unbearable.

(03/23/2019) Views: 2,982 ⚡AMP

Skechers Performance returns as title sponsor for the 2019 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon

Skechers Performance returns as title sponsor for the 2019 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday, March 24. Throughout race weekend, Skechers will offer exclusive race-branded merchandise.

Los Angeles Marathon winner Weldon Kirui (2016 and 2918) returns to compete for a record-breaking third victory at the race.

“Now in our fourth year as title sponsor, we are proud to host more than 24,000 runners from across the United States and more than 60 countries, who will join us in bringing this monumental event to life,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “From first-time marathoners to seasoned runners and elite athletes to all the fans and supporters, we look forward to the camaraderie and enthusiasm that this race creates for Southern California. And we’ll be watching Skechers elite athlete Weldon Kirui when he runs Sunday to attempt a record third victory on this iconic course.”

Visitors to the Skechers Performance booth at the Health & Fitness EXPO in the Los Angeles Convention Center will have the opportunity to meet Weldon, as well as four-time Olympian Meb Keflezighi on Saturday, March 23 at 11AM. Meb will also be signing his new inspirational book, 26 Marathons: What I’ve Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life From Each Marathon I’ve Run (Rodale Books), which will be available for purchase.

A collection of exclusive race-themed and inspired footwear and apparel will be offered at the EXPO. Influenced by the colors of LA’s top sports teams, the collection includes limited edition pairs of Skechers GO RUN Forza 3™ and Skechers GO RUN Ride 7™. Additionally, a new color of the Skechers GO RUN Razor 3 Hyper™ will debut and be available for purchase at the EXPO—this new training and racing style features an innovative Hyper Burst™ midsole and was recently named Editors’ Choice by Runner’s World. The collection is currently available on Skechers.com and at select Skechers retail stores in the Los Angeles area.

(03/22/2019) Views: 2,309 ⚡AMP

Members of the Manhattan Beach-based Skechers running team will take part in the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday

Every Thursday evening, the South Bay Running Club starts its training runs at the downtown Manhattan Beach Skechers store. On Sunday, 120 of its members will join an estimated 24,000 other runners at Dodger Stadium to compete in the Los Angeles Marathon. South Bay Running Club’s sponsor Skechers is also the title sponsor of the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon.

The races begin at 6:30 a.m. with the Wheelchair division followed by Handcycles (6:42 a.m.), the Elite Women (6:45 a.m.), and the Elite Men and the rest of the field at 6:55 a.m. The race finishes on the Santa Monica bluffs, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Skechers’ support of the South Bay Runners Club has helped the club grow to over 360 members in only four years. Members run for reasons ranging from raising awareness for Train 4 Autism (the official charity of the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon), to running in memory of loved ones, to putting a modern spin on race prep through virtual training across the country.

“Most of our participants are runners but quite a few are run-walkers and race walkers,” Weisberg said. “Some will be running to get a personal record or qualify for the Boston Marathon. Some run to raise money for charity and others just want to check it off their bucket list.  

(03/20/2019) Views: 2,074 ⚡AMP

Adam Gorlitsky wants to be the first paralyzed man to complete the Los Angeles Marathon

Adam Gorlitsky believes that to continue inspiring others it’s important he consistently seeks inspiration of his own.

That’s not always easy. Gorlitsky was left paralyzed from a car accident 12 years ago but has since emerged as a leader in the community of re-enabled athletes. He’s traveled nearly 800,000 steps in the past couple of years with the help of a ReWalk robotic exoskeleton while also establishing the non-profit, I Got Legs, to help others achieve similar re-enablement.

Gorlitsky has conquered more than 20 road races spread across the nation, from his hometown Cooper River Bridge Run 10K to the Portlandathon half marathon in Oregon. He's even organized a couple of his own. He’s continuously raised the ante of his personal challenges alongside the increased momentum of his non-profit. So with so much already accomplished, what’s next?. “So there’s this re-walker, he uses the same exoskeleton that I do, and he walked the entire London Marathon. I thought it was incredible,” Gorlitsky said. “He and I have a little friendly rivalry on social media. So I decided I was going to one-up him and break his record on the biggest stage in the world.”

Gorlitsky will head to Hollywood in March to attempt to become the first paralyzed man to walk the Los Angeles Marathon. The 32-year-old former Wando athlete is aiming to beat the benchmark of 36 hours and 37 minutes that Simon Kindleysides set in the London Marathon last April. But it isn’t as much about the final time as it is about continuing forward step by step.

“If I’m going to do my first marathon, I wanted it to be on a stage like Los Angeles,” Gorlitsky said. “I like to constantly challenge myself. So Los Angeles will be a challenge for my own personal growth as human being but, in many ways, it’s the symbolic next step for the I Got Legs organization as well.”

Gorlitsky will use the Los Angeles Marathon as a public launch for I Got Legs’ Give Back Fund, which is already raising money for others with similar disabilities who seek the kind of treatment and technology that he’s received.

(01/23/2019) Views: 2,261 ⚡AMP

Heather Lieberg a Mother of Three and teacher was fifth American at LA Marathon

After 14 miles, Heather Lieberg, 38, a mother of three and 2nd grade teacher from Montana, looked up to see no one in front of her Sunday at the Los Angeles Marathon. “ I felt awesome, it was fun," "I just wanted to hang in as long as I could." Lieberg said that it was just after the 15-mile marker, when the course began a downhill slope toward the Pacific Ocean, when she felt sharp discomfort in her quadriceps and she had to back off a bit. “Training back from an injury,” she said “in Montana winter is tough, and right from the start of the race I knew it was going to be rough! I considered dropping very early, but I knew I had so much support and I was going to finish no matter what!” By finishing ninth in the women's marathon in 2 hours, 38 minutes, 30 seconds, Lieberg was one of five American women to finish in the top 10 in Los Angeles for the second consecutive year... "I really didn't start professional running until I was about 35," Lieberg said. "I grew up playing basketball in Wyoming. … Running was something I did after I had my daughter. People said I was fast. I did a couple relays, then signed up for a marathon and ran it under three hours without training, so I thought, 'This could be fun.'" (03/18/2018) Views: 2,296 ⚡AMP

Kenyan runners are set to dominate the LA Marathon Again

Champions from the last three years are set to compete, eyeing to set fast times and beat the standing course record of 2:06:35 set in 2011 by Markos Geneti. The 2017 winner Elisha Barno, Weldon Kirui, who won in 2016 and the 2015 champ Daniel Limo all from Kenya will be the men to beat as they return to put claim to the title and test their experience against a deep international field. "It was a good run last year and looking at the rivals I have against me this time round, I need to be on top form to be able to retain the medal. We will see how the race progress after the 30km mark and decide if I will need to push for fast time," Barno said on Friday. The Kenyans will be seeking to dominate the Los Angeles marathon for the 15th time. Last year, Barno clocked 2:11:53 after battling with Daniel Limo for most of the race. Limo finished 24 seconds behind Barno, while Wily Koitile was the third Kenyan on the podium. (03/16/2018) Views: 1,947 ⚡AMP