Marathon returns in big way, organizers say
About 22,000 runners finish the race seen by its planners as a unifying event
The 38th Los Angeles Marathon returned Sunday, with about 22,000 competitors completing the 26.2 mile course without a hitch, despite some concerns about wet weather.
The 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 running of the marathon held during the pandemic was 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 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 L.A. Marathon's head of communications, on Monday.
“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 L.A. 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 L.A. 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 post-marathon interview with Cruz on Sunday. “Its great to be a part of this.”
The star power, Cruz said, helps the McCourt Foundation — which organizes the race — alongside its 80-plus charitable partners raise millions of dollars for good causes during the event.
Some of those partners include Students Run L.A., St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and the Alzheimer's association. The marathon's partners, Cruz said, raised about $2.5 million for their respective causes on Sunday alone.
“That has to be one of the largest one-day fundraising totals,” Cruz said.
But aside from the fundraising efforts, Cruz said, this year's marathon also provided the community a place to unite for one common goal — and to experience LA's sights unincumbered by the typical throngs of tourists and vehicle traffic.
“The marathon is such a unique event that just brings out the best in people,” Cruz said. “We're in this very polarized society — this is a unifying event that connects so many unique parts of Los Angeles, and the course itself is just an incredible tour of the city.
“It's not only about the sights that you see,” Cruz added. “All the things that make Los Angeles such a special place to live, the marathon showcases and brings out.”
There were some concerns about rainy weather ahead of the race — but those, too, largely dissipated once the athletes were off to the races. The marathon's organizers worked with LA's Bureau of Street Service to ensure the roadways were safe for runners, Cruz said.
“It was a priority, and we worked with our public agency partners to address that,” Cruz said. “We also communicated to runners in advance to make sure to watch (their) footing — (because of) the recent rains that we've had in Southern California.”
But aside from a handful of marathon participants needing medical attention throughout the race, Cruz said, there were no major safety or medical emergencies reported on Sunday.