Los Angeles Marathon Coverage Expands Media Reach

Live radio broadcast, global webcast, YouTube Channel supplement traditional TV coverage

Press Release
May 11, 2009

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — For the first time ever, this year’s Los Angeles Marathon will be webcast live around the world, its local television broadcast will be carried via cable to more than 45 million homes across the nation, and listeners will be able to tune in to a live radio broadcast. These media offerings are in addition to a dedicated YouTube Channel boasting more than two dozen videos, an active blog with several posts a week, and an expanding web presence featuring a Facebook page, a Flickr site and a comprehensive website with training tips, travel information and more.

“We believe in the power of media, old and new, to inspire athletes and connect communities,” said Los Angeles Marathon President Russ Pillar. “This year’s race will be available to more people than ever before – and we hope that it will inspire even greater connections between the race, its runners, the charities it benefits, our sponsors and the many communities in Los Angeles and beyond.”

Universal Sports will present a global, live webcast of the May 25^th race at www.universalsports.com. In addition, it will feed the local KNBC television broadcast to 45 million U.S. homes via cable. These viewing options will give race enthusiasts more opportunities than ever before to watch as elite racers and everyday runners traverse 26.2 miles along L.A. city streets. Universal’s marathon channel – www.universalsports.com/marathon  – offers dedicated coverage of marathons and related news.

“Universal Sports is committed to delivering programming that exemplifies the best of the human spirit,” said Universal Sports President & COO Carlos Silva. “The Los Angeles Marathon is an outstanding event that we are confident will draw great interest locally and around the world.”

On radio, the Marathon will be broadcast in Southern California on TALK RADIO 790, produced by Monarch Sports. Live coverage, interviews, features and airborne traffic reports will all be part of the coverage. “Whether you’re following the elite athletes, curious about the spectators, or just want to know which streets are impacted, you can tune in to 790 KABC on race day beginning at 7 a.m.,” said Monarch Sports’ Geoff Nathanson, who will anchor the coverage. Randy Rosenbloom will call the mile-by-mile action, joined by marathon expert Tom Feuer and reporters Dave Marcus and Sara Eckert.  Telemundo will also provide coverage of the race. All of the above live offerings are in addition to KNBC’s traditional television broadcast coverage of the race, which continues for the 7^th year, with Fred Roggin as anchor.

At www.lamarathon.com, a blog keeps enthusiasts apprised of the latest developments, while racers can find training and nutrition information, links to inspiring music mixes and much more.  The Marathon’s Flickr site and Facebook page are additional online offerings. Our YouTube channel – a first for the LA Marathon, and one of the most extensive for any road race – features training tips from elite marathoner Rod Dixon, behind-the-scenes videos with Marathon staff and highlights from past races and can be found at www.youtube.com/user/LosAngelesMarathon.

Together, all of the media offerings – both old and new – present Los Angeles and the world with a bold array of options to experience this year’s race. Of course, none of them will beat the best way to experience it: to join thousands of other runners at or along the starting line on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25^th.

About the Los Angeles Marathon

We inspire athletes and connect communities.  With more than 20,000 participants, 12,000 volunteers and 1 million spectators along the course route, the Los Angeles Marathon is one of the largest organized road races in the world.  To sign-up to run, volunteer or learn more about us, please visit www.lamarathon.com.

About Universal Sports

Universal Sports, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, serves as the preeminent multiplatform destination for Olympic-related and lifestyle sports programming available on television and online. Universal Sports is a 24-hour television channel available in 45 million television households in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Diego, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Reno and Omaha. UniversalSports.com delivers an immersive experience via live and on-demand competition coverage, interaction with top athletes through blogs and in-depth access to Olympic sports news and information year round. www.universalsports.com

About KABC Radio

KABC Radio broadcasts on AM 790 and is owned by Citidel Communications. KABC is the home of the LA Dodgers game broadcasts and is a leading talk radio destination in Los Angeles.  The station features popular personalities such as Doug McIntyre, Al Rantel, Mark Levin, Ken Levine and Sean Hannity.  www.kabc.com

About Monarch Sports

Monarch Sports produces major sports events and produces licensed sports products such as college team scooter helmets. Monarch is the national radio partner for the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and has produced the Conference USA Television network as well as radio coverage for the Outback, Poinsettia, Humanitarian, Las Vegas, and Houston Bowls. www.monarchsportsradio.com