LOS ANGELES MARATHON ‘STADIUM TO THE SEA’ ROUTE GETS GREEN LIGHT;

SANTA MONICA JOINS THREE NEIGHBORING CITIES IN SUPPORTING ICONIC ROUTE

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—The Santa Monica City Council this week joined the cities of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood in supporting the new Los Angeles Marathon “Stadium to the Sea” route that will begin at Dodger Stadium and end at the ocean, passing a host of iconic locations along the way.  The race will take place on Sunday, March 21, 2010.

On a 5-0 vote, the Santa Monica City Council took action to approve the March 21^st date and direct city staff to work with marathon officials to finalize details for the race.  This vote enables Marathon officials to fulfill their vision of a point-to-point course that will unite the four municipalities, creating a unique event that speaks to much of the region’s originality and vitality.  Race officials plan to unveil route details at a press conference after Labor Day.

 “With the cooperation of these four great cities, we now have the tools to create a world-class marathon of which we all can be proud,” said Russ Pillar, Los Angeles Marathon President.  “Working together, we’re confident in our ability to build an event that, true to our mission statement, will inspire athletes and connect communities.”

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa saluted the votes of the neighboring cities and the spirit of collaboration they impart.  “When Frank McCourt and I first talked about his taking over the management of the marathon, it became abundantly clear that a point-to-point course that went to the ocean and highlighted what makes Los Angeles one of the premier cities in the world was the way to go,” Villaraigosa said.  “Our city did our part, and I am so glad that my friends in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica supported the plan.  This is great for each city and the entire region.”

“West Hollywood looks forward to joining the celebration,” said West Hollywood Mayor Abbe Land.  “We are especially enthusiastic about the benefits the Marathon will bring to our local charities and their efforts to raise funds for social services that benefit local residents.”  

“We are thrilled to be part of the Los Angeles Marathon and to welcome runners and visitors to our City, especially the Golden Triangle, home to some of the most recognized landmarks and famous streets in the world,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Nancy Krasne.  “Beverly Hills is excited to host athletes and fans on March 21 and watch 20,000 participants run down Rodeo Drive.”

Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser applauded the effort of marathon organizers to work collaboratively with the four cities, and to address their needs.  “We have been impressed with Frank McCourt’s vision to make this race a celebration of the entire Los Angeles region,” Genser said.  “Santa Monica looks forward to being a partner for something that will benefit our city and the region as a whole.”

About the Los Angeles Marathon:

We inspire athletes and connect communities. With more than 17,300 participants, 5,000 volunteers, and 500,000 spectators along the route, the Los Angeles Marathon is one of the largest organized road races in the country. For more information, visit www.lamarathon.com.