ASICS LA Marathon Will Start 30-Minutes Earlier Due To Record High Race Day Temperatures
Press Release
March 10, 2015
LOS ANGELES– The current weather forecast for Sunday, March 15th calls for record high heat. The weather conditions pose a high level of risk for marathoners and all participants should be advised to take precaution. Everyone who participates should strongly consider running at a slower pace than they would normally plan to run a marathon.
“We have been closely monitoring the forecast for Sunday’s race and in collaboration with our city agency partners and medical teams, we have decided to start the ASICS LA Marathon 30 minutes earlier,” said Tracey Russell, Chief Executive of LA MARATHON LLC. “Changing the start of the marathon is no easy undertaking. Working with the four city jurisdictions and the Veteran’s Administration, all of our partners have been incredibly supportive to help make this happen.”
The ASICS LA Marathon is taking the following measures to reduce the risks:
- Moving the ‘full field’ start time 30 minutes earlier – from 7:25 am to 6:55 am
- Initiating wave starts to ensure proper runner spacing and enabling more efficient replenishment of supplies at early aid stations
- Increasing the overall supply of aid, including additional water and Gatorade Endurance Formula at all 24 aid stations
- Providing ‘cooling buses’ along the course and at the finish line
- Providing misting stations, cold towels and ice
- Extending the length of time finish line services will be available
- Providing regular updates as to additional resources added for the event
Aid Stations
The ASICS LA Marathon has set up 24 fully-staffed aid stations along the course that feature both water and Gatorade Endurance Formula (Lemon-Lime). Aid stations will be featured at every mile beginning at Mile 2 until Mile 25. At each aid station, electrolyte tables will be first, followed by water. If the first aid tables at any aid station are crowded, participants should continue moving through the aid station to the next set of tables in order to minimize congestion and provide all runners with convenient access to obtaining fluids.
Medical Support
There is medical support at the start and finish lines as well as along the course. Beginning at mile 6, medical tents are staged every two miles along the course – miles 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24. Medical tents are located at the finish line and in the post food & fluid area on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. Medical stations are staffed with volunteer physicians, nurses and assistants, and are coordinated by Keck Medicine of USC.
Medical Advice
As more than 26,000 runners prepare to take to the streets of Los Angeles for the 30th edition of the ASICS LA Marathon, Marathon Medical Director Glenn Ault, M.D. of Keck Medicine of USC reminds runners to take proper precautions for race day.
“While we are anticipating warmer temperatures for Sunday’s race, we are confident in our level of preparedness and the resources we have available to support a positive race day experience for all participants,” said Ault. “We are partnering with city agencies in the four cities the marathon pass through. Additionally, we coordinate volunteer physicians, residents, nurses and staff from Keck Medicine of USC as well as from medical facilities and hospitals in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica to help runners who experience medical issues during the race.”
Dr. Ault also offers the following preparation tips to all participants:
- Hydrate. Drink the proper amount of fluids, both water and electrolytes.
- Study the race course. Be aware of water and aid station locations.
- Listen to your body. If you’re dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, vomiting or in a lot of pain, go to a water or medical station with staffed medical personnel and get help immediately.
- Dress appropriately—avoid cotton fabrics, long sleeves and long pants. Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics (“technical” running gear) that will help to keep you cool.
- At the finish line, keep moving to acclimate your body to a more sedentary state. Watch for “hot walkers” assigned to help runners keep moving if you need assistance.