The 26.2-mile L.A. Marathon will trek along a new route this year, going from downtown’s Dodger Stadium to the Pacific coast. Along the way, participants will pass some of Los Angeles’ most famous landmarks and journey through diverse neighborhoods. The race begins on Sunday, March 21 at 6:55 a.m. for wheelchairs, 7:00 a.m. for hand cycles and 7:24 a.m. for all other participants. An accompanying 5K run event will be held at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, March 20 at 8 a.m.

“The Department is so excited to welcome marathon runners and participants to the City,” said Rita L. Robinson, general manager of the Department of Transportation. “We’re happy to provide support as they journey from one side of Los Angeles to the other, taking in the sights of this landmark-laden route.”

The City of Los Angeles has finalized street closures and restricted parking, as well as security strategies and public safety measures, to support the 25th annual Los Angeles Marathon.

Various streets along the marathon route will be closed by 3:15 a.m. on March 21, then reopen as early as 10:15 a.m., depending on the location. Streets will reopen by region because of the size and complexity of the event route. “The Department wants to maintain mobility for City drivers and will reopen streets as soon as it’s safe to do so,” Robinson said. Area residents are urged to use public transit on the day of the event. Click here to download a PDF of the route.

K-Swiss has set up an official site at www.commuterama.com with an awesome google map  to provide real time street closures during the LA Marathon, and they will even have maps available for your mobile devices!   You can also get traffic information about the Los Angeles Marathon at Twitter.com/commuterama

Those who want to watch the race in Los Angeles or Hollywood should consider traveling to their destination using Metro Rail. Parking is expected to be very tight in Santa Monica, so consider parking farther away and biking to the route. Race organizers and the city of Santa Monica are partnering with K-Swiss to offer free bike valet parking on race day at two convenient locations:  Ocean and Arizona Bike Valet will offer services between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. (to access, approach via 2nd Street or Arizona Avenue) and the Finish Line Festival Beach Party Bike Valet will offer services between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m (to access, approach from the north or south Bike Path.

If you prefer to stay home on race day, you can follow the race on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 7-10 a.m. with KTLA’s live television broadcast or by listening to live radio coverage at  KLAC 570AM.
 

By Brandy Schaffels
Editor, AskPatty.com