Registration For 2013 LA Marathon Begins Today

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Registration for the 2013 LA Marathon opened today, with race officials anticipating an early sellout due to growing popularity of the Stadium to the Sea course nationally and internationally. As a result of overwhelming demand, marathon officials are capping this year's race to ensure a world-class experience for every participant. The 2013 event will take place on Sunday, March 17.

The LA Marathon's expanding charity effort and a new international tourism program are expected to account for thousands of runners from across the United States and from countries including Australia, Japan, South Africa, Germany, England, France and Canada. The pre-registration commitments from these groups coupled with the increased demand from capped registration are expected to result in robust sign-ups and an early sellout of the 2013 race.

"The popularity of the LA Marathon worldwide is growing, and we're beginning to see the kind of pre-registration demand experienced by only a select few races around the world," said LA MARATHON LLC Chief Operating Officer Nick Curl.  "The fantastic Stadium to the Sea course, the draw of Los Angeles and the LA Marathon's commitment to providing a world-class experience are contributing to the excitement around this race.  I have a simple message:  Sign-up now and don't be left behind."

Beginning today and for a limited time, the LA Marathon is offering a $145 registration fee – the lowest price that runners will be able to secure for the 2013 race, good only through October 31. Participants may register on the LA Marathon's website, www.lamarathon.com.

When runners register for the marathon, they may also sign up for the race's official training program, LA Roadrunners, which is led by elite running coach Andrew Kastor and combines training with an educational program to help participants fulfill their marathon goals. The program is open to all levels of runners and still has available spots.

"We recommend that runners start training this month to begin preparing for the 2013 LA Marathon, and we encourage runners to register for the race early," Kastor said.

Runners also have the opportunity to get involved in the Marathon's growing "I Run 4 Something" charity campaign, which reached new heights in 2012 as participants raised more than $3 million for more than 70 causes. Also returning is the charity relay, which debuted in 2012, enabling a team of two to participate in the marathon as a relay, with each taking half of the course.   

The 2013 LA Marathon will be the fourth running of the wildly popular Stadium to the Sea course, which gives marathon runners a unique opportunity to see the beauty and diversity of Los Angeles while racing  from Dodger Stadium to the Pacific Ocean, passing many of L.A.'s world-famous landmarks along the way. Among the highlights are Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Capitol Records Building, Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and the Santa Monica Pier.

"Our Stadium to the Sea course is second to none, and we are committed to making sure each runner has a world-class experience.  We can't wait to showcase the wonderful neighborhoods and icons of Los Angeles in the 2013 race, and we appreciate the partnership of the cities of Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, along with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in making this world-class marathon route possible," Curl said.

ABOUT LA MARATHON LLC: We inspire athletes and connect communities.  With thousands of volunteers, tens of thousands of participants, and hundreds of thousands of spectators, the LA Marathon is one of the largest organized road races in the country. The Stadium to the Sea course, which starts at Dodger Stadium and finishes by the Santa Monica Pier, is considered one of the most scenic in the world. Unique among major road races, it passes through four cities and federal property.

SOURCE LA MARATHON LLC