LOS ANGELES – (November 9, 2009) – Los Angeles Marathon officials have unveiled the detailed 2010 route that, for the first time, takes runners from Los Angeles downtown area all the way to the scenic coastline. The new Stadium to the Sea course, starting at Dodger Stadium, will wind its way through Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica on the way to a picturesque finish in front of the Pacific Ocean.

Along the way, runners will pass signature sites, including El Pueblo de Los Angeles (the city's birthplace), Los Angeles City Hall, the Capitol Records Building, the Kodak Theater (home of the Oscars®), the Sunset Strip, historic Route 66, Rodeo Drive and the Santa Monica Pier.

The course, which trends downhill and loses roughly 400 feet start to finish, is expected to be among the fastest courses in LA Marathon history.

"We are thrilled to see such a great response to the Stadium to the Sea route," said LA Marathon President Russ Pillar. "We designed this iconic course with runners in mind, and expect it will quickly make the Los Angeles Marathon a 'must run' among the world's major marathons. We encourage runners to register early to get under the cap and ensure they're part of this very special event."

Already, runners are signing up at unprecedented levels, and organizers intend to cap the number of participants at 25,000. Even before the course announcement, registration was running more than 75 percent ahead of the 2007 pace, the Marathon's biggest year to-date with more than 24,000 participants. As course details circulate, organizers anticipate another wave of sign-ups. Marathon officials encourage runners who have not yet signed up to do so online at: www.lamarathon.com

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa saluted marathon organizers and the neighboring cities for collaborating on the new route. "Since taking over the marathon, Frank McCourt and his team have led a successful effort to deliver a route that highlights what makes Los Angeles the premier city in the world. With the collaboration of our friends in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and the Veterans' Administration, we are truly excited to host an event that showcases the best Los Angeles has to offer."

Race organizers worked hard to find a runner-friendly route that would be unique among the world's leading marathons. It is also a route that ties together the four cities and many communities along the way. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are anticipated for this grand event – the 25th running of the Los Angeles Marathon.

"With 131 days to race day, it's not too late to start training," said LA Marathon Director of Training Rod Dixon. Dixon is a former New York City Marathon winner and 1972 Olympic medalist. "As a runner, this will be one of the most exciting courses in the world. There is still ample time to train and participate in the 2010 marathon, and the time to sign up is now. For both veteran runners and first-timers, this is the year to run the LA Marathon."

The Los Angeles Marathon inspires athletes and connects communities. With thousands of volunteers, tens of thousands of participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators along the route, the Los Angeles Marathon, a Running USA Founding Member, is one of the largest organized road races in the country. For more information including the new course map, visit: www.lamarathon.com

Source: RunningUSA