Los Angeles, U.S.A. — Reflecting its elevated status as a premier race, the LA Marathon has received the coveted designation as the nation’s best big city race in the January issue of Runner’s World magazine.

This significant recognition in the magazine’s featured 2013 Marathon Guide is another indicator of the race’s gaining popularity among runners across the world. Current registration totals for the 2013 LA Marathon, with its iconic Stadium to the Sea course, are at an all-time high and significantly outpacing historic totals, according to race officials.

Julie Weiss, an ultra-experienced marathoner from Santa Monica, summarizes her enthusiasm for the LA Marathon in the article. The LA Marathon was her first 26.2 mile-race in 2008, and 2013 will be her third time running the Stadium to the Sea course. The 2013 LA Marathon will also be the last marathon on her journey to complete 52 marathons in one year to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in honor of her father, who died from the disease in 2010.

“I wanted to make sure that my final marathon would be my favorite one, which is why I chose the LA Marathon to culminate this huge accomplishment,” Weiss said. “With its fantastic course, the LA Marathon is one of the most exciting races in the country.”

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.

“We are honored to be recognized by the leading running publication as the best big city race in the country,” said Nick Curl, LA Marathon’s Race Director. “We continue to challenge ourselves to enhance the runner experience from year to year, and recognitions like these confirm that our efforts are working. Registration is also at an extremely brisk pace, so this year in particular, I urge runners to sign up now and don’t get left behind.”

The race is capped, so participants are encouraged to register online soon at www.lamarathon.com.

Image Courtesy : Planetc1

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Los Angeles, U.S.A. – The London Olympic Games have just concluded, and now all eyes turn… to Los Angeles. With the 2013 LA Marathon just over six months away, organizers have unveiled a special package for those who want to run their best Marathon yet. And until LA Marathon registration officially opens on October 1, it’s the only way to secure a spot at the starting line on March 17, 2013.

Runners can sign up now for the LA Roadrunners + LA Marathon bundled package at www.lamarathon.com. For just $250, runners have access to six months of guided training with LA Roadrunners, along with entry to the 2013 race. The package price includes a significant discount on the normal $145 cost of the LA Roadrunners program.

“This year’s Olympic Games captured the imagination of millions of athletes and spectators alike,” said Nick Curl, LA Marathon LLC chief operating officer. “Now is the perfect time to commit to run the LA Marathon next spring. Our LA Roadrunners training program will get you ready.”

The six-month LA Roadrunners training program is designed to serve everyone from first-time marathoners to veteran racers. Program participants can choose from 20 pace groups for runners, walkers and run-walkers that range from those striving to run a sub-3:20 race to those who wish to walk the iconic Stadium to the Sea course in just under the Marathon’s limit of eight hours.

Beginning September 8, LA Roadrunners participants will join weekly group training runs led by experienced pace leaders, and benefit from a comprehensive training manual and calendar, weekly guest speakers, and technique & nutrition advice.

This year, elite ASICS coach Andrew Kastor will lead the LA Roadrunners program and offer inspiration to thousands of marathoners, from first-timers to avid runners. Kastor has spent 15 years as a competitive runner and trained some of the world’s finest athletes and worked with many renowned coaches. He is currently involved with some of the world’s best distance runners, including his wife, Olympic Medalist and U.S. Record-Holder Deena Kastor.

“We have an amazing Roadrunners program lined up that will get you outside, active and prepared for next year’s LA Marathon, no matter what shape you are in,” Andrew Kastor said. “Our special LA Roadrunners and LA Marathon package is the first chance you have to sign up and be part of something great in 2013.”

Participants are urged to sign up for the race early either through the LA Roadrunners bundled package available now, or through general registration for the LA Marathon, which opens October 1. Space will be limited as race organizers are capping registration to ensure each runner has their best possible marathon experience.

Image Courtesy of   meganwest

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