In an effort to combat the record-high temperatures expected on Sunday, L.A. Marathon organizers are moving the start time to 6:55 a.m., 30 minutes earlier than the planned start. 

 

“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 L.A. Marathon 30 minutes earlier,” Chief Executive Tracey Russell said in a release. 

 

March 15 morning temperatures are expected to reach 65 degrees at the start and peak near 85 degrees at 11 a.m. 

 

Race organizers are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of runners competing. There will be wave starts to ensure proper runner spacing and an increase in the supply of aid, including additional water and Gatorade Endurance Formula at all 24 aid stations. Cooling buses will be provided along the course and finish line, and additional time for finish line services will be available. 

 

The L.A. Marathon has experienced high temperatures in the past. 81-degree temperatures caused 16 hospitalizations at last year’s event. The hottest race on record over the race’s 30 years happened in 1993 at 86 degrees. 

 

L.A. Marathon organizers will be providing regular updates on additional resources added to the event.