Spotlights To Mark Every Mile Of This Weekend's LA Marathon Route
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — High-powered spotlights will light up the night sky over Los Angeles Friday, but not for the latest movie opening – the 124 spotlights will mark every mile of this weekend's ASICS LA Marathon route.
The high-powered spotlights will be lit Friday at 8:40 p.m. to celebrate the 30th edition of the race, officials from ASICS said.
The spotlight installation will include 124 spotlights, totaling over 7.5 lumens – the equivalent of 29,100 light bulbs -- along the 26-mile "Stadium to Sea" course from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica. The lights will remain on until about 10:15 p.m., ASICS officials said.
ASICS, the title sponsor of the LA Marathon, says it will be the largest-known marathon course lighting activation ever and should be visible from high vantage points all over the city.
The course will trek along a similar route to last year, going from downtown's Dodger Stadium to the Pacific Coast. Along the way, participants will again pass some of Los Angeles' most famous landmarks and journey through diverse neighborhoods.
Unlike past years, however, participants will face what is expected to be record high temperatures Sunday, which marathon officials warned could "pose a high level of risk" for those taking part.
In order to compensate for the hotter weather, LA Marathon officials have moved up the full field start time of the race by 30 minutes to 6:55 a.m. to "better ensure runner safety".
In addition, officials will also be initiating "wave" starts to ensure proper runner spacing and enabling more efficient replenishment of supplies at early aid stations, providing misting stations and "cooling buses" along the course, and extending the length of time that finish line services will be available.
Detailed course maps and event information are available online at LAMarathon.com.