run
LA
April 2014
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L.A. Marathon runners sweat through hottest race day in decade PAGE 2
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Amane Gobena Wins “Challenger Bonus� at LA Marathon
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Hey there, Los Angeles, It’s Mud Running Season!
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Best Scenic Running Paths In Los Angeles PAGE 3
L.A. Marathon runners sweat through hottest race day in decade By Teresa Watanabe
T hey’ve fought torrential rain
and strong winds before, but L.A. Marathon runners have rarely seen the heat they did Sunday – or the large number of first-aid calls the warm weather produced. At the L.A. Marathon’s finish line in Santa Monica, city firefighters aided 95 runners, sending 16 to area hospitals, for such problems as dehydration, cramps, chest pains and exhaustion, according to Battalion Chief Jeff Furrows. That was twice the usual number of runners requesting aid, he said. PAGE 4
Race-day temperatures climbed to 81 degrees at the finish line, the highest ever recorded since the L.A. Marathon began its 26.2-mile “Stadium to the Sea” course from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica five years ago. The heat was blamed for slightly slower times this year, with Amane Gobena of Ethiopia winning the women’s race in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 37 seconds and fellow countryman Gebo Burka
winning the men’s race in 2:10:37. “The unusually high temperatures were a unique challenge for us this year,” Furrows said, adding that winds last year and rain the year before did not cause similar problems. “We saw more folks in need of assistance.” The higher number of calls for aid prompted Santa Monica to request extra help, including L.A. County paramedics, L.A. city bike teams and other transport vehicles and private ambulances. Elsewhere, L.A. County Fire Capt. Brian Jordan said his paramedics brought six runners to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center among nine who requested help for heat-related maladies. Santa Monica police increased security at the finish line, taking extra precautions after the terrorist bombing at the Boston Marathon last year, but no incidents were reported. “There was nothing out of the ordinary,” a police spokesman said. Overall, marathon organizers hailed the race as one of the most successful ever, with near-record crowds. The event drew 21,829 runners from all 50
Run LA states and 55 nations; all but 348 crossed the finish line. More than one-third were running for the first time and just over half were new participants in the L.A. Marathon, according to organizers. As many as 75,000 spectators lined the course in Santa Monica alone, the city’s largest annual oneday event, Furrows said. “It was truly a celebration of Los Angeles and a great event that brought our community together,” said Tracey Russell, the marathon’s chief executive.
“The unusually high temperatures were a unique challenge for us this year,”
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Run LA
Amane Gobena Wins “Challenger Bonus” at LA Marathon By Peter Gambaccini
Gebo Burka and Amane Gobena of Ethiopia ultimately had one fierce rival apiece to defeat for the men’s and women’s titles, respectively, at the LA Marathon on Sunday. But the most meaningful battle, ultimately, was that between Burka and Gobena. Burka’s 2:10:37 to lead the men and Gobena’s 2:27:37 to top the women were each worth $25,000. But it was Gobena who came home with the race’s “challenger bonus” of $50,000. The elite women were granted a 17:41 head start – and at the race’s end, Gobena was still 47 seconds ahead of Burka. In an interview Gobena spoke of what she would do with her winnings. Gobena: “I’m building
a house, and definitely that home will be paid off.”
Kleppin: “I’m just beyond happy about this race.”
Gobena led after 13.1 miles in 1:12:43. She and Ethiopian Tigist Tufa pulled away from the pack at about the 18th mile, and Gobena began breaking away from Tufa four miles later en route to her fifth marathon victory, her first since 2011.
Most had missed earning the “challenge bonus” in 2013 and had given assurances that the men’s pace would be quicker this year so as contend for the bonus. But in the early miles, that did not prove to be the case.
Gobena: “I knew she was slowing down a little bit.” For the United States, the big story of the day in Los Angeles was Lauren Kleppin’s third place 2:28:48. It was a personal best by more than 13 minutes for Kleppin, a Western State Colorado graduate who now competes for the Mammoth Track Club.
Gobena and Tufa were dominating the women’s race by mile 18, with Gobena shaking off her pursuer by mile 23. Kleppin, who’d boldly run with the leaders early on, tenaciously hung on and fought her way back into third. Kleppin: “I just kind of had to fight that in my mind, and realize I really wanted to finish in that top five.”
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Hey LA, It’s Mud Hey, Los Angeles it’s mud running season. Now, I know you’re looking for something fun, exciting, and unique. So, the first thing that comes to my mind, and I’m sure lot of you will thank me for this suggestion, is a sport that continue to grow more and more in popularity: mud-running. If you’ve never tried it then it’s time you jump in and have a go. Practically anybody can do it. Venues are open for everyone and it seems like they’re popping up everywhere. Yes, there are events for ladies only and, yes mud runs especially for kids. So, be sure to take the kids. They like to rollick in mud. Come-on. I’m sure you’ve heard of them. You know you wanna try it. Now’s the time to jump in and get a little dirty. Like my old drill sergeant use to say: A little dirt never hurt anybody. Hmmm, or was it mom who said that? Well, anyway, you might consider a mud run coming up very soon at the Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, called PAGE 10
the “Merrell Down and Dirty Obstacle Race” set for April 13th. The address is 32132 Castaic Lake Dr., Castaic. You can choose a 3-mile or a 6-mile race. Go to www.downanddirtyobstaclerace.com for admission fees and other information. Men and women can join the fun and the orga-
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Running Season! nizers even put together an “Adventure for Kids” (ages 4 through 13) race. You have to decide quickly as it seems to be selling out fast. You also might look into the “Hot and Dirty Mud Run” out at the 3840 Crown Valley Road, Acton, 93510. This is a 5k run with 30 plus obstacles. They also advertise kids runs. Go to https://hotandirtymudrun.com/ for more information. This is set for May 17th, with a lot of other dates advertised for later in the year. After you’ve developed a taste for the sport, you’ll want to go to the granddaddy of them all- Camp Pendleton’s “World Famous Mud Run. The registration deadline to get best pricing for this famous mud run is April 30th, and the runs are slated for May 31st, June 1st, 7th and 8th at Lake O’Neill, MCB Camp Pendleton, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055. For specific information regarding admission fee and other im-
portant information go to www.worldfamousmudrun.com Yes, they have a kids run. When you’ve navigated this course you’ll probably be at the top of your game and pumped for something bigger and better. Mud run events can be found all over the country so there’s plenty of opportunity to stay in shape no matter where you go. Here in Los Angeles mud runs are available most of the year. The most popular runs are conducted between March and October. That’s right, so now- it’s mud run season in LA. Go have some fun and get dirty. PAGE 11
Best Scenic Running Paths In Los Angeles The beauty of Los Angeles is hard to beat when pitted against any other urban city in America, but if you’re on the run in these parts, it’s important to find a favorite spot filled with nature’s finery to take every run over the top.
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Ferndell in Griffith Park 2333 Fern Dell Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 www.laparks.org/ For arguably the prettiest place in Los Angeles to run, try this nature trail shaded in ancient trees, including native redwoods and California sycamores. Not only will your effort reward you with a picturesque stream, but you’ll also be privy to the place where the Star Trek production team chose to represent
the planet Bajor. This place is great for hot afternoons and post-workout picnics (aka collapsing on the soft grass to eat a protein bar) in the park. Runyon Canyon 2001 N Fuller Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 (323) 666-5046 runyoncanyon-losangeles.com/ Get up close and personal with the iconic Hollywood sign as you
Run LA run past dogs walking their owners and hikers passing the time by slowly taking the modest incline. Stop by for a free yoga class (available daily), or scale up your casual jog with any number of more aggressive options in this diverse destination. Register to share photos and swap workout regimes. Bluff Trail Park One Westbluff Playa del Rey, CA 90293
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If it’s alternative scenery you like to speed past, opt for this trail not far from LAX that takes you straight to the Ballona Wetlands Freshwater Marsh. Connect to area trails — though you might have to run a little road in between — or just make this a quickie in a never-too-crowded city spot. The bluffs are scenic and the area peaceful on this pleasant, local jaunt. Brand Park Hiking Trail Starts near Green Cross Glendale, CA www.lamountains.com/ Trail running shoes (the ones with the cleats) are necessary to take on this scenic Glendale Trail in the beautiful and glorious Verdugo Mountains. Don’t forget your water bottle, and only try this pick if you’re in good shape. This trail is definitely not for beginners. Go for the glory of the peak with magnificent Pasadena and La Crascenta views, and then sail back down to the start where you’ll once again greet the Green Cross lady statue. Rigorous, but worth it, and equipped with a lovely Japanese tea house, it’s a Zen place to catch your PAGE 14
wind and take a break. Manhattan Beach Manhattan Beach Dr. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 For soft sand running along the trail, pick Manhattan Beach, especially at dusk when the scene is more serene. Gaze directly into the Pacific and feel the reward of a few hills over your shoulder while you get a great lower-leg workout with a distracting view. Avoid the pier until after your jaunt, and then slow down and soak up a more frenetic scene until you reach a standstill at the water’s edge. Eaton Canyon Trail Pasadena, CA Eaton Canyon Falls Trail is a 3.4 mile out and back trail located near Pasadena, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking & nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. San Vicente Boulevard The wide grassy median of San Vicente Boulevard is a popular haven for runners from nearby
Westwood, Brentwood and Santa Monica -- and for good reason. It’s wide enough for about 20 runners to run side-by-side on its luscious grass, shaded by coral trees and with spectacular views of the... UCLA Drake Track Stadium UCLA Campus If you prefer synthetic terrain or balk at the idea of trekking in mud after L.A.’s few days of annual rain, take a turn at UCLA’s nine-lane 400-meter track. The track, named after student-athlete alum, track coach and trainer Elvin C. “Ducky” Drake, is surfaced with all-weather Tartan -- perfect for longer runs. Hermosa Valley Greenbelt Between Manhatten and Hermosa Beach The popular greenery-lined 3.7-mile trail between Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach goes by different names -- Veteran’s Parkway, Hermosa Valley Greenbelt -- but one thing is certain: It’s great for running. The wood-chip path is easy on the knees, and half-mile markers along the way keep track of your distance.