FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LA Roadrunners Training Program Sets its Sights on Westlake Village;
Hundreds Expected to Join in Anticipation of 2012 Honda LA Marathon
Ventura County, San Fernando Valley Runners Get Comprehensive 26-Week
Training Program; Designed for
Both First-Time Participants and Experienced Racers
LOS ANGELES – For years, Oxnard resident and marathon enthusiast Rayna
Drago would wake up before dawn each Saturday during marathon season to
drive all the way to Venice for training runs. As both a participant and
then a pace leader for the LA Roadrunners, she would join hundreds of
fellow runners preparing for the Honda LA Marathon. Now, for the first
time, she doesn't need to leave the area. In fact, she barely needs to
leave Ventura County.
Just over the border in Westlake Village, Drago will lead a training
program of dozens of runners who together are opening the local chapter of
the LA Roadrunners. For the first time, the 26-week training program – the
official training program for the Honda LA Marathon – is coming to the
area. Runners from Ventura County and the San Fernando Valley are expected
to flock to it in preparation for the March 18, 2012 race.
The new Westlake Village chapter of the LA Roadrunners will meet each
Saturday until race weekend in front of Westlake Village City Hall at 7:00
a.m. for organized training runs. An official kick-off will be held on
September 10 at 9:00 a.m. LA Roadrunners is designed in such a way that
everyone can take part – whether they're aiming for a fast sub-four-hour
performance or plan to walk the race. Participants also benefit from a
comprehensive training manual and calendar, as well as technique and
nutrition advice.
"The launch of the new LA Roadrunners chapter here in Westlake Village is
great news for local residents aspiring to run next year's marathon," said
Drago. "We will be following the same great training program featured in
Venice, but with our own personal flair. I'm hoping to incorporate some
fresh ideas into the program this year, which might include anything from
challenging trail runs to new partnerships with local organizations."
Drago is still solidifying plans for the upcoming training season, but
wants to make a significant effort to become involved in the community over
the next six months. Local businesses have already been in touch about
setting up booths at the LA Roadrunners main meeting area. Drago has also
reached out to Westlake Village's YMCA and Boys & Girls Club to begin
conversations about volunteer opportunities and partnerships.
"We are going to be running through these streets every Saturday for the
next 26 weeks, so I figure it's important for us to show our gratitude and
give back to the community," said Drago.
With this latest expansion, the LA Roadrunners program now includes
programs in three different locations: Chino Hills, Venice and Westlake
Village. Runners can sign up for the program at the same time they register
for the marathon at www.lamarathon.com.
Registered participants also receive a specially designed LA Roadrunners
K-Swiss training shirt. Those who sign up for both the race and LA
Roadrunners receive a substantial discount on the training program.
"The LA Roadrunners program can train even the most inexperienced runners
and walkers to complete the 26.2 mile race, so we strongly encourage
first-timers to come out and join us," said LA MARATHON LLC Community
Relations Director Ginger Williams.
The LA Roadrunners program has successfully trained thousands of runners
and walkers who want the satisfaction of completing the Honda LA Marathon.
This year, as a result of tremendous interest, the program is expected to
serve more participants than ever – more than 2,000 across the three
locations. But runners must sign up before the program sells out.
Thousands of runners have already signed up for the 2012 Marathon, which
will once again feature the wildly successful "Stadium to the Sea" route
that takes runners from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier, with a
highlight reel of sights in between: famous districts such as Chinatown and
Little Tokyo; iconic areas including the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive; and
noteworthy L.A. landmarks Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grauman's Chinese
Theater, the Capitol Records Building and many more.
ABOUT LA MARATHON LLC
We inspire athletes and connect communities. With thousands of volunteers,
tens of thousands of participants, and hundreds of thousands of spectators,
the Honda LA Marathon is one of the largest organized road races in the
country.
###
|
