Has anyone mentioned that the marathon starts way too late? Most marathons here in Colorado start by 7:00, I can't imagine why one in LA would start so late! The course wasn't bad - nothing special but the hills were short and I didn't really notice the slight uphill during the second half of the race. The spectators were amazing - I can't imagine better support. Names on the bibs were great - very inspiring to hear people cheering you on. It was fun to run in such a huge event, but the start time definitely needs to be changed.

I ignored previous posts about the heat and ran the 2004 race anyway. Now I understand. Much too late a start for the intense heat. This was my worst time in 4 years. The fan support was great and the sub 4 corral was awesome, but the heat had people dropping like flies.

This is my 3rd L.A. Marathon. Last time was in 2002 when it was also very hot. I'll add my voice to the chorus of those who want an earlier start time. Hopefully, organizers will listen.

As a racewalker, I'm very aware of race etiquette(i.e. starting toward the back, staying to the right to allow others to pass, etc.) but I really wish the marathon training groups would also teach race etiquette to their walkers and slower runners. Can't tell you how many times I had to cut through groups of walkers (and slower runners) going 3-6 abreast!

If it weren't for the people in the L.A. community being out on the street with ice trays and garden hoses, and for all the water stops, I would have been among the masses taken to the hospital. The people of L.A. were incredible! I just wish the organizers would listen and offer an earlier start; I stayed at a hotel near the finish area and I swear all I heard were sirens as people were being hauled off to local hospitals due to the heat. Aside from that, I enjoyed the race, the spectators, and seeing Muhammad Ali at the start.

Don't let the negative news reports about the people of L.A. be a barometer for your perceptions; on race day, I saw the REAL L.A., and it was wonderful...the people make the city. A big high five to the people who lined the street to cheer us on, and to keep us cool with their garden hoses and ice trays!

Lots of posts here from people who say this might be their last year running this marathon due to the heat. Count me in that crowd. I ran it last year and it was hot and tough, but this was even worse. One of the crew at the finish told me that parts of the course had reached 93 degrees. I believe it. After mile 18 I saw people lying on the grass everywhere. I met several 4:00-4:30 marathoners who finished in the 6:00 range because they were reduced to a walk by the heat. Really bad conditions.

What makes this marathon great is the crowds. This includes both the running crowd (20,000 plus runners makes for a LOT of energy), and the crowd of spectators. I would guess few marathons with so much intense crowd support. Sorry to say I might not be back.

For me it was the first marathon. Since living in LA it was obvious to start here. I liked the course, it was a real challenge for me.

I agree with one of my fellow runners that the markers should have been more accurate. This threw me off a bit since I don't have any experience with pacing such a run. Still I liked the organization although I don't have any comparison (yet).
The crowd was amazing. After I started cramping between mile 22 and 23 it got so bad that I thought that's it, but thanks to the help of the people it got me going again and I could finish in an ok time for a first marathon.

I will be back because I want to prove that I can do better!

This is my first marathon and I ran with Student Run L.A. The course was not so bad, but they should reverse it - start with the hill and then finish with a downhill. The start time is also way too late - it was SOOO hot! The fans were GREAT! Couldn't have finished it without them, thanks for all the water, fruits, snacks, and those people spraying with hoses, that was awesome! I'm not sure if I would run it again, but it's not bad for a first-time marathon.

This could be one of the greatest marathons in the USA if the organizers would move the start to an earlier time. It is just too hot and dangerous starting at 8:30 AM. The spectators are fantastic-thanks for ALL the support.

As this was my first marathon, I didn't know what to expect, but I definitely didn't expect this (heat). I think the course was a good challenge. I liked the organization but can't compare to other marathons (yet!!!), and the fans were amazing because they helped me when I needed it most.

This is my home marathon and I'm sure I will run it again.

The Bad: it's said in every post--but the 8:30 start time IS much to late. The start area is to cramped and chaotic. Much of the course can be pretty uninteresting.

The Good: the support from the crowd. The crowd isn't as large or as deep as NYC/Chicago/Boston, but they go out their way to give you a hand. With the extreme temperatures of 2004, the water/hoses/oranges/bananas/candy given out by the crowd probably prevented a lot more people from ending up with heat related illnesses. Having your name on your bib is a nice touch and the free cell phone runners who let you make a call mid-race are also pretty cool.

Overall: an interesting experience. Glad I did it ONCE. Unless they were to change the start time I wound not even consider doing it again. People train much too hard to have it derailed by the inevitable warm So. Cal. temps from such a late start time.

...somehow I managed to PR! This marathon was my 3rd in 9 months. Oddly enough, I was still able to PR on this brutally hot day in LA. Official high = 87F, on the ground the temp. was ~95F!

PROS:
-Huge expo.
-Name on the bibs...what a GREAT idea!
-The course brings out the best in people spanning all races, ages, religions and cultures.
-The FANS are the best ones I have ever seen at any marathon so far! People were yelling out my name so often I felt privileged.
-Fans giving out oranges, bananas, candy, chips and other food.
-The homeowners spraying us down w/ water was such a relief.
-Special treat in that Ali and Jackie Joyner-Kersee were at the start.

CONS:
-Like everyone said, the late start is just brutal!
-Course is slightly dull. LA has much more to offer.
-Did I mention that it was HOT?!
-Family reunion area a bit chaotic, but it's OK.

Overall, I had such a great experience at the LA because of the sheer spectator support! Thank you volunteers!