Why is the Long Beach Marathon a must-run event for runners of all levels? The Long Beach Marathon, set for October 6, 2024, is more than just a race; it's a celebration of community, fitness, and scenic beauty. Celebrating its 40th edition, this marathon offers a flat, fast course that winds through iconic landmarks like the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village. With events ranging from a full marathon to a 5K and a bike tour, there's something for everyone. The supportive atmosphere, perfect Southern California weather, and the chance to earn multiple medals make it a standout event. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-time runner, the Long Beach Marathon promises an unforgettable experience.
Key Takeaways:
- The Long Beach Marathon offers a scenic and flat course, perfect for achieving personal bests and enjoying stunning coastal views. With diverse events and community involvement, it's more than just a race—it's a weekend-long celebration!
- From the flat terrain and perfect weather to the variety of events and supportive atmosphere, the Long Beach Marathon caters to runners of all levels. Join the fun and stay updated by registering at RunLongBeach.com and following @LongBeachMarathon on social media!
The Scenic Course
The Long Beach Marathon offers a beautiful and flat course that attracts runners from all over. Let's dive into what makes this route special.
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Location and Course: The marathon kicks off in Downtown Long Beach, passing landmarks like the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village. Runners enjoy ocean views and a loop around California State University, Long Beach.
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Course Elevation: Known for its flat terrain, the highest point is just 45 feet above sea level, perfect for those chasing personal bests or Boston Marathon qualifications.
Marathon Weekend Events
The Long Beach Marathon isn't just a race; it's a weekend-long celebration with various events for all fitness levels.
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Start Time: Due to high temperatures, the marathon starts at 5:30 AM on October 6, 2024. Wheelchair and bike tour events also begin earlier.
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Marathon Weekend Events: The weekend features a 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half-marathon, Aquarium of the Pacific 5K, and a Bike Tour. Participants can mix and match events.
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Long Beach Combo Medals: Completing two events over the weekend earns runners an additional Combo medal. Popular combinations include the 5K with either the half-marathon or full marathon.
Support and Logistics
Running a marathon requires support, and the Long Beach Marathon ensures participants have everything they need.
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Aid Stations: Multiple aid stations provide water and electrolytes at miles 2, 4.5, 6, 8, 10, 11.5, 13, 14.5, 16.5, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23.5, and 25.
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Gear Check: Runners can drop off gear at Marina Green from 5:30 AM and must pick it up by 1:30 PM. Valuables should not be checked.
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Course Time Limit: The marathon has a 7.5-hour limit, requiring a pace of 17 minutes per mile. Falling behind may result in being moved ahead by a sweep vehicle.
Rewards and Recognition
The Long Beach Marathon offers significant rewards for top finishers and age group winners.
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Prize Money: Top three male and female finishers receive $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500, respectively. Age group winners also receive awards.
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Age Group Awards: The top three male and female finishers in each age group are recognized, adding extra motivation for runners.
Parking and Road Closures
Navigating the marathon day logistics is crucial for a smooth experience.
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Parking Information: Multiple lots around Downtown Long Beach offer parking, including the Long Beach Convention Center and Pike Outlets Garage, with prices ranging from $12 to $15.
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Drop Off Location: The best drop-off spot is near Ocean Boulevard and Linden Avenue. Participants can walk to the start line from there.
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Road Closures: Road closures will be in place on both Saturday and Sunday, affecting major roads like E Livingston Dr, Park Ave, and Shoreline Dr.
Additional Events and Activities
The marathon weekend is packed with activities beyond the main race.
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Health and Wellness Expo: Starting on October 4, this expo offers race packet pickup, running tips, and health and wellness vendors.
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Aquarium of the Pacific 5K: This event begins and ends at the aquarium, offering a themed medal and discounted aquarium access.
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Bike Tour: Cyclists can enjoy the marathon excitement on closed roads, receiving a commemorative shirt, finisher’s medal, and complimentary beer.
Community and Economic Impact
The marathon is more than a race; it's a community event with significant economic benefits.
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Partnership with Long Beach Airport: Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the marathon partners with Long Beach Airport to promote health and community engagement.
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Historical Significance: Founded in 1923, Long Beach Airport is California's oldest airport, offering non-stop service to 16 U.S. cities.
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Economic Impact: The airport generates $8.6 billion in economic impact and supports 46,000 jobs, highlighting its importance to the community.
Celebrating 40 Years
This year's marathon marks a significant milestone, celebrating four decades of running excellence.
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Celebration of 40 Years: The marathon promises an unforgettable experience with stunning coastal views. Early registration is encouraged.
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Iconic Landmarks: The course passes by landmarks like the Queen Mary, Shoreline Village, Belmont Shore, and Marine Stadium, making the run memorable.
Perfect Running Conditions
Southern California's weather and supportive atmosphere make the Long Beach Marathon a favorite.
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Perfect Weather: Typically enjoying ideal weather, the marathon is perfect for achieving personal bests with its flat, sea-level course.
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Supportive Atmosphere: Enthusiastic spectators cheer runners on, adding excitement and motivation throughout the race.
Diverse Participation
The marathon weekend caters to runners of all levels, ensuring everyone can join the fun.
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Variety of Events: From the challenging marathon to the accessible 5K and half-marathon, there's something for everyone.
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Participation Numbers: Annually attracting around 20,000 runners, the event's popularity reflects its appeal.
Registration and Social Media
Stay updated and register easily for the Long Beach Marathon.
- Registration and Social Media: Register at RunLongBeach.com and follow @LongBeachMarathon for updates and information.
Post-Race Celebrations
The fun doesn't end at the finish line; there's more to enjoy after the race.
- Finish Line Festival: The marathon concludes with a festival featuring music, food, and festivities for participants and spectators.
Safety and Health
Ensuring runner safety is a top priority, especially with high temperatures expected.
- Safety Precautions: Runners are advised to stay hydrated, wear sweat-wicking fabrics, use sunscreen, and monitor body temperature and heart rate.
Community Involvement
The marathon fosters a sense of community and supports local businesses.
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Community Engagement: The event promotes health, wellness, and local business support, making it more than just a race.
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Supportive Atmosphere: The marathon's community involvement creates a celebration of the city and its people.
Celebrating 40 Years of Running Excellence
The Long Beach Marathon is more than just a race; it's a celebration of community, fitness, and the stunning coastal beauty of Southern California. With its flat, scenic course, runners of all levels can enjoy a memorable experience. From the historic landmarks like the Queen Mary to the supportive atmosphere created by enthusiastic spectators, this event has something for everyone. The marathon weekend offers various events, including a half-marathon, 5K, and bike tour, ensuring there's a challenge for every participant. As it marks its 40th edition, the Long Beach Marathon continues to promote health, wellness, and community engagement. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply soaking in the views, this marathon promises an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on being part of this iconic event—register early and join the celebration!
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