The forecast for the 39th Long Beach Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 15: Normal.
This year’s race, organizers say, will be the first to bring a sense of normalcy for runners, fans and the city’s hospitality and restaurant industries since the pandemic forced the race’s cancellation in 2020.
The 26.2-mile race will take place on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 6 a.m. A bike tour is also scheduled to start at the same time of the marathon, while the half-marathon is booked to begin at 7:30 a.m.
The initial race, the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K, is slated for Saturday, Oct. 14 at 6:50 a.m. Organizes want all the runners to wake up early and pickup their bibs and other gear from 5:15 through 6:30 a.m.
Although Covid-19 infections are slightly on the rise again, fears of massive and lethal transmissions among the participants are largely gone thanks to high levels of immunity obtained through a combination of effective vaccinations and immunity grown on people who have caught the coronavirus.
These factors, coupled with lifted city, county and state health regulations, would allow up to 25,000 visitors to show up on race day, and congregate in and around the Expo Center hours later to celebrate a myriad of athletic milestones.
The estimates, provided by Dan Cruz, the event’s director or media relations, include the 17,000 runners already registered to compete in the marathon, half marathon and the bike tour.
Predictions of a successful and memorable event are so upbeat that, for the first time since the marathon was canceled, a corporate sponsor has been secured.
Philips Sonicare, a brand of electrical toothbrushes, was introduced in August as the Marathon and Half Marathon’s main sponsor, according to Cruz.
Also, it is the first time an Expo Center will be built on the waterfront to receive up to 7,500 visitors on Friday, Oct. 13, the first of a three-day weekend of marathon activities. About 15,000 more attendants are expected on Saturday.
Cruz offered a condensed timeline of events that led to this year’s retrofitted marathon since the pandemic’s onset.
“It’s been rough on event organizers. Year 2021 was tough because all rules on organizers and participants,” said Cruz.
In 2022, participation roared back, he said, despite county, state and federal regulations still in place.
“But in 2023 we are back in full force. We have lots of participants, a new sponsor,” he said, as well as the outdoors expo on the waterfront and a record number of registered runners.
An extra sweetener has been added to the marathon: Last year’s champions Raymon Ornelas and Margaux Curcuru will defend their titles, as Cruz confirmed their registration.
Marathon winners in the male and female categories will receive a $1,000 award, while second places will earn $500 each.
Event manager Randy Garcia said registrations for the marathon and 5K run are sold out. The Bike Tour was the only activity open for registrations at the event’s website one week before the marathon’s kickoff. Bike Tour signups are $70 apiece.
Garcia said more than 1,500 registered runners live outside California, and runners from at least 20 countries will join the race.
The marathon “will attract some of the fastest athletes in Southern California,” he said.
Data from the event’s portal indicated 41 teams representing charities, sport and social clubs, and even the US Coast Guard, had signed up, each with at least 10 runners and one with as many as 61.
An “LBC” combo medal would be awarded to those who finish the 5K and any of the Sunday’s runs, or ride on the bike tour plus run in the half marathon.
At least 1,500 volunteers will work during the weekend, and some would be deployed to assist visitors at various spots along the race’s mapped path. Hundreds of police officers, firefighters and paramedics would be deployed at start point, and throughout the meandering urban race course.
Hotels and retailers brace for a boost in revenues
Due to the lack of an economic impact report — none has been conducted since 2018 — Cruz said hotel bookings and direct purchases from visitors in restaurants, retail stores and others will match, and likely surpass, those recorded pre-pandemic.
Hotel reservations and restaurant services will cost more for customers exploring Long Beach, considering the stubborn inflation led in part by expensive gasoline, high supply prices and increased wages.
Cruz said hotels near and along the shoreline are fully booked for Saturday and Sunday, and all kind of local businesses, from eateries to gift shops and other retail stores will experience an economic boon not seen in years.
The 2018 executive summary report indicated about 11,300 visitors flocked to the downtown and waterfront or stayed along the race course, reserved 2,799 hotel nights and spent more than $3 million.
That said, the total economic impact spurred by the marathon in the Los Angeles County rose to $4 million if one considers indirect benefits, or more activity among businesses, and induced expenses, or more spending linked to wealthier visitors.
Marilynn Singer, communications manager with the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement the 2023 marathon underscores the city’s appeal, attracting visitors who will contribute to restaurants, shops and services, and will strengthen its economic resilience.
“We here at the chamber, together with countless local business owners, are eagerly anticipating the substantial positive impact this will have on Long Beach’s businesses, employees, and overall economy,” said Singer.
Garcia advised anyone coming to Long Beach starting Friday to travel with plenty of time. If they plan to take the I-170 Long Beach freeway south, exit on Shoreline Drive, take 6th Street and turn right on Pine Avenue to find parking. Those arriving from the I-405 San Diego freeway should exit on Magnolia Avenue, head south and turn left on 6th Street to reach downtown.
Visitors with cars are advised to park at the Pike Outlets Parking Garage, located at 65 Cedar Ave., or at the City Place Parking Lot, found at 50 E. 6th St. Daily parking rates oscillate between $12 to $15.
Travelers from central Los Angeles can also board the Metro A light train, an exit on downtown Long Beach station. There is a bike parking station nearby.
“We are very excited to have this race. We missed it in 2020, and to have it back to pre-pandemic levels is very exciting,” said Cruz.
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39TH LONG BEACH MARATHON AT A GLANCE:
EVENT: Health and Wellness, Race & Packet Pick-Up Expo
Date: Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.
Time: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Marina Green, 386 E. Shoreline Dr., Long Beach, CA. 90803.
A two-day health and wellness free expo along the waterfront will kick off activities. The expo will showcase dozens of products for sample and sale as Marathon, half marathon and bike tour participants pickup race bibs, T-shirt and swag bag. 5K runners are encouraged to get their bibs Friday to avert long lines early morning on race day.
EVENT: Aquarium of the Pacific 5K
Date: Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023
Start Time: 6:50 a.m.
Location: 100 Aquarium Way.
Participants are encouraged to arrive early to pickup their race bibs and avoid long lines. Bib pickup is from 5:15 through 6:30 a.m.
EVENT: Race Expo & Packet Pickup Expo
Date: Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Marina Green, 386 E. Shoreline Dr.
Marathon, half marathon and bike tour participants are required to get their race bibs here.
EVENT: Bike Tour, 18 miles
Date: Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.
Start time: 6 a.m.
Location: Shoreline Drive and Linden Avenue.
Bike riders are encouraged to bring bike lights because it will be dark at the start of the tour. E-bikes, and/or motorized bikes are banned. All riders should wear helmets, it is mandatory.
EVENT: The Marathon, 26.2 miles
Date: Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.
Start Time: 6 a.m.
Location: Shoreline Drive and Shoreline Village Drive.
EVENT: Half Marathon, 13.1 miles
Date: Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023
Start Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Shoreline Drive and Shoreline Village Drive.
EVENT: Finish Line Festival
Date: Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023
Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Marina Green, at Shoreline Drive and Linden Avenue.
The “Michelob Ultra Beer Garden” will be held to celebrate finishing any of the races, with food trucks, photo ops and team village.
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Source: Orange County Register
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