L.A. Marathon Brings Closures, but Also Great Scenes

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES —

This upcoming weekend Downtown’s going to be hosting a few newcomers, and even buildings under development are doing their part to make the place look nice. Two days ago the Flower street scaffolding came off the Roosevelt, and the Seventh street coverings are slated to come down this Saturday.

Though the timing may be coincidental, the move works out well for viewers of the Los Angeles Marathon, who are known to pack the corner of Seventh and Flower to cheer the runners making the final turn on their 26.2 mile marathon route. Downtown offers many great vistas for checking out race action.

Along with crowds and runners, the 23rd Los Angeles Marathon will also bring road closures and limited parking to Downtown this Saturday and Sunday. Downtowners know that the day before a big event makes a good time to carefully review plans for the following day, making sure that it’s possible to get where you want to go. It’s a bit of a jolt to wake up and find your car blocked in.

Check LADOT's site for full closure information.

As usual, the area within 3rd street, Grand avenue, 5th street and Flower street will be shut down so that the Marathon Finish Line stage can be assembled. Auto traffic won’t be allowed to cross until well after the final runner crosses the line late Sunday afternoon and sweepers begin cleaning the route. The route crosses Downtown twice, so check your ingress and egress carefully, and make sure to observe all the “No Parking” signs sure to be posted.

Water is passed out to runners on Los Angeles street during the 2007 Marathon.

Though it may necessitate some extra planning, the Marathon is a great spectacle to get out and see in person. Make sure to get up a little early to watch as the wheelchair racers fly through. Japanese Taiko drummers will again welcome those running through Little Tokyo. Over in Boyle Heights, more than 100 mariachis will be creating the “The Mariachi Mile” on Boyle Avenue. The route was reworked last year to show off more of Los Angeles, and does so quite successfully.

Los Angeles Marathon rolls through Downtown on Sunday, March 2nd. More info on the Marathon site.