I read yesterday that they are changing the course for the Los Angeles Marathon in 2007. Rather than being a loop that starts and ends downtown, it now starts near Universal Studios, and ends downtown.

I dont understand how they expect to move 20,000 from the finish line back to their cars at the starting line. Im also a little upset that it wont be coming near my apartment, as it has in the past.

But Im glad that this new course is supposed to be VERY beginner friendly, since its almost completely downhill... or at least doesnt have too many uphills.

I cant wait to run it, as my first marathon, in Feb '07. Anyone have thoughts about the new course?

I understand there will be free metro transportation.

Idea #1 - Park your car downtown and take metro to Universal Studio.

Idea #2 - Park your car near a metro station and take metro to Universal Studio for start and back to car afterwards. I live in Larchmont Village and think I'll park on the street near Metro by Pantages Theatre.

BTW... it is in March. March 4th.

The inauguaral of the City of Angels half marathon is coming December 3rd. It presents the same logistics issues, and they state that NO cars are allowed in the start area (Griffith Park). It finishes downtown.

Good luck.

I already signed up for the half and the full LA marathons. Looking forward to them.

I just ran in my first race -- a 10k on the VA facilities near the 405 and wilshire. It was a good experience, but the course was very hilly. and since it was a loop (once around for the 5k, twice for the 10k), I had to experience the same hills twice. It ended up causing very uneven mile times.

hopefully the half and full will have fewer hills. Im hoping to see some of the negative splits that notsofast experienced on his runs.

I am looking forward to the new route. I have ran the same course for several years and it will be nice to change up and run the new, more beginner friendly course.

Also, like many other marathons, it is really not a big deal to start and finish at different points. I just completed the NYC marathon, it always starts and stops in a different location.

For folks visiting LA, it will be a nice sight-seeing experience