Support for LAist comes from
Local and national news, NPR, things to do, food recommendations and guides to Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire
Stay Connected
Listen

Share This

Explore LA

Long Beach Marathon will start early due to high heat

Marathon runners are shown leaving the starting line at sunrise. To the right are empty bleachers and a row of photographers. The sun can be seen just rising behind the bleachers, barely over the horizon. It casts a yellow glow over the event.
Long Beach half-marathon runners leave the starting line in 2021.
(
Sharon McNary
/
LAist
)

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.

This Sunday’s 40th Long Beach Marathon and other races on that day will have an earlier start time due to forecasted temperatures in the 90s. As of Wednesday, however, the Oct. 5th Aquarium of the Pacific 5K run/walk will start at it’s regular time.

Race times

  • Wheelchair (Marathon and Half Marathon) will start at 5:25 a.m.
  • Marathon will begin at 5:30 a.m.
  • Bike Tour will start at 5:30 a.m.
  • Half Marathon will begin at 6:30 a.m.
A map shows the 2024 Long Beach Marathon race course indicated with a purple line that winds along a blue section that indicates the ocean.
(
Courtesy Run Long Beach
)

Tips for running in the heat

To stay safe while running the marathon, here are some tips from race officials:

  • Be alert: Running in unusually warm fall weather can be challenging if proper precautions aren’t taken. Take this week to prepare accordingly.

  • Stay hydrated: Keep in mind the unusually warm temperatures and increase your water intake to prepare. Hydration stations will line the race route.

  • Dress appropriately: Wear sweat-wicking fabrics. Lightweight, light-colored clothing, hats, and sunscreen are strongly recommended.

  • Track your heat acclimation: If you have a smartwatch monitor your stats. Make sure you’re staying within your target range and not overworking your body. Pay attention to your heart rate and body temperature.

  • Adjust your expectations: Understand that your original goal may need to be reassessed. Slowdown in the heat and listen to your body. The heat will make your run more challenging, and it’s okay to slow down or take breaks when needed.

  • Be aware: If you experience dizziness, nausea, chills, or stop sweating, stop running, hydrate, find shade, and wait for your symptoms to improve. Seek help if necessary.

As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.

Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.

We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.

No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.

Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.

Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

Chip in now to fund your local journalism
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
(
LAist
)

Trending on LAist