For the second year in a row, rain may be part of the marathon experience for more than 23,000 runners and walkers participating in the LA Marathon on Sunday.
(Check Patch throughout the day for updates and photos on the LA Marathon, and.)
Race organizers say they are prepared with supplies and heating stations to keep participants safe. Last year, as 2.42 inches of rain fell during the marathon, 20 participants were hospitalized and more than 300 were evaluated for hypothermia.
This year, there will be 5,000 plastic trash bags at the starting line at Dodger Stadium to keep runners dry before the start. About 23,000 Mylar heating blankets will be divided up among 10 medical stations along the course and the finish line, according to marathon Chief Operating Officer Nick Curl. The course will also have heating buses at the medical stations and finish line to help runners who need medical attention.
"We're confident that by coordinating our efforts with the fire departments in all four jurisdictions (along the course) and Keck Medical Center of USC, we'll have enough equipment and support to keep our runners, volunteers and medical personnel as dry, warm and comfortable as possible on race day," Curl said.
The race is expected to begin around 7 a.m. at Dodger Stadium.
-- This report was compiled with information from City News Service.
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