Pace Leader orientation

Getting the scoop on this year's Roadrunners program.

"...and then you'll actually run down Rodeo Drive!"

Salya Mohamedy, Gary Deitsch and Rod Dixon

It's that time of year again. That's right--you see the LA Marathon off on the horizon, and you realize it's time to get off the couch and get on a program. What to do? How about our Roadrunners training program? Last weekend was the orientation for the 75 pace leaders that will guide our 1,500 runners along their journey to race day. It was a day for all of us to reconnect in advance of the program, and to get updated on all of the exciting changes taking place around the LA Marathon. There were some new faces in the crowd, but many of our leaders have known each other, and run together, for years. While introducing ourselves, we each had to say something about ourselves that none of the leaders had heard before. There were some winners! How about "I'm a wild animal trainer." Or, "I'm wearing compression shorts under these sweats."

In any case, it was a terrific morning, graciously hosted by Gary, Salya and Rod at the Del Rey Yacht Club. Race Director Nick Curl spoke about the exciting new course that will travel through many of the icons of Los Angeles. I was there to discuss our marketing direction, and our own Community Relations Director Ginger Williams was there as a Pace Leader. We're really excited to have her as part of the Roadrunners program.

The first Roadrunners training day will be Saturday, September 12th, and we hope to see you out there. Details will be posted soon on our website, and you can sign up for the program starting September 1st.

Peter