100s NRI volunteers Participate in 2014 Asics LA. Marathon

Los Angeles, March 14, 2014
Surinderjit Sambhi /Sunita Agarwal/Gary Singh Grewal 

On March 9, 2014, history was recorded when over 25,000 runners raced across the County of Los Angeles, from Dodger Stadium to the Pacific Ocean in the 29th annual ASICS LA Marathon.   

“This would not have been possible without the help of thousands of volunteers that generously donated their time,” said Surinderjit Sambhi who also represents NRIpress-Club in Southern California. “Few NRI foundations offer the opportunity to serve annual ASICS LA Marathon  through NRI different groups at the 2014 Asics L.A. Marathon every year.”

 Two runners from Oromia region of Ethiopia claimed top bragging rights at the Los Angeles Marathon:

·         Amane Gobena Gemeda was first to cross the finish line in 2 hours, 27 minutes, 37 seconds. Gobena finished second here in 2009, but that was on a different course than the current Stadium to the Sea that runs from Dodger Stadium to the Pacific Ocean. “I’m building a house, and definitely that home will be paid off,” Gobena said through an interpreter.

·         Gebo Burka won for the men in 2:10:37.Goben beat Burka to the finish line by 41 seconds. That won her a $50,000 bonus in addition to the $25,000 first prize. Gobena placed second in the Los Angeles Marathon in 2009.

·         Tigist Tufa of Ethiopia finished second in 2:28:04 and American Lauren Kleppin was third in 2:28:48, some 13 minutes faster than her previous best.

·         American Lauren Kleppin was third in 2:28:48, some 13 minutes.

·         Joshua George won the men’s wheelchair division in 1:33:11, and Susanna Scaroni won the women’s race in 1:54:54. 

Here is a look at the top finishers from the women's classification:

“Our goal is to make the ASICS LA Marathon a must-run global event and a fantastic and memorable experience for every runner, from the professionals to the first-timers,” said Tracey Russell, CEO of LA MARATHON LLC. “Thanks to the wonderful support of the greater Los Angeles community, as well as our sponsors and partners, we’re confident that this year’s event will have all the elements to provide our runners with the best possible race experience, and one that creates great memories for years to come.”

“The ASICS LA Marathon was sold out and the LA BIG5K is an important component of our marathon weekend and a great way to experience the excitement of the weekend’s activities,” said Tracey Russell, CEO of LA Marathon LLC. “We are fortunate to have Big 5 Sporting Goods as a member of our partnership family. It’s the continued support and commitment from locally headquartered companies like Big 5Sporting Goods that reinforces what we believe is unique about Los Angeles and the ASICS LA Marathon.”

 “The race also meant tighter security measures in light of last year are bombing at the Boston Marathon.CNS and the Associated Press contributed to this report.” Said Tracey Russell.

 Paramedics reported:

 ·         At least five runners were transported to the hospital due to warm temperatures. The sunny, 80 degree heat proved hard for about 1,000 people who sought help at the 10 medical stations set up along the route.

·         One man, 28, suffered a heart attack along the route and had to be resuscitated. Another had a seizure

 The marathon wasn’t all fun and games for some runners, said Paramedics. Erik Scott, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department said 22 rescue teams and nine engine companies were stationed along the route.

 This year starting times was:  Handcycles, 6:50 a.m.; wheelchairs, 6:55 a.m.; elite women, 7:10 a.m.; elite men and field, 7:27:41. Distance and route:  was 26 miles, 385 yards; Dodger Stadium to Pacific Ocean through L.A., West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and finishing at Ocean and California avenues in Santa Monica. It has an elevation decline of 430 feet and will navigate 36 streets.

The 29th edition of the LA Marathon has to be considered a success after more than 25,000 participants flooded the streets of the major metropolis to attack the 26.2-mile course.

LA MARATHON LLC is a leading U.S. running organization dedicated to inspiring the athlete in every runner and connecting communities through health and fitness. The ASICS LA Marathon is among the largest marathons in the country with more than 25,000 participants, thousands of volunteers and hundreds of thousands of spectators. The “Stadium to the Sea” course, starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing near the Santa Monica Pier, is one of the most scenic in the world, taking runners on a tour of Los Angeles past every major landmark. The race has been named “Best Big City Race” by Runner’s World. LA MARATHON LLC will host the 2016 Olympic Team Trials for Men’s and Women’s Marathon, awarded by USA Track & Field and the U.S. Olympic Committee, which will take place in Los Angeles February 13, 2016.

CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS