Entertainment Along the Way

Many events will supplement the L.A. Marathon activity this weekend. In addition to participation in the marathon by a celebrity running team (all in support of charities), there will be community entertainment along the route, and stereo equipment installed at 10 locations will provide music to inspire the runners and spectators.

KCOP-TV Channel 13 will provide live national television coverage, including activities at the start-finish location on Figueroa Street, north of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Activities at that location will be in full swing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with music, dance and food booths.

For some, the festivities get under way today in Beverly Hills, where an International Breakfast Run gets moving at 8 a.m. Entering the event are runners from around the world who have arrived to participate in Sunday’s marathon. Flags of 50 countries will be carried through the streets of Beverly Hills, beginning and ending at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Drive.

Tonight, from 6:30 to 9:30, Westside Pavilion is the site for a “Carbo-Load” party. Competitors in the marathon will be there to stock up on carbohydrates: One thousand pounds of pasta have been ordered to feed from 3,500-5,000 hungry runners and their families. Entertainers include Olivia Newton-John, comic Paul Rodriguez, the Raiderettes and various musical groups. Tickets, at $10 each, can be purchased today at the L.A. Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at the Airport Hilton Hotel, or at the door if available.

Closer to home (for many) will be 10 entertainment centers positioned about every 2 miles along the marathon route on Sunday. The diverse cultural sights and sounds of Los Angeles neighborhoods will be featured.