L.A. Marathon Changing Course?

Citing civic and political pressure, Bill Burke, president of the Los Angeles Marathon, said Monday that he would begin a study that could result in changing the race’s 26.2-mile course and the date of the event.

Complaints from Koreatown residents and from a minister in the Crenshaw District that the race disrupts traffic in their areas were noted, said Burke, who added, “I want to see if we have real problems here or if these are just some squeaky wheels.”

Pressure to get the winning time below 2 hours 10 minutes to increase the marathon’s stature among runners also is a factor.

“After (Sunday’s) race, I think there were only five people--four runners and Bill Burke--who were disappointed in the time,” Burke said. “But there are some people who think it’s important enough to consider.”

Runners Mark Plaatjes, Bob Kempainen, Arturo Barrios and Martin Pitayo are believed to have had clauses in their contracts that would have awarded them thousands of dollars in bonuses for a sub-2:10 time.

Rolando Vera of Ecuador won the race in 2:11:39, the third-fastest winning time in the event’s 10-year history.

Sunday’s rain and changing weather patterns could result in moving the race from its traditional first Sunday in March.

According to Burke, who said changing the course would be expensive because of costs associated with remeasuring, a decision on the course will be made within 60 days.