Honda L.A. Marathoners Prepare For Rain

Race-day temperatures are expected to be chilly, too.

Like it or not, tens of thousands of athletes will have to run through the rain at the Honda L.A. Marathon (again) this weekend. Forecasters are calling for lighter winds than last year, but the conditions will be colder and wetter.

The marathon passes through Santa Monica, and according to an article on the race in the Santa Monica Daily Press, the city is prepared.

With race-day temperatures hovering near the mid 50s, runners will need extra heating blankets.

“Last year we were scrambling,” Santa Monica’s assistant city manager, Elaine Polachek said. “We need to have contingency plans in place to deal with whatever occurs.”

Members of the USC Keck School of Medicine will be on hand to assist runners.

Garrett Hamilton is a manager of a local running store and suggests several low-tech solutions runners can take to stay healthy. One idea is to wear a trashbag with slits cut into the arms and head.

“You’re going to get wet, it’s inevitable,” Hamilton said. “A lot of people, when it’s their first time, don’t know what to expect. You can try to stay cooler, or warmer or drier.”

For More: Santa Monica Daily Press