Despite Covid Restrictions, 15,000 Runners Compete in 2021 Los Angeles Marathon

The 36th running of the Los Angeles Marathon got off the ground at 7 am Sunday morning. Wheelchair contestants were allowed to start before 15,000 runners. The number of runners was greatly limited over the March 2020 event, when over 25,000 competed.

John Korir of Kenya won the race in 2 hours, 12 minutes and 47 seconds. Natasha Cockram of Wales is the new women's champion, finishing in 2 hours, 33 minutes and 17 seconds

The 2021 edition of the race was postponed to November 7th due to the coronavirus pandemic, with all registrants given the option of running the race virtually or transferring their entry to 2022, 2023, or 2024

The race began at Dodger Stadium. Runners and wheelchair racers were routed through downtown L.A., Echo Park, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Century City, Westwood, Brentwood and back to Century City.

But unlike last time, the marathon's finish line won't be at the Santa Monica Pier. Instead, participants will wind up doing their finishing kicks in Century City. The change was said to be more about money and less about Covid 19, which delayed this years race.

The 34th edition of the marathon took place on March 24, 2019.

Some onramp closures could last as long as 5 p.m.

Making it tougher to get around are additional freeway closures in the downtown L.A. area starting at 10 p.m. tonight lasting until Sunday at 3 p.m. due to ongoing construction at the 6th Street Bridge Replacement Project in Boyle Heights.