It’s going to be so HOT for the LA Marathon this weekend race organizers have announced an earlier start time!
This in combination with a few reader emails asking me about my hot marathon race day tips inspired this post.
First, let’s talk about the LA Marathon and what race organizers are doing to keep all runners safe:
This is the weather advisory for the weekend. It will be hot and HUMID <- something we’re super not used to here!!
The LA Marathon organizers have announced an earlier start time to try and beat some of the heat. The full field start will start 30 minutes earlier at 6:55 a.m.
And the also are doing the following to help reduce the risks of heat danger:
- Moving the ‘full field’ start time 30 minutes earlier – from 7:25 am to 6:55 am
- Initiating wave starts to ensure proper runner spacing and enabling more efficient replenishment of supplies at early aid stations
- Increasing the overall supply of aid, including additional water and Gatorade Endurance Formula at all 24 aid stations
- Providing ‘cooling buses’ along the course and at the finish line
- Providing misting stations, cold towels and ice
- Extending the length of time finish line services will be available
What to Wear To the LA Marathon
1. A hat or visor. You guys know I love my ProCompression visor.
Other options: Adidas Visor / Head Sweats hat / Preforated Running Cap
2. Sunglasses. It’s going to be a bright sun-shiny day!
I use Oakley Polarized sunglasses. For something quick and easy you can also pick up a pair of C9 by Champion at Target.
3. Lather up with sunblock before you leave the house/hotel! Get a sports sunblock that is sweat resistant. I use lotion for my face and arms most of the time, but give the part in my hair a spray of spf too!
Bonus: If you have someone cheering for you along the course give them a wet skin spray sunblock so you can stop really quick and reapply!
4. Sweat wicking tee or tank is vital to not melt.
Make sure it’s DriFit or sweat-wicking or something like that. This one says breathable AND anti-stink! Boom.
5. Extra hot races = extra chafe unpleasantness. Wear your best no chafe shorts to help prevent what you can and apply vaseline or body glide for extra protection.
I recently found out my favorite running shorts by Moving Comfort are no longer being made. So I’m on the hunt for other great options.
6. I think one of the benefits of doing a race is not having to bring water with you. But in an extra hot race I would consider a hand-held water bottle OR hydration belt filled with your favorite electrolyte drink.
Tip: Show up to the start line well hydrated!
Tips for Running a Marathon or Half marathon in HOT weather:
1. Show up well hydrated.
2. Consider adjusting your time goals to account for the weather.
3. Walk through aide stations to make sure you are drinking enough. Consider bringing your own hydration.
4. Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you are overheating or feeling sick or bad – slow, walk, stop, do what you have to do. <- Especially if you’re been training in cold weather you body will not be used to the extreme heat. Cut yourself some slack as needed.
5. Run smart.
Be careful out there! Seriously. I love my running peeps!!
I found out about the moving comfort shorts a few weeks ago when I went looking for the RER recommended ones! I might try the similar ones from Brooks now that Brooks has acquired MC? They have a great return policy so no huge risk!
I’m running and super nervous about the heat. The great thing about running LA is all the media hype gets you excited for the race. The worst thing about all the media hype is that it’s all about the heat and it’s wrecking my nerves!
Humidity is no joke if you aren’t used to it! Pittsburgh is very humid and your tips will really help people out! When the air is not what you are used to it is vital to remember that when you aren’t feeling it and take a walk break!
It has been warming up (30 degrees) and I think it is even supposed to get up to 45 this weekend! Whooooo Hooooo!
I did a half ironman in Puerto Rico last year and by the time I got to the run it was almost noon and SO HOT! They were handing out zip lock bags of ice and I would put it in my sports bra and under my hat. Wearing a white baseball cap (mesh not canvas) rather than a dark one was key. I don’t usually wear a hat but someone who had done this race previously told me to do it so I could put ice in it. TOTAL LIFESAVER!!!!!!!!
I am running LA this weekend. I am not sure what I am wearing yet. I have a couple of different options and will decide on race morning. I may or may not wear my Camelbak. I am originally from Atlanta and lived there up until last year, so I am hoping some of that will play in my favor.
I also LOVE the LA Marathon since I live in Santa Monica. It was so nice to be able to just walk home last year and not have to be in the car for hours after a race. I plan on staying around this year and celebrating a bit before heading home, though. I also plan on jumping in the ocean to cool down!!
Consider bringing a handheld water bottle of your own too! Relying just on the aid stations may not be beneficial! Good luck to everyone racing!
As a Florida runner, the heat and humidity are a constant. One way we stay cool is to wet our hair before running. Even if you pull your hair back, it feels so much cooler when it’s wet. Good luck to everyone running.
I don’t think I have ever checked the weather forecast more than I did in the past week.
I will my running my FIRST marathon in LA this weekend! I switched up my outfit plan to accommodate (Read: shorts over capris and a loose tank over a tech shirt). I’m still nervous about it though! Maybe I’ll throw a hat on? And that whole chaffing issue! I never had a problem during my training runs, but it also hasn’t been 90 degrees.
Gah, SO many things! Good luck to everyone running. Positive and cool thoughts to my fellow worriers 🙂
Yipes! Good luck to everyone running this weekend.
I ran it last year when it was pretty warm. I think I’m gonna start only signing up for marathons before March….March weather in California can be hot or freezing….you never know. Good luck!
that’s crazy that they’re moving the start time up– I can’t even imagine it being that hot! It got to 50 today and that seemed like it was roasting, haha 🙂
I think we are going to be having the last of our summer weather over the weekend – it’s supposed to be 27C (or about 80F) on Saturday. I want to make the most of it!
I’m looking forward to reading the race recaps 🙂
Here in the OC it will be hot-cha-cha! I’ll be having brunch with some friends then heading to my son’s baseball game.
Run safe and have fun!
It’s going to be warm here in Chicago, but that means in the 40s haha. I hope you have a great race and stay cool! I can’t wait to get out in the sun this summer 🙂
I’m running the LA Marathon on Sunday. I’m excited. I don’t mind the heat as much as most but since I’m shooting for a PR I know the heat could slow me down a bit. Wearing a sleeveless shirt and my ASICS shorts and shoes.
Are you running it? If so good luck and I’ll be looking forward to your recap of the race next week! Keep up the great job on this cool, fun and informative site!
My friend roger is running. He lives in Boston and has been training in sub zero temps with snow. He is freaking out a little. But he ran Boston that year it was super hot and humid too. I told him to take it easy. We can’t control the weather but we can control how we prepare for it. Slow and steady. And I love that there will be cold towels and ice provided.
Not running but would love to one year… LA is one my fav cities!! It’s going to finally be in the mid t upper 70’s (and sunny) in Houston so happy spring is finally here!!
Good Luck to everyone running! Will be cheering you on from Texas!
I’m running LA this weekend! Are you?
I think I’m going to melt. I didn’t think it could possibly get any hotter than it was last year but apparently I was wrong! I don’t know that I’m prepared for this…
Seriously! Last year was super HOT!! What the heck.
As of right now I expect to be there 🙂
GOOD LUCK!