LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Marathon, previously contested the first Sunday in March, will move to Memorial Day beginning next year.
LA Marathon president Russ Pillar also announced Thursday the return of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. as the event's presenting sponsor, and Acura as the LA Bike Tour's title sponsor.
As a condition of their acquisition of the marathon and related assets six weeks ago, race organizers agreed with the city to move the marathon to President's Day in February. But after extensive conversations with runners, travel and tourism experts, city officials and others, Memorial Day was chosen because it offered the best opportunity for success.
"Our new position on the calendar allows us to honor the city's requirement that we hold the race on a holiday Monday while, at the same time, providing us with a gateway to summer event," Pillar said in a statement.
Organizers said runners who registered for next year's race will be signed up for the May 25, 2009, date automatically, and those who already have paid the entry fee will be reimbursed in full if they are unable to participate.
LA Marathon also announced the appointment of Nick Curl as race director.
More than 25,000 people competed in the race earlier this year.
