LA Marathon: Don't Expect any Records to Break in 2012

Markos Geneti doesn't need to worry about his LA marathon record falling this year.

Last year, he smashed the old record despite a massive storm that dropped 2.36 inches of rain and was believed to be the stormiest day in marathon history. 

He finished 2:51 ahead of second-place finisher Nicolas Kamakya of Kenya (the second-largest margin of victory in marathon history) and 6:37 ahead of third-place Laban Moiben of Kenya.

The participants of the LA marathon will again be struggling to stay warm and dry when the race commences on March 18, 2012, as meteorologists are warning of another cold storm for this year's race.

Geneti won't be participating this year, though, as he has scheduled another event instead.

In this year's men's field, Elias Kemboi and David Mangado are expected to be top contenders in Geneti's absence.

Elias has a personal best of 2:07:04, posted in the 2010 Frankfurt Marathon, and Mandago has a personal best of 2:06:53, in the 2009 Paris Marathon.

Both of those times were run in ideal conditions.

Per the LA Times:

"

Dr. Glenn Ault, the associate dean of USC's Keck School of Medicine and the marathon's medical director, encouraged runners to be prepared, saying 'One of the biggest things that we're prepared to deal with on Sunday is the chance of hypothermia.'

"

That doesn't sound ideal.

It's not just the rain that is the issue. Temperatures are expected to be in the 40s when the race begins, and wet, cold weather is difficult for even the fittest athletes in the world.

So, while I'm sure there will be many impressive performances on Sunday, I'm not expecting to see any records falling.

I wish all the runners good health and safety as they prepare for the big race.

Until then, have a great weekend and stay dry.

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