(October 8, 2004) -- Below is a map and link to detailed information provided by organizers of Sunday's Long Beach International City Bank Marathon.

To enlarge map, click map or here. Source: www.runlongbeach.com

The October 10 Marathon Bike Tour kicks off at 6:00 AM with the Inline Skating Marathon starting at 6:45 AM. The Marathon and Half-Marathon start at 7:30 AM and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 8 AM.

To access detailed resident and neighborhood information (including street closures and detours), click Long Beach Marathon (Resident Information)

The Marathon's web site says, "Please allow yourself plenty of time on race day to get where you are going due to the road closures and slow traffic in some areas."

It adds for Belmont Shore residents: "If you live South of Division or 1st Street, you can park for FREE in the beach lots South of Ocean Blvd. at NO CHARGE. You will have access OUT of this lot at the Granada Exit ONLY on race day. Police officers will escort cars out of the lot when there are breaks in the race. Peninsula residents can take Ocean Blvd. to Bayshore, turn right on Bayshore, turn right on 2nd Street and turn left on Pacific Coast Highway to get out of the area on race day."

As indicated on the map above, the course begins on Shoreline Drive, passes the Pike, Shoreline Village, crosses the QW Bridge, heads to the QM bow, the Aquarium, Lighthouse, Pierpoint Landing and back by Shoreline Village to the beach.

At roughly mile 10, Half-Marathoners split-off and circle back west on Ocean Blvd. Marathoners continue east on Ocean Blvd. to Livingston, through Belmont Shore and to Colorado Lagoon and Marina Vista Park.

Miles 17, 18 and 19 pass the wetlands. Mile 19 passes Bixby Hill, circles CSULB.

The course then passes Recreation Park, Colorado Lagoon, reconnects with Ocean Blvd. alongside Bluff Park, heads downtown and onto Shoreline Drive for a finish at the Marina Green "Beach Party Finish Line Festival."

Organizers said in a written release they expect their 20th anniversary event to draw over 100,000 spectators and on their web site add, "Registration is way up, and 2004 is on pace for 13,000 to 15,000 participants."

Organizers call the course "the most scenic marathon event in Southern California and offers a blend of big city ambiance, famous landmarks, tradition, and great running weather. 80% of the race is on or within view of the ocean."

The Marathon web site says registration for participants is still available in person at the Marathon Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center on Oct. 8th and 9th.

For further information, visit the Marathon's website www.runlongbeach.com or phone (562) 728-8829.