CHEAPSKATE HALF MARATHON UPDATE

Here's the easiest route that provides us non-stop beach, accessible parking, something easy to remember, and 13.1 mile course.

We're going to start at the Santa Monica Pier. There are a few parking lots that give you two hours free before they start charging for parking. Or, you can find a neighborhood and walk a smidge. Even if you park in a "first two hours free" lot, they usually charge a dollar for every 30 minutes after. So, even if you're there for 3 hours, you'll only be paying $2 for parking. Not bad.

We'll meet (or attempt to) at the SOUTH entrance to the tunnel that goes under the SANTA MONICA PIER.

Walk onto the pier via Colorado St. (or blvd...), and head south through the parking lot near the Pier Aquarium. You should find some stairs that take you down to the tunnel entrance on the beach level. From there, we'll run 4 miles down to the Marina Del Mar Avalon. You'll know when you're there because you'll run into a marina (water) and you'll have to turn around. Then, we'll run the four miles back, run through the tunnel and north up the beach for another 2.55 miles. There is a clear building that will serve as a marker as where to turn around. But it will be much easier to explain when we start the race. I promise, I'll make sure everyone knows where they're going before we leave. Also, the best way to do water stops this time is to look for water fountains and drink out of them. Last time we ran the beach there seemed to be a water fountain somewhere every half mile or so... you're always welcome to sport the water belt (I'm talking to you Lindsay! Bust that awesomeness out!) or grab some mini water bottles to jog with to float you the first half at least.

If you're making a shirt for the first time, in addition to the "Too Cheap to Make it Official" slogan, feel free to add "Founders Day Run" to the shirt, as Cheapskate founder Mark Spann will be in attendance!

3RD SOMEWHAT-ANNUAL LOS ANGELES CHEAPSKATE HALF MARATHON

8am - JUNE 3RD, 2012

SANTA MONICA PIER(ish)

It's that time again! Time to run 13.1 miles for no other reason than it feels good and good people are running it with you (unless they're a jerk and run ahead just to "win"... lame...). And we gather food for the ne
If this is your first time to the Cheapskaterunners site and/or race, go ahead and scroll down to see what it's all about - and how you'll need to prepare (number assignment, shirt, awards, water stops, etc...). This one is no different. The only thing that has changed is the course. We'll be running the beach. Long, flat and breezey.

For any new comers:  This race is officially unofficial. It is not sanctioned or in any way regulated by any formal racing organization. It's fun. Even if you want to win. Winning is fun too. In regards to what you'll need to be prepared to bring, and wear, and pay (or not pay), please scroll down to the previous race post. And please, whatever you do, do not hestitate to get your run on.

The entry fee is still a canned good, but feel free to bring more if you'd like! I got a big trunk! And we're still working on water stop(s)... I'll keep everyone posted!

Finally, I didn't do enough planning to get a good idea of who exactly is coming out. So, at 8:02am, on the button, we're gonna take off. I'll post the more specific parking and meeting directions soon, if you're there, you're racing! 

EMAIL ME IF YOU KNOW YOU'RE COMING OUT AND I'LL MAKE SURE TO EMAIL DIRECT UPDATES!! sean.spann@gmail.com

In honor of our quickly approaching, minimally anticipated, much procrastinated, 3rd Annual Los Angeles Cheapskate Half Marathon:

These are shots from our last run - December 10th, 2011. (It's embarrassing how long it took me...)