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!