By Lookout Staff

October 2, 2013 -- Runners who want to secure a spot at the starting line for the 2014 LA Marathon, which ends in Santa Monica, better pick up the pace.

Registration for the 2014 ASICS LA Marathon is now underway for the March 9 race from Dodger Stadium to the Pacific Ocean that winds up near the Santa Monica Pier. Those who register by October 31 will pay $150, a savings of $10.

If last year’s sold-out race is any indication, there should be plenty of demand for the Stadium to the Sea course, which has become popular both nationally and internationally, race officials said.

“It is our experience that when a race sells out, the demand increases exponentially for the event the next year,” said LA MARATHON LLC Chief Executive Tracey Russell. “We are preparing for an even earlier sell-out for the 2014 race, and encourage runners to sign up now and begin their training.”

The Marathon -- which winds 26.2 miles through colorful Los Angeles neighborhoods, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills before reaching Santa Monica -- is expected to draw thousands of participants from all across the country and hundreds of thousands of spectators.

Eighty-five organizations have joined the Official Charity program this year, with the goal of topping the $3 million raised in the 2013 race. And for the third year running, the charity relay enables a team of two to take part in the marathon on behalf of one of the Official Charities, with each participant running half of the course.

The Marathon is gaining worldwide attention thanks in large part to its scenic course, which passes many of L.A.’s world-famous landmarks, including Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Capitol Records Building, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and the Santa Monica Pier.

“Our Stadium to the Sea course is second to none, and we are committed to ensuring a world-class experience for our runners,” Russell said. “We are also thrilled with the race’s ability to draw some of the best elite runners and rising stars.”

Runners who register early can also sign up for the race’s official training program, LA Roadrunners, led by elite running coach Andrew Kastor. The program, which combines training and education, is open to runners of all levels and still has spots available.

The LA Marathon is one of the five largest marathons in the U.S. and has been named Best Big City Race by Runner’s World Magazine and Best Marathon in the West by the readers of Competitor Magazine. The 2014 race will be the fifth running of the popular Stadium to the Sea course.

“We look forward to showcasing the great neighborhoods and icons of Los Angeles on race day,” Russell said.

Registration is available online at www.lamarathon.com.