PV Marathon Plans Approved by City Council

There was little debate on whether the Palos Verdes Marathon should receive city council's go-ahead during Monday night's public hearing at Hesse Park.

Council members listened to city staff's presentations and approved a special use permit to allow the staging of the marathon on a portion of Terranea property and allow it to be held primarily in the city.

The marathon, scheduled for May 14, could impact some 1,600 households in Rancho Palos Verdes. However, city staff provided details concerning parking, road closures, safety precautions, set up and tear down to mitigate any negative impacts on residents.

The race will be held mostly in Rancho Palos Verdes, with portions of the route in Palos Verdes Estates. Neighborhoods impacted are: Via Rivera, upper Barkentine and Sea Bluff, among others.

While roads should be re-opened by 3 p.m. the day of the marathon, cleanup could last until 5 p.m. The race is scheduled from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gaye Vancans, Terranea's community relations director, spoke on the possible impact the marathon could have on the resort. Terranea hosts various events in the same weekend as the marathon, including two weddings and Vancans said she's placing her trust in event organizers that things run smoothly.

"We're trying to keep it as small and under control as we can the first time," she said. "We understand that there will be some impact."

The start and finish line, registration area and shuttle drop-off/pick-up area will be located in the Point Vicente Fishing Access parking lot area adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive South at the northwest corner of the resort.

An expected 2,500 total runners will come to the city in May. Permits will allow a 5K race (300-500 participants), Half Marathon (1,500 participants) and Marathon (300-500 participants) on streets in the city.

Traffic delays could range from 30 minutes to three hours, said Tom Odom, interim director of recreation and parks, at a meeting earlier in the month.

City staff expressed desires to whittle down a list of 11 proposed parking locations to three — Promenade on the Peninsula, RPV City Hall and Salvation Army.

Click here to see the marathon's route, proposed parking locations, and a list of impacted intersections.

At a council meeting earlier in the month, council members expressed frustration in the lack of proper preparation for the marathon, some calling it a "mess."

During Monday night's public hearing, Councilman Brian Campbell offered a positive look at future marathon planning stages.

"As years progress, logistics and planning should come together much easier," he said.