Where the Party Meets the Pavement. That’s the claim offered by US Road Sports & Entertainment Group and their series of 8 half marathons spread across the U.S. On Sunday, January 10, 2010, the 13.1 Marathon® Series will launch their latest half marathon in Los Angeles.

For one week only, you have the opportunity to win free entry to this inaugural event. Simply comment on this post and remember to enter your first and last name and an email I can reach you at. On Christmas Eve no less, we’ll choose someone at random and that person will receive a comp registration code!!!

I’m seriously disappointed I won’t be able to run in this event (I’ll be at the Walt Disney World Marathon) as the Santa Monica area is one of my favorite places.

(from press release)
13.1® Los Angeles will bring a fun and unforgettable race experience to one of Los Angeles’ most popular training grounds. Beginning and ending amidst ocean views along the Santa Monica Bay, the course will head South through iconic Venice Beach before heading East to Culver City, and returning to finish on hip Main Street in Downtown Venice. (click here for course map)

Both first-timer friendly and perfect for marathoners in training, 13.1® Los Angeles will offer a scenic and festive run along a closed course with fully supported aid stations, live entertainment, and medals for all finishers. This themed race celebrating the best of Los Angeles encourages participants and spectators to wear costumes and enjoy a race “Where the Party Meets the Pavement”.

If you don’t win the free entry, don’t worry, registration is open and priced at $70 thru January 3rd, it’s not going to break your wallet.

Bring on the comments runners and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Now if you’re under 4′ tall and still believe in Santa Claus, this is a no brainer. But as I get ready for the Red Rock Marathon and 1/2 Marathon tomorrow morning – this one is a toss up. Let’s make our list and check it twice shall we?

CE: There are months of preparation - buying presents, making travel arrangements, planning menus, etc.

RE: There are months of preparation - logging miles, eating right, cross-training, etc.

CE: Christmas eve day is all about getting ready for Christmas day. After the kids go to sleep, you lay out presents, pack the stockings with trinkets and try to get to sleep early knowing you’ll be woken at the crack of dawn hoping you don’t forget anything.

RE: Race day eve you pick up your bid and timing chip and getting your last nutrients in your body. You spend the rest of the night laying out your clothes, attaching your bid and chip and hoping you don’t forget anything.

CE: You lay in bed visualizing what your kids are going to do after opening up the latest high priced gadget or your spouse unwrapping that “special something”.

RE: You lay in bed visualizing your race. Are you heading out strong or holding back? When are you tearing open your first gel and do you drink at the first water station or wait until the second?

CE: You wake up early and hope to get enough energy to make it thru the next half hour of flying paper, hugs and smiles.

RE: You wake up early and hope you’ll have enough time to digest your breakfast. The next half hour is full of stretching, smiles and anticipation.

HERE’S WHERE THE SIMILARITIES END!!!

CE: After cleaning up and eating breakfast, you lay on your ass – exhausted.

RE: After toeing the line, you run your ass off until crossing the finish line - exhilarated.

Now this is a running blog and my head says that Race Eve takes this by at least 13.1 miles. My heart on the other hand cherishes my family and nothing can replace a hug or a smile. To be fair, let’s call this one a wash!!!

RMFR