L.A. Marathon: Registration opens for 2012 race

Registration opened Monday for the 2012 Los Angeles Marathon. The race, set for March 18, features a course that starts at Dodger Stadium and finishes at the Santa Monica Pier, with runners passing such landmarks as Disney Hall, Grauman's Chinese Theatre and Rodeo Drive.

Markos Geneti of Ethiopia set a course record when he won this year's race in 2:06.35 -- in a driving rainstorm, no less.

Registration information is available at lamarathon.com. The site also includes information about the LA Roadrunners, a group that offers marathon training programs starting next month. First-time runners are welcome; the group promises to "get runners from the couch to the finish line."

-- Bill Shaikin

Photo: Amy Hastings, left, who ultimately finished second, Buzunesh Deba, center, who ultimately finished first, and Mare Dibaba, right, who ultimately finished third, run together during the 2011 LA Marathon. Credit: Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times.