March 26, 2010 -- In addition to seeing thousands of athletes finish a 26.2-mile race, those attending Sunday’s LA Marathon got to see a large advertisement for the shoe company Asics. A graphic ad appeared on the side of the pier’s Ferris wheel during throughout the day.

Ben Franz-Knight, executive director of the Pier Restoration Corporation (PRC), told the City Council on Tuesday the ad was from Pacific Park. He said it was not authorized by PRC staff and “raises a host of issues.”

A measure addressing such ads could go before the PRC Board of Directors and the City Council, Franz-Knight said. City Attorney Marsha Moutrie said the ad also raises issues regarding the City’s sign ordinance.

Franz-Knight said the ad was “part of (Pacific Park’s) enthusiasm with the LA Marathon and also an effort on their part to put in some sort of stop gap for anticipated revenue they may lose with the event taking place.”

Pacific Park reported ride revenue was down 45 percent on race day from previous Sundays.

City Council member Kevin McKeown noted the advertisement during Tuesday’s council discussion on the carousel fee raise. He said the City should be making sure it is getting all the benefits of advertising on the pier.

“I’m not a big fan of advertising, but I’m also not a big fan of deficits or having to cut services to residents,” McKeown said. “And I just want to make sure if we’re going to have to live with advertising as we do in a corporate, commercial world, that we see the benefits from it.”