By Hector Gonzalez
Special to The Lookout

February 12, 2016 -- As many as 26,000 runners will tackle this weekend's 31st annual L.A. Marathon “Stadium to the Sea” course from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica, with thousands more cheering them on along the way.

On the line is a top prize of $100,000 for each of the top men's and women's finishers.

This year's race will coincide with the U.S. Olympic trials going on in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, February 13, where more than 370 athletes are expected to compete.

Starting at 6 a.m. Sunday, the race, officially called the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon, begins in the famed stadium in Chavez Ravine and passes by such Southern California landmarks as L.A. City Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Chinese Theater.

The course continues west through West Hollywood and Bevelry Hills before ending at Ocean and California avenues, near the Santa Monica Pier.

This year two world-class runners, Erick Mose and returning LA Marathon champion Daniel Limo, both of Kenya, will join the men's elite field.

Expected among the top runners in the women's elite field are Ethiopian runners Serkalem Abrha and Simegn Abnet. Both have been training in New Mexico, coming down from the state's higher altitude to compete in the L.A. race.

All along the 26.2 mile course, 50 bands, hundreds of cheerleaders and six entertainment centers will entertain spectators. Dozens of local restaurants will be offering marathon day specials.

Every year, hundreds of nonprofit groups and charities benefit from the event through runner sponsorships.

Also as part of the weekend of the marathon's events, the annual Health & Fitness Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center will feature more than 120 exhibitors displaying new designs in running gear and shoes as well as the latest in sports, fitness, and nutrition. The expo goes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Residents who want to see the race are encouraged to walk, bike or take public ransportation to the area as parking will be a challenge. Various street will be closed from 5 a.m. until the early afternoon.

The City has a map with a list of closures and other spectator information at smgov.net.