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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

L.A. Marathon Lets In-Liners In

Associated Press

On your mark, get set … roll?

In-line skaters will be allowed to participate in the March 2 Los Angeles Marathon, the first major event of its kind to feature the popular sport.

Supporters say skating is as Southern Californian as a traffic jam, and bicycles have been allowed since 1994.

Distance-running purists are aghast.

“These sideshows just turn the whole event into a circus and spoil it for the elite runner,” said Marco Ochoa, who finished sixth last year.

Actually, skaters will only participate in a 10-kilometer exhibition, starting 45 minutes after the runners.

Organizers of the Boston and New York marathons said it’s not likely their events will let in skaters.