Stefan Holm / Shutterstock.com
Runners will be hitting the starting line for the 2015 Asics LA Marathon on March 15
Travel & Leisure

LA Marathon Updates on 2015 Race

By Susannah Parmenter, Close-Up Media Staff Writer

LA Marathon reported that the largest men's and women's professional field for the running of the 2015 Asics LA Marathon on Sunday, March 15, with the addition of two U.S. long distance runners, Ryan and Sara Hall, who will both run the "Stadium to Sea" course for the first time.

According to a release from the group, the 30th edition of the Asics LA Marathon includes a line-up of 61 American elites vying for the 2015 USA Track & Field Marathon Championships, which will take place within the annual race. Many of those Americans competing in the 2015 USATF Marathon Championships will gain experience in Los Angeles before returning to the city for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon on February 13, 2016.

"This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive fields in the history of the marathon," said Tracey Russell, Chief Executive of LA Marathon. "On both a national and international level, the breadth of talent is at an all-time high to set the stage for a historic race."

The pursuit of the 2015 USATF Men's Marathon Championship will be an aggressive one, with 35 American men competing for the title. Two-time U.S. Olympian Ryan Hall, who holds the fastest American marathon time (2:04:58), will be taking the men's competition to new heights.

In the American women's field, LA Marathon said that 2012 U.S. Cross Country Champion Sara Hall will make her marathon debut. Hall will race against the world's fastest contenders, including Janet Bawcom, a 2012 Olympic 10,000-meter runner, who achieved a marathon personal best of 2:29:45 at the 2012 Olympic Trials.

"We are proud to continue our long-term partnership with the Asics LA Marathon, a premier date on the running calendar, which takes place here in our own backyard in Southern California," said Kevin Wulff, Asics America Group President and CEO. "This is an incredibly impressive elite field and we wish all the best to Asics athletes Ryan and Sara Hall, Shadrack Biwott and Becky Wade, and to all of the runners and spectators who will be part of this historic 30th edition race."

More information:
www.lamarathon.com

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

THE DAILY VIEW

  • Alexandra Scarborough
    Gilt and Sarah Jessica Parker Unveil SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal Collection for Spring

    Sarah Jessica Parker, in partnership with Gilt, kicked off the exclusive launch of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal, Gilt’s first foray into bridal ready-to-wear that would have Carrie Bradshaw swooning.

    The collection includes dresses, skirts, bodysuits and other pieces, ranging in price from $295 to $2,395 and from sizes 0 to 14.

    "Collaborating with Gilt on my first bridal ready-to-wear collection was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Sarah Jessica Parker. "The team there is brilliant and allowed me to be imaginative and take risks as I was designing for the non-traditional bride. It has been quite fun to play around with colors, fabrics and details to create unique pieces for all kinds of brides." The collection, comprised of ten styles, is inspired by Parker's vision of a modern, non-traditional bride, and is designed to dress a woman for a variety of wedding milestone moments; from her bridal shower through her wedding reception. Styles offered are a unique mix of classic dresses and gowns, modern bodysuits, full skirts, and a jumpsuit. The color palette includes traditional bridal white, sleek black, plus pops of blush, poppy, light gray and blue.

    Designed in collaboration with Gilt, the collection was produced in New York City utilizing fabrics like cashmere and stretch crepe sourced from Spain, Italy and France.

    The pieces all feature carefully curated details like elegant bows, sophisticated cutouts, feathers, intricate embroidery and beautiful hand-stitched beading. 

    The actress and style icon is no stranger to chic bridal wear. Carrie Badshaw, famously played by Parker, took part in an elaborate bridal photo shoot in Sex and the City: The Movie. The shoot featured gowns from designers like Christian Lacroix and Lanvin. Parker famously wore a black wedding gown for her own wedding to Matthew Broderick in 1997.

    "Not only is Sarah Jessica Parker's style known around the world, her point of view is one-of-a-kind," says Tom Ott, Chief Merchant of Gilt. "Sarah Jessica brings her impeccable taste and fashion sensibility to life in this collection. We think our customers will be delighted with the offering which is stylish and well-priced in the bridal category."

    As part of the bridal launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear line, each of which are complementary to the bridal collection. 

    To correspond with the bridal collection launch, Gilt City will present offers from some of Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite places in New York City.

    The offers were each chosen as a way to help brides plan for and celebrate the big day with highlights including, Leather Spa, Lars Nord Studio Tailoring, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, among others.

    More Information:
    http://www.Gilt.com/SJP

  • Alexandra Scarborough
    Tea Forté Introduces ‘Matcha’ Collection

    Convenience meets tradition in Tea Forté’s new Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set and the Matcha Single Steeps.

    The company said its spring harvested, shade grown, stone ground, organic matcha tea is best served in a centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony called chanoyu: a preparation technique known for its centering meditative qualities.

    "The launch of Tea Forté's Matcha collection represents our continued commitment to wellness and cultivating all the potential mental and physical health benefits of tea," says Tea Forté CEO Michael Gebrael. "In addition to our high quality Pure Matcha, we've also blended four distinct flavored Matcha varieties. Prepackaged in pouches measured out for a single serving, our Single Steeps Matcha is ideal for the office, travel, or to keep with you for a boost anytime."

    Tea Forté noted its handcrafted ceremonial tea bowl, handmade bamboo whisk and measuring ladle “encourages serene enjoyment of our premium Kosher, gluten-free and vegan matcha blends.” These include: Pure Matcha, Chocolate Matcha, Coconut Matcha, Ginger Matcha, and Chai Matcha.

    According to a release, in addition to its distinctive taste, matcha is prized for its health benefits. Steeped green tea contains only the antioxidants that can be extracted in water, while with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed.

    Available now in select stores and online at teaforte.com.

 

 

QUICK 5


Expedia.com has released a year-end look at U.S. traveler behavior and trends for 2017, analyzing data to identify the most in-demand destinations, hotels, activities and more.

Among other insights, the roundup revealed:

  1. Labor Day was the busiest weekend for car rental
  2. Disney Theme Parks topped the list of things to do
  3. The average hotel stay was two nights
  4. Top destinations based on 2017 air travel included major global cities like New York, London and Bangkok
  5. Popular tourist destinations included Orlando, Cancun and Las Vegas