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A record field of 27,300 international runners hit the streets of Los Angeles — running from Dodger Stadium, down Hollywood Boulevard, the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive and all the way to the Santa Monica Pier — as the Los Angeles Marathon got underway this morning.

The race got launched right on schedule at the home of the Dodgers, with additional precautions in place all along the course in response to the coronavirus outbreak that gripped the nation and the world. The runners cascading out of the starting gate as the sun rose over the iconic Major League Baseball park created a spectacular vista.

At start time, the temperature was 51 degrees at 6 a.m. and was expected to climb to 67 as the day advanced.

When the elite runners cross the finish line in Santa Monica about two hours, 10 minutes later, the temperature is expected to be 58 degrees with relatively humidity at 65%, according to the National Weather Service.

Marathon road closures and how to avoid them

Despite a steep downhill grade leaving Dodger Stadium, runners set a cautious pace early on.

The first winner to cross the finish line was handcycle racer Travis Gaertner, with a time of 1:03:39.

The men’s handcycle winner is Travis

Gaertner with a time of 1:03:39! Congratulations Travis.#LAMarathon #WeRunLA 📸 : Robert Bethke @rwbmultimedia pic.twitter.com/pPrc74LrIK — Los Angeles Marathon (@lamarathon) March 8, 2020

Today’s 35th annual event got the green light despite worries about the swiftly spreading coronavirus outbreak, with race officials working with local, state and federal officials to assure that that race was as safe as it could be.

Along the route, the focus was on the runners, however, not worries about the virus. Loved ones cheered, hooted and toted supportive signs for runners as the coursed their way past the array of uniquely LA landmarks.

Mila Cangelosi hoisted a sign in honor of her 77-year-old husband, Paul Brestansky, who has competed in all 35 LA Marathons — including today. He ran last year on crutches because of a knee injury, his wife said, to keep his streak alive.

Race volunteer Vina Serna said she only saw “one or two” runners wearing antibacterial masks, but was aware of the additional precautions applied for the race. The additional hand-sanitizer stations were visible in the Dodger Stadium parking lot — placed every 100 feet or so in every direction — and along the route. Also, more than 500 portable bathrooms were set up at the start, too, each equipped with sanitizer and soap.

Elsewhere, at least two more Southern California event organizers chose to postpone their activities on Saturday — on the heels of the postponement of Austin’s massive South By Southwest festival — which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and some of Hollywood and music’s biggest stars.Official said they were “devastated” by the decision but regarded it as necessary to prevent a serious threat of contagion.

Events ranging from an AFI tribute to Julie Andrews to the opening of the latest James Bone film were put on hold.

In Chavez Ravine, however the race would go on. Marathon organizers where hopeful for their largest field ever today. Runners numbering 27,300 from all 50 states and a record 78 nations registered for race.

“The race still has the green light we are doing our best to provide as normal as experience as possible for the 27,000 entrants,” said LA Marathon spokesman Dan Cruz on Saturday. “But you will definitely see a visible difference this year, with more hand-washing stations and other measures at the expo and at the race. We are following the advice of local, state and federal authorities to assure this race is as safe as it can be.”

The race’s world-class men’s field is expected to be led by two-time champions Elisha Barno and Weldon Kirui of Kenya, along with New Zealand’s marathon record holder Zane Robertson, event organizers announced. Kenyan Wilson Chebet and New Zealander Zane Robertson were expected to be among the top contenders, according to organizers.

Runners head up 1st street to the beat of drums at the 35th #LAMarathon #LAMARATHON2020 pic.twitter.com/Aal3FhghFh — David Crane (@vidcrane) March 8, 2020

Among the women, Antonina Kwambai, Jane Kibll, and Margaret Muriuki, all Kenyans, were anticipated to top the field.

The Los Angeles Marathon Expo launched without incident on Friday and continued Saturday at the LA Convention Center. And athletes took part in the pre-marathon LA Big5K, winding from Dodgers Stadium through Elysian Park and back again.

Cruz offered the safeguard most consistently communicated by LA County officials and others this week: “If you’re feeling sick, please stay home.”

Hand sanitizer stations have been placed at the race expo, start line, along the route and at the finish festival, Cruz added. Athletes were urged to wash their hands frequently, not to hug or shake hands with other competitors or spectators and to try to stand six feet away from other people when possible. Similar guidelines were posted for race-watchers.

“We’re not canceling it,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said on Friday. “There’s no reason to cancel it, but we ask people to just make sure that they’re being safe, make sure they’re washing their hands, make sure they’re keeping the right distances … run your free lane and don’t hug everybody afterwards. But we are making sure that we don’t have panic, that we have preparation.”

A statement on the marathon’s website said: “We continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of local, state and federal authorities, including the CDC to implement any necessary plans and protocols for the marathon. Your safety is paramount and will continue to be our top priority.”

Runners head out of start gate at #Dodgerstadium at 35th #LAMarathon pic.twitter.com/XeVBBXsh4x — David Crane (@vidcrane) March 8, 2020

The race is one of the world’s premiere running events, featuring its one-of-a-kind “Stadium to the Sea” course. A record throng of racers was expected, despite officials’ decision to defer until 2021 any runner traveling from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Italy, South Korea and Iran —all countries where the U.S. Department of State has issued a “do not travel to” advisory. That’s about 0.06% of the field, organizers said.

Nonetheless, runners will be traveling from all 50 states and 69 countries.

There were 25,500 entrants and 20,608 finishers in 2019. The race has had the fourth-largest field among U.S. marathons each year from 2016-19.

Meanwhile, other local events were postponing their activities around LA and amid concern about the swiftly spreading outbreak.

The American Film Institute postponed its annual Life Achievement Award gala set to honor singer and actress Julie Andrews.

The gala was scheduled for April 25 at the Dolby Theatre, but will be rescheduled for an unspecified date early this summer.

‘I want to inspire other people like me,’ says runner with #DownSyndrome, who’ll race in LA’s half-marathon https://t.co/8XRPoT2EBA — Murphy's Law (@kimberlymmurphy) March 8, 2020

“AFI’s decision to postpone the event is simply in response to the rapidly evolving nature of current events and our promise to ensure the well-being of the artists and audience that gather each year to celebrate America*s art form,” AFI CEO and President Bob Gazzale said, according to Variety. “This move will allow our full attention to focus on the many gifts that Julie Andrews has given the world.”

And organizers of the Milken Institute Global Conference announced that the event, scheduled to take place in Beverly Hills in early May, has been rescheduled to July 7-10 at a venue to be announced.

MOM IS OUT HERE RUNNNNNING! Caught her at the 4 mile mark in Little Tokyo! 🏃🏾‍♀️💨 #LAMARATHON2020 #LAMarathon pic.twitter.com/leeTiXFNha — Gabrielle Horton (@gabhorton) March 8, 2020

The annual gathering brings together leaders in business, government, science, philanthropy and academia from around the world. The 23rd annual conference had been slated for May 2-6 at the Beverly Hilton.

“Even though attendee registration and commitments from major speakers were outpacing previous years, we felt it was important to make this decision now to help our key constituents plan accordingly,” Milken Institute CEO Michael Klowden said. “Through our centers in the United States and abroad, and together with partners in the public and private sectors, we will continue our efforts to advance understanding and catalyze solutions to major economic and health challenges, including the current (COVID-19) crisis. We look forward to convening a productive and timely Global Conference in July.”

In San Francisco, the Game Developers Conference, which was set for March 16-20 in San Francisco and usually attracts more than 30,000 gaming industry professionals, has been postponed.

Last week, the planned release of the new James Bond film was delayed by several months. “No Time To Die” — actor Daniel Craig’s final outing as the famed fictional spy — had been scheduled to open in April but will now be released in November.

“MGM, Universal and Bond producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, announced today that after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of NO TIME TO DIE will be postponed until November 2020,” producers tweeted.

At the finish line! Congrats to those who made it to the finish already! #LAMARATHON2020 pic.twitter.com/qAx6YR7dZy — T00nVisi0n (Diego) (@T00nV) March 8, 2020

CBS had earlier announced that production on the 33rd season of its award winning series “The Amazing Race” would be delayed, and a scheduled three-week shoot in Venice, Italy for Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible 7” was postponed after the Italian government stopped all public gatherings.

The city and county of Los Angeles and the state of California declared a state of emergency on the coronavirus outbreak Wednesday.

Marathon officials said they would provide updates via email Twitter, Facebook and the race website, lamarathon.com.

The Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this report