About the race
The Los Angeles Marathon is an annual road race through Los Angeles, California, run in the spring and billed as the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS. It is one of the five largest marathons in the United States, with a field of around 26,000 participants.
History
The current series dates from 1986 and was inspired by the success of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in the city. Earlier races carrying the Los Angeles name were held in the 1970s and early 1980s under several titles, including the Griffith Park Marathon and the Los Angeles Lite Marathon, but they are treated as separate from today's event. The race was once held later in the spring, but after runners complained about the greater chance of warm weather it was moved back to March from the 2010 race. ASICS has sponsored the event since 2020.
The course
The route has changed several times. The 1986 course started at Exposition Park and ended at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. For many years it started and ended downtown, and for a time it started south of Universal City. Since a change of ownership, it has started in the Dodger Stadium parking lot. The best-known version, called Stadium to Sea, ran from Dodger Stadium to the beach at Santa Monica. In 2020 the finish was moved to Avenue of the Stars in Century City, after the city of Santa Monica quoted sharply higher costs to keep hosting it.
Entry and charity
Check the official site for current entry windows, qualifying rules and cut-off times. The marathon runs a sizeable charity programme: in 2014, 91 participating charities raised a combined 3.7 million dollars. It is also tied to Students Run LA, which began in 1987 when six students at Boyle Heights High School trained for the marathon with their teacher.
Where to watch
Because the race now runs from Dodger Stadium toward Century City, the start area and the finish on Avenue of the Stars are the most obvious meeting points. The route passes through many city neighbourhoods and landmarks, so supporters can choose a spot along it and use local transport. The organiser's site should be consulted for spectator guidance and road closures.
Weather
March is spring in Los Angeles. Mornings are often cool, with sunshine building later in the day. The date was set in March partly to avoid warmer conditions, but weather varies year to year, so check the local forecast before race day.