Los Angeles Marathon

Los Angeles Marathon course route

The Los Angeles Marathon is a point-to-point course from Dodger Stadium to the Avenue of the Stars in Century City, descending through Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. The early net-downhill miles are the easiest to run quickly, the rolling sections through Hollywood and West Hollywood are tougher before the flatter close, and crowds are biggest along Hollywood Boulevard, through West Hollywood, and at the Century City finish.

Los Angeles Marathon route map

Official course map — view on race website

Los Angeles Marathon elevation profile

The Los Angeles Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 287 metres of climbing and 356 metres of descent, with a net descent of 69 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

For the Los Angeles Marathon, the LA Marathon is held in March — typically the second Sunday. Registration is open (no lottery) on the official lamarathon.com website, with tiered pricing that increases closer to race day. The field is approximately 20,000–25,000 runners. Some charity entries are also available. March in Los Angeles is generally mild (12–18 °C), though LA's weather is notoriously variable — rain, Santa Ana winds, and unexpectedly warm conditions are all possible.

Los Angeles Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

2024 Los Angeles Marathon Course in 11 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Los Angeles Marathon elevation profile?

The Los Angeles Marathon has 287 metres of total climbing and 356 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 69 metres of net descent from start to finish.

Where can I find the Los Angeles Marathon route map?

This page includes a Los Angeles Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at www.mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon/distances-courses/. The point-to-point route descends through Downtown LA, Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills.

How long is the Los Angeles Marathon?

The Los Angeles Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From Dodger Stadium to the Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

What time does the Los Angeles Marathon start?

The 2027 Los Angeles Marathon starts at 6:55 am local time on Sunday, 21 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.lamarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What is the 'Stadium to Sea' course of the LA Marathon?

The Saucony LA Marathon runs a point-to-point course from Dodger Stadium in Elysian Park (elevation ~75 metres) westward across the city to the finish line at the Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean (elevation: sea level). The route passes through Silver Lake, Hollywood, West Hollywood along Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Century City, Westwood, and Brentwood before reaching the Santa Monica coastline. 'Stadium to Sea' precisely describes the journey: from a hillside ballpark to the edge of the Pacific.

When is the LA Marathon and how do I enter?

The LA Marathon is held in March — typically the second Sunday. Registration is open (no lottery) on the official lamarathon.com website, with tiered pricing that increases closer to race day. The field is approximately 20,000–25,000 runners. Some charity entries are also available. March in Los Angeles is generally mild (12–18 °C), though LA's weather is notoriously variable — rain, Santa Ana winds, and unexpectedly warm conditions are all possible.

What famous landmarks does the LA Marathon route pass?

The route is an unofficial Hollywood tour. Starting at Dodger Stadium, runners pass through Silver Lake and East Hollywood, then along Hollywood Boulevard (near the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame), north on Vine Street and west on Sunset Boulevard through West Hollywood, into Beverly Hills along Rodeo Drive, through Century City and Westwood Village, and finishing on the Santa Monica Pier with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. Few marathons offer a more instantly recognisable urban landscape per mile.

Is the LA Marathon course hilly?

The course is more challenging than its name implies. There is an extended climb leaving Dodger Stadium in the first four miles, and rolling hills through Silver Lake and Hollywood through approximately mile 8. Net elevation is a drop of roughly 75 metres from start to finish, but total elevation gain is still around 150 metres over the first half. From West Hollywood onward the course flattens considerably and the final 8–10 miles along Wilshire Boulevard toward the coast are fast and flat.

What should I know about point-to-point logistics in Los Angeles?

Point-to-point logistics in a sprawling car-centric city require advance planning. Race-day buses run from the Santa Monica finish area to Dodger Stadium from the early morning — this is the primary transport method, as driving to the start and retrieving a car is impractical. Gear-check bags travel from start to finish. Parking near Santa Monica is limited and expensive on race day; staying in Santa Monica or West LA, or using the Metro Expo Line (stops near the finish area), is strongly advisable.