ASICS Los Angeles Marathon
The Lowdown
The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is one of the city's most storied road races, drawing competitive athletes and recreational runners to Southern California each spring. First staged in the mid-1980s and now organized by the McCourt Foundation, the event has grown into a marquee destination marathon that showcases Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. Returning on March 8, 2026 with a 7:00 AM start, the race combines a rich local tradition with a modern race-day experience supported by the long-time title sponsorship of ASICS. The point-to-point course is a highlight: starting near Dodger Stadium and routing runners through Downtown Los Angeles, past iconic stretches of Hollywood and West Hollywood, along elegant Beverly Hills and the tree-lined streets of Century City, and finally descending to the scenic Pacific coastline with a dramatic finish near Santa Monica Pier. Runners experience cityscapes, palm-lined boulevards, cheering neighborhoods, and ocean breezes—making for memorable photo ops and varied terrain. The event atmosphere is festive and community-driven, featuring live bands, local cultural performances, and enthusiastic crowd support that lifts runners throughout the course. The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is a USATF-certified course and an official Boston Marathon qualifier, and it participates in the global distance-running community as a member of AIMS. Race logistics emphasize runner services and spectator access, with robust aid stations, pacing groups, and post-race recovery areas to ensure a safe, fast, and enjoyable experience for first-time marathoners and elite competitors alike.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Dodger Stadium
The race starts with a scenic downhill exit from Dodger Stadium overlooking downtown Los Angeles
Echo Park
Runners pass through this vibrant neighborhood known for Echo Park Lake and city views
Chinatown & Olvera Street
Historic downtown districts offering cultural landmarks and cheering crowds
Walt Disney Concert Hall & Grand Park
Iconic Civic Center architecture and public green space along the downtown stretch
The Miracle Mile (LACMA & La Brea Tar Pits)
The course moves along Wilshire Boulevard past museum row and the La Brea Tar Pits
Beverly Hills / Rodeo Drive area
A upscale stretch with tree-lined streets and enthusiastic spectators
Century City
The race finishes on Avenue of the Stars in the corporate-lined Century City neighborhood
Los Angeles, CA, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
- Must be 18 years or older on race day (proof of age may be required at bib pickup)
- All participants must complete online registration and present required ID and race waiver at packet pick-up
- Official race bibs are non-transferable; bib transfer is prohibited
- Participants must meet the published start-time and course cutoff: official course/time limit is 6 hours 30 minutes from the start
- Medical clearance recommended for runners with pre-existing medical conditions; follow physician advice before racing
- All competitors must comply with USA Track & Field and race-specific rules and directions from race officials and medical personnel
- Wheelchair, handcycle and para-athlete entrants must register in the appropriate division and meet classification/eligibility requirements
- Runners must wear race-issued bibs visibly on the front during the event and follow event safety and course signage requirements
- Government-issued Photo ID (for bib pickup)
- Proof of Time (official race results from a certified course for seeded/qualifying entry)
- Proof of Age (if age verification requested)
- Charity Entry Confirmation (for entries through official charity teams)
- Parental/Guardian Consent (for runners under 18)
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Corporate/Team Entry
- Elite/Invitation
- Virtual Race
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
No refunds under any circumstance
Bib transfers allowed until 30 days before the race (2026-02-06) for a $25 processing fee
Registrations are non-transferable to future race years (no deferrals)
Proof of emergency may be considered by race management for special cases but is not guaranteed to result in refund or deferral
The race starts at Dodger Stadium and finishes near the Santa Monica Pier, taking runners through Downtown LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles for a very scenic and iconic city tour.
The course is USATF-certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifying course for eligible finishers.
Race weekend includes a large health & fitness expo (packet pickup) in downtown Los Angeles, a kids run and a post-race festival at the finish with food vendors, music, medical tents, massage and a beer garden.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve shirt; aid stations with water, electrolyte drink and gels are positioned roughly every 2 miles and there are multiple medical and cooling stations.
Expect mandatory race-day shuttles or buses to the Dodger Stadium start area from the finish/packet pickup zone — plan to arrive early and use public transit or official shuttles since parking near the start is extremely limited.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.