The Los Angeles Marathon begins at Dodger Stadium and finishes at Avenue of the Stars in Century City. Athletes will enjoy world-class entertainment and celebrate one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world as the course winds through Downtown Los Angeles, Little Tokyo, Hollywood, and more. The course will follow its traditional route until Brentwood, where runners double back on San Vicente, Sepulveda and Santa Monica Blvd before finishing at Avenue of the Stars.
The Los Angeles Marathon was the 4th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 5th largest in 2022.
This year 2.4% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 2.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Los Angeles Marathon the 419th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 344th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.22 ranks it as the 301st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 22nd fastest course in California.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Los Angeles Marathon a PR Score of 97.34. This PR Score ranks it as the 310th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 23rd fastest in California.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Los Angeles Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 566 feet (172m) Min Elevation: 203 feet (61m)
Great course, well run and plenty of spectators. I've run it 5 times. However I would absolutely NOT profile this as a downhill course. It is a rolling hill course with a number of ups and downs. It's challenging but worth it.
Race Tips
Similar to another reviewer. The first few miles tempt you to go faster than you should. Be conscious of running only steady in the first 10k. Then slowly build from there and save some strength for miles 20 - 22
The course takes you past most of what I'd consider iconic LA, including the Dodger Stadium start, Chinatown, Downtown, Echo Park, The Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, The Miracle Mile, and it ends right near the Santa Monica Pier on Ocean Avenue. The support along the race was outstanding. Plenty of water stations and supporters out there offering oranges, extra water, gatoraide...pretty much anything you needed. The expo was great too....with easy packet pickup.
Race Tips
Train HILLS. This is definitely a tactical race. While you might look at the general elevation and think, "WOOHOO! NET DOWNHILL!" Not so fast. There are a couple of huge hills at the beginning of the course that you really need to pace yourself through....and there's an uphill section between mile 19 and 24ish of the course, including a really steep section up Sepulveda starting at mile 20. If you haven't paced and prepared yourself to get through that, then your legs will be way too fried to take advantage of the downhill at the end of the course.
I love the way the public comes out and cheers the athletes on. My favorite part of the race is at the top of 1st St/Grand with the Japanese drummers. The energy of the drummers carries you up the hill.
Race Tips
Start out easy and save your energy for the last 6.2 miles.
Take the early shuttles buses to the start line. There is only one way into the stadium and the traffic is horrendous. Take the bus. They are available from Santa Monica or Union Station.
