Los Angeles Marathon
Los Angeles, USA · Third Sunday of March
The 'Stadium to the Stars' course rolls point-to-point from Dodger Stadium (148 m) through Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood to a Century City finish. The opening 5 km descend 66 m before the Hollywood Hills climb at km 7 (6.75% grade) tests the legs early — 291 m of total climbing across multiple rolling sections keeps this from being a PR specialist's course (1.4–2.1% BQ conversion rate). But the route past Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, and the Pacific Design Center makes it one of the world's most glamorous urban marathons.
Course
Elevation gain
291 m
Net elevation
-65 m
Finishers
~20,810
Month
March
Third Sunday of March
Race-day weather
Median start temp
12°C
Historical range
8–23°C
Hot-year risk
Moderate
March in Los Angeles is typically mild (9–19°C at the early start) but heat waves strike — the 2026 edition hit 31°C and offered an 18-mile early finish option. Slower runners finishing after noon face the most heat exposure.
Getting in
First-come, first-served. Open entry at lamarathon.com; the ~26,000-strong field does not typically sell out far in advance. Corral seeding by submitted proof-of-time; charity and team entries also available. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Los Angeles Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Los Angeles Marathon a fast course?
It is not considered a PR course. The course drops 65 m from start to finish with 291 m of climbing along the way. We rate it 6/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Los Angeles Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 12°C, with a historical range of roughly 8–23°C. March in Los Angeles is typically mild (9–19°C at the early start) but heat waves strike — the 2026 edition hit 31°C and offered an 18-mile early finish option. Slower runners finishing after noon face the most heat exposure.
How do you get into the Los Angeles Marathon?
First-come, first-served. Open entry at lamarathon.com; the ~26,000-strong field does not typically sell out far in advance. Corral seeding by submitted proof-of-time; charity and team entries also available.
Is the Los Angeles Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Los Angeles Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times. Note that it is not eligible for records due to its point-to-point or net-downhill layout, but that does not affect Boston qualifying.