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Los Angeles Marathon 2027: Race Guide, Course And How To Enter
The Los Angeles Marathon, also known as the LA Marathon, returns on Sunday 7 March 2027, taking thousands of runners through some of Southern California's most famous neighbourhoods and landmarks.
Starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing in Century City, the 26.2 mile route travels through Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Known as the Stadium to the Stars course, the marathon combines famous locations with the atmosphere of one of America's largest running events.
The Destination
Los Angeles is one of the world's most recognisable cities, famous for its film industry, beaches, entertainment and diverse neighbourhoods. Located in Southern California, it offers visitors a combination of urban attractions, coastal scenery and opportunities to explore the surrounding region.
Hollywood is home to the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre and numerous landmarks associated with the entertainment industry. Beverly Hills is known for its luxury shopping and palm lined streets, while Downtown Los Angeles has museums, concert venues and historic buildings.
The Pacific coastline provides another attraction for visitors extending their stay. Santa Monica and Venice Beach offer oceanfront paths, restaurants and entertainment, while Malibu lies farther west along the coast.
Los Angeles covers an enormous geographical area, making transport and accommodation important considerations. Unlike many European marathon destinations, its main attractions are spread across several districts rather than concentrated in a compact city centre.
History Of The Los Angeles Marathon
The Los Angeles Marathon was first held in 1986, inspired by the success of the 1984 Olympic Games in the city. The inaugural race attracted thousands of participants and established an annual event that has become an important fixture on the American marathon calendar.
The course has changed several times during its history, reflecting the challenge of taking a major running event through such a large city. For many years, the marathon followed a Stadium to the Sea route, starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing beside the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica.
In 2021, the finish moved to Century City, creating the Stadium to the Stars course used today. The event is organised by The McCourt Foundation, a nonprofit organisation supporting research into neurological diseases and initiatives encouraging healthier communities.
When Is The Los Angeles Marathon 2027?
The Los Angeles Marathon takes place on Sunday 7 March 2027, with the main field scheduled to start at 7am from Dodger Stadium.
The marathon is part of a wider running weekend, with the LA 5K and Kids Run scheduled for Saturday 6 March. A separate Charity Half Marathon also takes place on Sunday, giving participants another opportunity to support nonprofit organisations.
The marathon has a time limit of six hours and 30 minutes, measured from when the final runner crosses the starting line. Participants who fall behind the road reopening schedule may be required to continue on pavements and follow normal pedestrian traffic regulations.
The organiser provides further information about these arrangements in its race instructions. Runners expecting to need longer than the published time limit should review the requirements before entering.
Los Angeles Marathon 2027 Expo And Race Bib Collection
The Los Angeles Marathon Lifestyle Expo takes place at Dodger Stadium on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 March 2027. The event brings together running brands, exhibitors and participants collecting their race materials.
The published opening hours are 10am to 7pm on Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday. The expo is held outdoors in Lot G at Dodger Stadium, with parking available for visitors.
Marathon participants are normally required to collect their own race bibs before race day.
The organiser does not routinely post bibs or permit collection by another person, although a separately purchased hospitality package includes a race morning collection option.
The expo is also an opportunity to explore running products, meet exhibitors and experience the atmosphere before the marathon. Runners travelling from overseas should allow sufficient time to attend, particularly if arriving in Los Angeles on Friday or Saturday.
Race Morning
The marathon starts at Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. Situated in the hills north of Downtown Los Angeles, the stadium provides an impressive setting for the beginning of the race.
The main field starts at 7am, following earlier departures for wheelchair athletes, handcycle participants and elite women. Runners are allocated to starting corrals, with seeded positions available to those meeting the organiser's qualifying requirements.
Participants are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before the start. With a large field gathering at the stadium, surrounding roads can become extremely busy during the early morning.
Free participant shuttles operate from Century City to Dodger Stadium, with additional services from designated locations. Parking is also available at the stadium, although there is no shuttle returning runners from the finish to Dodger Stadium after the race.
The starting area provides toilets, baggage facilities and access to the allocated corrals. Participants should check the final race instructions for shuttle reservations, baggage arrangements and any changes to the published schedule.
Los Angeles Marathon Course
The Los Angeles Marathon follows the Stadium to the Stars route, beginning at Dodger Stadium and finishing on Santa Monica Boulevard at Avenue of the Stars in Century City.
The course travels through a remarkable variety of neighbourhoods, from the historic streets of Downtown Los Angeles to Hollywood's entertainment district and the residential areas of Beverly Hills and Brentwood.
The following description reflects the established route used for the 2026 marathon. Although the organiser has confirmed the same start and finish locations for 2027, individual roads and mile markers should be checked against the final course map.
Dodger Stadium And Chinatown
The marathon begins at Dodger Stadium, overlooking Downtown Los Angeles. The opening section descends from the stadium towards Chinatown, passing through streets associated with one of the city's oldest established cultural communities. The Chinatown Dragon Gate is among the early landmarks, with traditional architectural features and commercial streets providing a distinctive introduction to the course. The route then continues towards the historic centre of Los Angeles.
Downtown Los Angeles
The Downtown section passes several important civic and cultural landmarks, including Los Angeles City Hall, Little Tokyo and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The route also passes near the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, part of the Los Angeles Music Center. Historic buildings, modern office towers and broad city streets create a varied urban setting. Downtown includes some changes in elevation, with the course moving through streets that rise and fall between the surrounding districts. The scenery is dominated by architecture and cultural landmarks before the route heads towards the city's residential neighbourhoods.
Echo Park And Silver Lake
Leaving Downtown, runners pass through Echo Park and Silver Lake, neighbourhoods known for their independent businesses, creative communities and distinctive residential streets. Echo Park Lake is a prominent local landmark, surrounded by palm trees and offering views towards the Downtown skyline. The route continues through Silver Lake and towards Los Feliz, where the surrounding buildings become predominantly residential.
This section includes rolling terrain, reflecting the geography of the neighbourhoods between Downtown and Hollywood. It offers a different perspective on Los Angeles from the commercial districts encountered elsewhere.
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood provides one of the most recognisable sections of the marathon. The course travels along Hollywood Boulevard, passing landmarks associated with the city's film and entertainment history. These include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre and the historic Pantages Theatre. The Capitol Records Building is another distinctive feature of the surrounding area, while the Hollywood Hills rise to the north. The boulevard is normally one of Los Angeles' busiest tourist destinations, but on marathon morning it becomes part of the closed road course. The famous buildings and entertainment venues provide a memorable backdrop as runners continue west.
Sunset Strip And West Hollywood
From Hollywood Boulevard, the marathon continues towards West Hollywood and the famous Sunset Strip. This area is closely associated with the city's music and entertainment history, with numerous venues, hotels and restaurants lining the surrounding streets. Chateau Marmont is one of the best known landmarks in the district, alongside entertainment venues that have hosted internationally famous performers. The route moves through a mixture of commercial streets and residential neighbourhoods before continuing towards Beverly Hills.
Beverly Hills And Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills is among the most distinctive locations on the course, with its landscaped streets, luxury shops and famous residential neighbourhoods. The marathon passes Beverly Hills City Hall and Rodeo Drive, one of the world's best known shopping streets. Palm trees, carefully maintained buildings and wide roads create a setting quite different from Downtown Los Angeles. The route continues west through Beverly Hills towards Century City, passing through an area closely associated with the city's entertainment and business communities.
Westwood And Brentwood
The western part of the marathon takes runners towards Westwood and Brentwood, passing through residential districts and along major roads connecting the neighbourhoods. The established course includes an extended section towards Brentwood before turning back towards Century City. This replaces the former route that continued west to finish beside the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica. The surroundings become more residential, with broad streets, commercial centres and fewer major tourist landmarks. The turnaround brings runners back towards the final section of the marathon.
Century City And The Finish
The Los Angeles Marathon finishes on Santa Monica Boulevard at Avenue of the Stars in Century City, a district known for its modern office towers, hotels and shopping facilities.
After returning from Brentwood, runners approach the finish through the streets surrounding Century City. The final section leads into the main finish area, where spectators gather to welcome participants completing the marathon. The finish festival provides a central meeting point for runners and supporters, with post race facilities and entertainment. Century City's location also makes it convenient for visitors staying in nearby Beverly Hills or Westwood.
How Difficult Is The Los Angeles Marathon Course?
The Los Angeles Marathon is a moderately challenging city course, with a mixture of downhill sections, gradual climbs and rolling terrain.
Although the finish is at a lower elevation than the start, the route is not continuously downhill. The opening miles descend from Dodger Stadium, while Echo Park, Silver Lake and Hollywood introduce changes in gradient.
The western section also includes undulations, particularly on the return towards Century City. Runners looking for a consistently flat course may find other American marathons more suitable.
Weather can add another challenge. March often brings favourable running temperatures to Southern California, but Los Angeles can experience warm conditions, particularly when sunshine develops during the morning.
The marathon has produced fast performances and is recognised as a Boston Marathon qualifying event. However, the combination of rolling terrain and variable weather means it is not generally regarded as one of America's fastest marathon courses.
What Makes The Los Angeles Marathon Special?
The opportunity to run through so many famous neighbourhoods is one of the event's greatest attractions. Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive are internationally recognised locations that give the course a character unlike most other city marathons.
Starting at Dodger Stadium adds another memorable element, particularly for visitors familiar with American professional sport. The route also introduces runners to less familiar parts of Los Angeles, including historic Downtown neighbourhoods and residential districts away from the main tourist attractions.
The event has a strong community atmosphere, with spectators, entertainment and organised cheering points contributing to the experience. Its connection with The McCourt Foundation and participating charities gives the marathon an established fundraising dimension.
For international visitors, the race offers an opportunity to explore Los Angeles beyond its best known tourist destinations while taking part in a major American running event.
Is The Los Angeles Marathon Good For First Time Marathon Runners?
Los Angeles can be an excellent choice for runners preparing for their first marathon. The event has an established organisational structure, a large field and extensive spectator support, creating an atmosphere that can be particularly encouraging for newcomers.
The course offers plenty of variety, with famous landmarks and changing neighbourhoods throughout the distance. The six hour and 30 minute time limit provides a reasonable completion window, although participants expecting to take longer should understand the road reopening arrangements.
For runners looking for a memorable first marathon rather than simply the easiest possible course, Los Angeles has considerable appeal. The combination of an established event and a distinctive route makes it an attractive introduction to marathon running.
How To Enter The Los Angeles Marathon 2027
Registration for the 2027 Los Angeles Marathon is open, with runners able to purchase a place directly through the official event website.
The marathon uses a general registration system rather than a ballot, with places available while the event has capacity. Entry fees can increase as registration progresses, so runners should check the current price before entering.
Standard registration includes a race bib, participant shirt, access to official course support and a finisher medal for those completing the marathon. Additional hospitality packages and other optional purchases may be available during registration.
The organiser's published policies state that entries are generally non refundable and cannot be transferred to another runner or deferred to a future edition. Participants should review the conditions carefully, particularly when arranging flights and accommodation from overseas.
The minimum age for marathon participation is normally 16 on race day, with additional requirements applying to younger runners and those participating through designated programmes.
Running The Los Angeles Marathon For Charity
Charity fundraising is an important part of the Los Angeles Marathon, with an established programme connecting participants to nonprofit organisations.
The event is organised by The McCourt Foundation, which supports research into neurological diseases and initiatives promoting healthier communities. Runners can join the foundation's own fundraising team, known as Team TMF, or participate through one of the event's charity partners.
Team TMF currently offers free marathon entry to runners committing to raise $725 for The McCourt Foundation. Benefits include team clothing, access to start line hospitality and other incentives, while participants raising $3,000 can qualify for additional rewards, including hotel accommodation. Other official charity partners operate their own fundraising arrangements, allowing runners to choose a cause that matters to them.
Runners who have already purchased a general marathon place can also raise money independently for a charity of their choice. This provides an alternative for those who prefer not to commit to a charity's minimum fundraising target.
Where To Stay
Los Angeles has an extensive range of hotels, apartments and other accommodation, but choosing the right location is particularly important because of the distance between the marathon start and finish.
Century City is one of the most convenient areas for runners wanting to stay near the finish. Accommodation here provides access to the post race facilities, while the official shuttle service offers transport towards Dodger Stadium before the start.
Beverly Hills is another attractive option, with hotels, restaurants and shopping within easy reach of Century City. It also provides a convenient base for supporters planning to watch the race in the western part of the course.
Downtown Los Angeles offers a wide selection of accommodation and is closer to Dodger Stadium. Visitors staying here can explore museums, cultural attractions and historic neighbourhoods, although they will need to arrange transport back from the finish.
Hollywood is a lively alternative for those interested in entertainment and sightseeing. However, its location between the start and finish means runners should consider how they will travel on race morning and return afterwards.
Santa Monica is particularly appealing for visitors planning a longer stay beside the Pacific Ocean. Its beaches, restaurants and coastal attractions make it a popular destination, but the distance from the marathon start means additional travel planning is necessary.
Accommodation near Century City can be especially useful for runners travelling with family or friends, as supporters can reach the finish without needing to cross the city. Hotels in convenient locations may experience increased demand during marathon weekend, making early booking advisable.
Our Verdict
The Los Angeles Marathon offers an experience that few other American races can match. Its combination of sporting history, famous locations and a strong community atmosphere makes it an appealing choice for runners looking for something different from the traditional big city marathon.
The course presents a reasonable challenge without being excessively demanding, while the event's established organisation and charity programme provide opportunities for runners with a wide range of ambitions. Los Angeles itself offers plenty to explore, making the marathon an excellent centrepiece for a longer visit to Southern California.
For anyone planning a spring marathon in 2027, Los Angeles is well worth considering. The event offers a memorable combination of running, sightseeing and the opportunity to experience one of America's most famous cities.
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