ASICS Los Angeles Marathon 2027: Complete Race Guide for Runners

There is no marathon course in the world quite like this one. You start inside Dodger Stadium — one of the most iconic sports venues in America — and spend the next 26.2 miles on a guided tour through the city that runs on ambition, sunshine and spectacle. By the time you cross the finish line on Avenue of the Stars in Century City, you will have passed through Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. The Stadium to the Stars name is not marketing fluff. It is exactly what happens.

The 2027 edition is the 42nd ASICS Los Angeles Marathon and arrives at a genuinely exciting moment for the race. The 2026 edition delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in LA Marathon history — American Nathan Martin diving past Kenya’s Michael Kamau at the line with less than a second to spare — while prize money jumped 110% over 2025. The McCourt Foundation is clearly investing in making this a serious elite race again, not just a mass-participation bucket-list event. Both stories are happening at the same time, and that tension makes it one of the more interesting big-city marathons in the US right now.

On paper the course is net-downhill and BQ-friendly. In practice it is sneakier than it looks. The opening miles tumble out of Dodger Stadium in the dark before sunrise, and anyone who gets carried away on that early descent tends to pay for it in the rolling hills of Echo Park and Silver Lake between miles four and six. Hollywood’s flat miles in the middle of the race are a relief. But the course’s sting is the out-and-back section in the final miles — there is an uphill grind into Century City before the finish that catches a lot of runners by surprise. Come in with a plan and this course can reward you. Go out too fast and it will remind you why 26.2 miles is exactly that long.

The LA Marathon is a good fit for runners who want to combine a serious race with a city trip, charity runners chasing a meaningful fundraising goal through Team TMF, first-timers who want a high-energy crowd and course entertainment from mile one to the finish and experienced marathoners who want a net-downhill BQ attempt in a genuinely spectacular setting. March in Los Angeles also means some of the most reliable marathon weather in the United States — cool at the gun, warming through the back half, rarely wet.

Race at a Glance

What Makes the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon Worth Running?

A Course That Is Literally a Tour of the City

Most marathons wind through parks and industrial zones with the occasional landmark in the background. The LA Marathon is different. The course is designed to show you Los Angeles — the real, sprawling, chaotic, beautiful version of it. You run through Chinatown and Little Tokyo in the first few miles. You pass the Walt Disney Concert Hall, City Hall and Olvera Street. At mile eleven you are running down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. At seventeen you are on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The finish is on Avenue of the Stars in Century City. No other marathon in the world strings together that many recognisable places in a single morning.

Course Entertainment Like Few Other Races

The LA Marathon fields 126 cheer zones across the full 26.2 miles — 60 operated by charity partners and 66 by run clubs. There is live music, dancing, costumes and noise at nearly every mile marker. The finish line has bleacher seating and double-decker viewing buses. The crowd energy in Hollywood is genuinely loud. If you are the kind of runner who feeds off the atmosphere, this course delivers it from the gun.

A Net-Downhill Boston Qualifier

The stadium sits at roughly 566 feet above sea level. The finish is around 203 feet. The course drops approximately 1,169 feet over 26.2 miles against a gain of around 943 feet. That net-downhill profile — combined with cool March morning temperatures — makes this one of the more BQ-friendly big-city courses on the calendar. It is not as flat as Chicago but it is more accessible for a time goal than Boston or New York. Just respect the rollers in the early miles.

The Team TMF Charity Model

The McCourt Foundation runs one of the more compelling charity race programmes in American distance running. Raise $725 for a free marathon entry plus a VIP tent at the start, preferred corral access and a free LA Road Runners training membership. Raise $3,000 by February 3 and you also get two nights at the Fairmont Century Plaza — a hotel that is 0.2 miles from the finish line. If you are going to fundraise for a race anyway, this is a genuinely competitive package.

March Timing and LA Weather

The gun goes off at 7:00am, just before sunrise. Temperatures are usually in the low 40s Fahrenheit at the start — cool enough to run fast if you dress right. By the time you finish, it is typically in the mid-60s under clear skies. That is ideal marathon weather for most runners. March in LA is also historically the end of any winter rain, so the odds of a wet race day are low. It is not guaranteed — the 2026 edition ran unusually warm — but the historical averages are on your side.

The Conquer LA Multi-Race Challenge

The LA Marathon is the anchor event of the Conquer LA challenge, which combines the LA 5K (Saturday March 6), the LA Marathon and other McCourt Foundation events into a single medal series. If you are travelling to LA for the race weekend anyway, adding the 5K the day before costs minimal energy and earns you an extra finisher medal. It is a good way to make a long trip feel like more than just one race.

The Course — Mile by Mile

Miles 0-4: Dodger Stadium to Downtown LA

The race starts in the dark. Gun time is 7:00am and sunrise is at 7:12am, so you are running the opening quarter-mile in pre-dawn twilight with 27,000 other people, which is one of the better experiences in distance running. The first half-mile drops sharply out of the stadium parking lots — this is the most dangerous section of the race psychologically. Every runner around you feels fast, the downhill pulls you along and GPS splits will be flattering. Resist it completely. The descent through Chavez Ravine drops you into Downtown LA, passing Chinatown’s Dragon Gate, Olvera Street, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The streets widen, the crowd noise picks up and the city starts to wake up around you.

Miles 5-7: Echo Park and Silver Lake

This is where the course earns its reputation as a trickier beast than the net-downhill profile suggests. Short, sharp climbs through Echo Park and into Silver Lake test your effort management for the first time. The lake at Echo Park is a nice distraction if your legs are already grumbling. Mile seven passes through what the race calls the “Tom LaBonge Mile” — a tribute to the longtime city councillor who was one of the marathon’s biggest civic supporters. Expect some local run clubs and neighbourhood cheer stations through here.

Miles 8-12: Hollywood

The course flattens out considerably and Hollywood delivers on its promise. You run past the Capitol Records Tower and down Hollywood Boulevard with the Walk of Fame underfoot. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre appears on your left. The crowd here is consistently the loudest on the course — local fans, tourists who stumbled into the race route and charity cheer stations all stacking on top of each other. These are your banking miles. The terrain is manageable. Bank time here if you have a goal pace to protect.

Miles 13-16: Chateau Marmont, Sunset Strip and West Hollywood

The course moves through West Hollywood and along the Sunset Strip — past the Chateau Marmont, the billboards and the rock and roll history of one of LA’s most famous corridors. West Hollywood is known for having some of the most enthusiastic spectators on the entire course. Cheer zones organised by the local LGBTQ+ community are a long-running LA Marathon tradition here and the noise is real. This stretch runs fairly flat with gentle rolls.

Miles 17-19: Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive at mile seventeen. Few things in marathon running match the surreal experience of running down one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets while deeply fatigued, surrounded by thousands of other sweating humans while people brunch on the sidewalks and watch. Beverly Hills is beautiful and the crowds thin slightly compared to Hollywood, but the residences here come out and the cheer zones keep the energy going. Stay on pace through here — the temptation to cruise is high.

Miles 20-23: Brentwood and San Vicente Boulevard

The course moves into Brentwood and the out-and-back section begins around mile 18. There is a meaningful descent on North San Vicente Boulevard in this stretch. It offers relief in the moment but remember that any descent in the late miles means your quads are absorbing impact at the exact time they are most fatigued. Run it controlled. The Brentwood section is quieter in terms of crowds but support is consistent throughout.

Miles 24-26.2: Century City and the Finish

Here is where a lot of LA Marathon race plans fall apart. The final approach into Century City is not a triumphant downhill sprint to the line. The out-and-back design means you climb back toward Avenue of the Stars before the finish. It is not a brutal climb but at mile 24-25 with fatigued legs it feels longer and steeper than it is. If you have run this section in training or studied the elevation profile, you will know to expect it and can plan for it. If you did not, it is a shock. Once you crest it, the final stretch to the finish line on Avenue of the Stars is your reward — bleachers, DJ music, double-decker viewing buses and a crowd that has been waiting all morning.

Registration

Registration for the 2027 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is open via the official race site. Entry fees are not published on the registration page — they are set at checkout and prices may increase as the event fills. Check the current rate directly at the registration link below before comparing options.

Personalized bib deadline: Register by January 31, 2027 (or race sellout, whichever comes first) to have your name printed on your bib. Register here: mccourtfoundation.org/register

Race Weekend Schedule

All times are subject to change. Confirm final schedule at mccourtfoundation.org closer to race day.

Weather — What to Expect on Race Day

Los Angeles in early March is generally as good as marathon weather gets — cool enough at the start to run well, warming through the middle miles, rarely wet. That said, the 2026 edition ran notably warmer than average and organisers relaxed the finisher medal policy to include anyone completing 18+ miles. If you are targeting a slower finish time (4 hours or more) plan your hydration and sun protection accordingly. The mid-60s can feel harder than they look on the back half of the course if you have not factored in the California sunshine.

Prize Money and Elite Race

The 2027 prize money has not been announced at time of writing. The table below reflects the 2026 prize structure, which was a significant upgrade from previous years — total prize money jumped 110% over 2025. Use this as a reference point for what to expect.

Past Results — Defending Champions

2026 Results (41st Edition — March 8, 2026)

2025 Results (40th Edition — March 16, 2025)

Full historical results at: mccourtfoundation.org/results

Spectator Guide

The LA Marathon is genuinely spectator-friendly. The course covers 26.2 miles of accessible city streets with public transit options that let you watch from multiple points in one morning. There are 126 official cheer zones so you will never be standing in a dead spot. Here are the best places to be.

Where to Stay

The LA Marathon’s unique point-to-point course means your hotel strategy matters more than it does at a looped race. Near the start (Dodger Stadium / Downtown) makes race morning logistics easy. Near the finish (Century City) means a short walk post-race but a longer commute to the start — the official host hotels near the finish provide shuttles to the start line on race morning, which solves that problem. Book early: race weekend accommodation in LA fills months in advance.

The Fairmont Century Plaza is the standout option for runners who want to walk to the finish line. It is also the hotel included in the Team TMF $3K Club package — which is the only way to guarantee a room here at a race rate if the package is available. Book via: lamarathon.hotelplanner.com for the official marathon participant rates. Alternative accommodation in Hollywood, West Hollywood or Beverly Hills puts you on or near the course with good Metro access.

International Runners — Visa and Travel

A Short History of the Los Angeles Marathon

The Los Angeles Marathon was born out of the energy of the 1984 Summer Olympics. The Games had been a rare logistical triumph for the city and left behind a population that was suddenly interested in distance running. Bill Burke, a local businessman who had worked on the Olympics organisation, recognised the moment and founded the inaugural race. On March 9, 1986, approximately 10,747 runners lined up in Exposition Park for the first edition — finishing at the nearby LA Memorial Coliseum, the same venue that had hosted the Olympic marathon. It was the largest debut marathon in history at the time, with 7,581 finishers. Mark Coogan won the men’s race in 2:13:55 and Nancy Ditz took the women’s title in 2:36:27.

The course moved around significantly in the decades that followed — Downtown loops, a stint starting south of Universal City and eventually the beloved “Stadium to the Sea” route that took runners from Dodger Stadium all the way to the Santa Monica Pier. That finish on the Pacific Ocean was genuinely special, and its loss in 2021 when the event shifted to the current “Stadium to the Stars” finish in Century City was not without controversy. The logistics and cost of closing Santa Monica were cited as the reason for the change. The new finish on Avenue of the Stars has grown on runners over time, though the out-and-back structure and the uphill into Century City remain talking points.

The McCourt Foundation, run by Frank McCourt (former Dodgers owner) acquired the race and has been the organiser since 2013. ASICS came on board as title sponsor in 2020. The 2026 edition was the 41st running and drew over 27,000 participants while raising more than $4.5 million for charity through 129 partner organisations. The 110% increase in prize money that year signalled a renewed commitment to the elite field after years of criticism about the depth of international competition. Back-to-back American men’s winners in 2025 (Matt Richtman) and 2026 (Nathan Martin) — Nathan Martin notably becoming the first US-born Black runner to win a big-city marathon since Ted Corbitt in the 1960s — gave the race a narrative energy it has not had in years.

How the LA Marathon Compares

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is a USATF-certified road race and qualifies for the Boston Marathon. The net-downhill, point-to-point course makes it one of the more BQ-friendly big-city races on the US calendar, particularly for runners who can manage their pace through the early rollers and the uphill finish into Century City. Check current Boston qualifying standards at baa.org before registering.

What is the time limit for the LA Marathon?

The official time limit is 6 hours and 30 minutes, measured from when the last runner crosses the start line. Runners who complete at least 26.2 miles within that window receive a finisher medal. Aid stations and course support remain in place through the cutoff. All runners should be prepared to move to the sidewalk after course closure.

When does the LA Marathon sell out?

The LA Marathon does not always sell out in the way that balloted races like New York and Chicago do, but the field does have a cap and popular price tiers close as the race fills. Charity entries via Team TMF also have deadlines — personalized bibs require registration by January 31, 2027 and the $3K Club has a fundraising deadline of February 3, 2027. Register early to lock in lower pricing and maximum perks.

Where does the LA Marathon start and where does it finish?

The 2027 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon starts at Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine, Los Angeles and finishes on Santa Monica Blvd at the Avenue of the Stars in Century City. The course is nicknamed “Stadium to the Stars” and covers 26.2 miles through Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Brentwood before the Century City finish.

Can someone else pick up my race bib for me?

No. All participants must collect their own race bib at the Lifestyle Expo at Dodger Stadium (March 5 or 6, 2027). The organisers do not mail bibs and do not allow third-party pickup. The only exception is runners who have purchased Start Line Hospitality, who may be eligible for race-day pickup — confirm this directly with the organisers at solutions@mccourtfoundation.org.

What is the best way for spectators to reach the finish line on race day?

The best option for spectators heading to the Century City finish is the Metro E Line (Expo Line). Use the Westwood/Rancho Park or 17th St/Santa Monica stations and follow signs to the finish area on Avenue of the Stars. Driving to Century City on race morning is difficult due to road closures in place from early morning. Pre-purchased parking is available near the finish line but sells out. The Metro is faster and less stressful.

Related Race Guides

• San Francisco Marathon – the other great California race, hilly and iconic with a Golden Gate Bridge crossing mid-course
• California International Marathon – Sacramento’s fast, net-downhill BQ course and one of the most reliable PR races on the West Coast
• Boston Marathon Guide – where a good LA time could take you next; everything you need to know about qualifying and running Boston
• BMO Vancouver Marathon – another BQ-certified West Coast destination race, with one of the most scenic courses in North America
• World Marathon Calendar – every major international race date in one place