The Unofficial Guide to the 2027 LA Marathon

The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is the city’s biggest running event and one of the most visually iconic marathons in the United States. The 2027 race is on Sunday, March 7, 2027 — the 42nd running of an event that has continued, in some form, every year since 1986.

The current course is called Stadium to the Stars. You start inside Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine at sunrise, drop through Chinatown and Little Tokyo, climb and roll through Echo Park, Silver Lake, Hollywood, and West Hollywood, run down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, touch Brentwood, and finish on Avenue of the Stars in Century City. Very few marathons pack this much of a city into 26.2 miles.

The 2026 race (March 8, 2026) finished in unusually hot conditions and saw 21,933 finishers from a field of roughly 27,000. Nathan Martin won the men’s race in 2:11:16, diving past Michael Kamau for the closest men’s finish in LA Marathon history, and Priscah Cherono took the women’s race in 2:25:18, also claiming the $10,000 Marathon Chase bonus as first overall under the gender-equalized format.

In this unofficial guide I share what I know about the LA Marathon — getting in, the course, race-day logistics, where to stay, where to eat, and what to do — pulled from the official McCourt Foundation site and participant experience.

2027 LA Marathon at a Glance

Race date	Sunday, March 7, 2027
Distance	26.2 miles (42.195 km)
Start	Dodger Stadium, Lot G (1000 Vin Scully Ave, Chavez Ravine)
Finish	Avenue of the Stars, Century City (south of Santa Monica Blvd)
Course	“Stadium to the Stars” — net downhill point-to-point
Field size	~27,000 registered (2026 finished 21,933)
Time limit	6 hours 30 minutes from the last wave start (~15:00/mile)
Entry fee	~$200–$225 tiered (earlier is cheaper)
Registration model	Open / first-come, first-served (no lottery). Age 16+.
Pro Wheelchair start	6:30 a.m. PT
Elite Women start	6:40 a.m. PT (~18-minute head start for Marathon Chase)
Elite Men + full open field	7:00 a.m. PT
LA Big 5K	Saturday, March 6, 2027
Expo	Health & Fitness Expo at Dodger Stadium Lot G (Fri–Sat of race week)
Title sponsor	ASICS
Race operator	The McCourt Foundation (TMF)
Official site	mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon

LA Marathon History and Course Records

The LA Marathon was founded in 1986, one year after the city hosted the 1984 Olympics, to keep the spirit of those Games in Los Angeles. The inaugural race was run from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and the marathon was continuous through COVID (2021 ran as a virtual edition) — now 42 straight years in 2027.

The race has had several owners. Frank McCourt’s Conqur Endurance Group acquired the event in 2008 and donated it to The McCourt Foundation (TMF) in 2019. TMF now owns and operates the race, with the same foundation also producing the Boston 10K for Women and several other endurance events. The current title sponsor is ASICS, making it the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon.

The course has moved a few times. The early race looped around the Coliseum and downtown. The 2010s version ran "Stadium to the Sea" — from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica Pier. Since 2021, the race has run "Stadium to the Stars," ending in Century City instead of at the beach, with the Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive stretch becoming one of the most recognizable parts of the course.

All-Time LA Marathon Records

TMF doesn’t publish a separate list of records for the Stadium-to-the-Stars alignment (in use since 2021), so the historical all-time marks — set on earlier courses — still stand as the reference point for now.

Men	2:06:35 — Markos Geneti (ETH), 2011
Women	2:24:11 — Askale Merachi (ETH), 2019
2026 men’s winner	Nathan Martin (USA) — 2:11:16 (closest men’s finish in race history)
2026 women’s winner	Priscah Cherono (KEN) — 2:25:18 (also won the $10K Marathon Chase)

The Marathon Chase is an LA twist worth knowing about. The elite women start roughly 18 minutes ahead of the elite men, and the first runner across the line — of either gender — takes home a $10,000 bonus on top of the prize money. Total prize purse is over $100,000 per gender, paying five deep ($25K / $12.5K / $10K / $5K / $2.5K).

How to Enter the LA Marathon

Unlike Boston (which has qualifying times) or New York and Chicago (which run lotteries), the LA Marathon uses open registration. If there are entries left, you sign up. No lottery, no qualifying time. The catch is that the race sells out most years, and fees rise as the calendar moves toward March.

Standard Registration

Open registration typically launches roughly nine to twelve months before race day at mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon/register. Pricing is tiered, so the earliest entrants pay the least. Ballpark pricing based on 2026:

Tier (approx.)	LA Marathon	Charity Half
Early	~$179–$189	~$125–$135
Mid	~$199–$210	~$140–$155
Late / final	~$215–$225	~$160–$175

Charity Entries

If the race sells out, the ~125 charity partners listed on the official site are your best path in. Each charity sets its own fundraising minimum. A few common tiers:

• Team TMF (the McCourt Foundation’s own team): $675 fundraising minimum. Marathon or charity half.
• Mid-tier partners: typically $725–$1,500.
• Premium partners: $2,500+ — some include VIP perks like Corral A access, hospitality tents, or hotel discounts.

Students Run LA (SRLA) deserves a callout. SRLA has been an official race partner for decades and brings about 3,000 LAUSD middle- and high-school students to the start line every year — one of the largest youth marathon programs in the world. If you’re running LA, understand that a meaningful chunk of the field is teenagers who trained all year for this. It’s a good reminder to cheer loud.

Deferrals, Transfers, and Refunds

The McCourt Foundation’s policy is firm: no deferrals, no transfers, no refunds. If you register and can’t run, you’re out the entry fee. This is worth thinking about before you sign up 10 months out — life happens. Some runners wait to register until closer to race day for that reason, and pay the later-tier price to keep flexibility.

Age Minimum

You must be 16 or older on race day. Runners 16–17 need a parent or guardian present at packet pickup to sign the waiver.

ASICS LA Marathon Expo

The Health & Fitness Expo is at Dodger Stadium, Lot G — the same place you’ll start running on Sunday. This is where you pick up your bib, your shirt, and any gear you’ve pre-purchased. It’s also where ASICS, charity partners, and running brands set up booths.

Expected 2027 expo hours (based on 2026 pattern):

• Friday, March 5, 2027: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 6, 2027: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

There is no race-day packet pickup. This is the hard rule that trips up out-of-town runners every year. If you’re flying in, you need to land by Saturday afternoon at the latest, or have someone authorized to pick up your bib for you. Re-read the official pickup policy before you book travel.

The expo itself is worth budgeting an hour for. ASICS will have a big booth with race-day deals, and the McCourt Foundation sells official merchandise with the year’s design. Don’t buy new shoes, new nutrition, or a new hydration belt to race in on Sunday — look, take notes, come back after the race.

The Course — Stadium to the Stars

The LA Marathon is a net downhill point-to-point course, not a flat one. The high point is around the Dodger Stadium start (about 566 ft); the low point is near the end in Century City (about 203 ft). Total ascent is around 955 ft and total descent about 1,168 ft — so yes, you lose elevation on net, but you’re also climbing nearly 1,000 feet across the day.

That matters for pacing. Runners see "net downhill" and expect a free ride. LA doesn’t give you that. The front of the race drops sharply, the middle rolls, and the back end is where the downhill actually helps you.

Miles and Neighborhoods

Miles	Where you are	What to expect
0–3	Dodger Stadium → Chinatown → Little Tokyo	Sharp downhill out of Chavez Ravine. Do not blow up pace here.
3–6	Downtown LA → Echo Park	Climbs out of downtown. The first real uphill of the day.
6–10	Silver Lake → East Hollywood	Rolling through Sunset Blvd. Shade comes and goes.
10–13.1	Hollywood Boulevard → Walk of Fame	The iconic stretch. Hollywood/Highland, TCL Chinese Theatre. Crowds get loud here.
13.1–16	West Hollywood → Sunset Strip	Flat-ish. The half-marathon split is around here. Lock into goal pace.
16–19	Beverly Hills → Rodeo Drive	The money stretch — literally. Palm-lined Santa Monica Blvd. Great crowd support.
19–21	San Vicente → Brentwood turnaround	Noticeable decline on San Vicente. Do not overuse quads here.
21–26.2	San Vicente → Century City finish	Mostly downhill back east to Avenue of the Stars. Your last 10K is the friendliest part of the course.

Elevation Notes

Key things to internalize:

• Mile 0–2 is sharply downhill. You’ll feel fresh. You will also want to run 30 seconds per mile faster than goal pace. Don’t. Your quads will feel it at mile 20.
• Mile 3–7 is the climbing section. The net uphill out of downtown and into Echo Park is the biggest physical challenge of the first half.
• Miles 7–16 are rolling. Nothing huge, but there’s no flat stretch long enough to cruise.
• Miles 21–26 are mostly downhill. If you’ve paced smart, you finish strong. If you blew up the first 10K, this is where it catches you.

Race-Day Logistics

Getting to Dodger Stadium

Driving and parking at Dodger Stadium on race morning is the hardest part of LA Marathon logistics. Stadium Way exits from the 110 are closed. Cars cannot park overnight at Dodger Stadium. The recommended play is to park near the finish line in Century City and take a free shuttle to the start. Shuttles run continuously from 3:00 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. from Avenue of the Stars (south of Olympic Blvd), with a second pickup point at 500 S. Figueroa in Downtown LA.

If you’re staying at a partner hotel downtown, many run their own morning shuttle to the start. Confirm with your hotel when you book.

Expected 2027 Start Schedule

3:00 a.m.	Dodger Stadium parking and security checkpoints open
4:00 a.m.	Gear check opens
5:00 a.m.	Seeded corrals (A–E) open
6:30 a.m.	START: Pro Wheelchair
6:35 a.m.	START: Handcycle / AWD
6:40 a.m.	START: Elite Women (~18-min Marathon Chase head start)
7:00 a.m.	START: Elite Men + full open field
8:15 a.m.	START: Charity Half Marathon (Dodger Stadium)

Gear Check and Finish

You check your gear bag at Dodger Stadium in the morning; TMF trucks it to the finish line. Pickup is on the east side of Avenue of the Stars, south of Olympic Blvd. Don’t pack anything you can’t afford to lose, and bring a warm layer to put on immediately after finishing — your body temperature will crash within ten minutes of stopping.

Aid Stations and Fueling

Water and electrolyte stations (Nuun is the usual sponsor) are roughly every 1.5–2 miles along the course. Fuel (Gu or similar) is offered at a handful of stops in the second half. If you train on a specific gel brand, carry your own — don’t try new nutrition on race day.

Time Limit and Sweepers

The official course time limit is 6 hours 30 minutes from the last-wave start, which works out to about 15:00 per mile. Runners behind the 15:00/mile pace are moved to the sidewalk as the city re-opens streets rolling. Aid stations close behind you. Plan to be under 6:30 if you want the full closed-course experience and a clean finish on Avenue of the Stars.

Weather Considerations

LA in early March is usually one of the most forgiving marathon weather windows in the country. Usually.

Average March high	~68°F (20°C)
Average March low	~49°F (9°C)
Typical start-line temp (Dodger Stadium, 6:30–7:00 a.m.)	55–62°F
Typical temp for 4-hour finishers	65–72°F
Typical temp for 5-hour+ finishers	70–78°F
Rainfall odds	~4 rainy days in March; small chance on race day

The 2026 Heat Outlier

The 2026 race ran in unusual heat — afternoon highs pushed toward 92°F. TMF added mid-course safety modifications and even piloted an 18-mile “honorary finisher” option for runners who couldn’t safely continue. It was a one-off operational response to a specific weather day, not a permanent policy. But it’s worth internalizing: LA in March can get hot, and if you’re coming from a cold-weather winter training block, acclimation is a real issue.

What to Wear

• Start corral: throwaway long-sleeve or old sweatshirt over your race kit. Most runners shed clothing in the first three miles — TMF collects and donates discarded gear.
• Running kit: singlet or short-sleeve and shorts for most finishers. If you run warm, err light.
• Sunscreen: non-negotiable. You are running east-to-west through open streets for four-plus hours. Put it on before you leave the hotel.
• Hat or visor: I’d wear one. Sun is high and direct from around 9 a.m. onward.
• Hydration: drink a little at most aid stations, even if you don’t feel thirsty yet. The dry LA air masks fluid loss.

LA Marathon Course Strategy

Pacing LA is about not cashing the check the first two miles offer you. The course gives you a free gift — a sharp early downhill — and then asks for it back with interest in the middle climbs. Smart runners bank patience, not time.

Miles 1–3: Don’t Race the Downhill

The drop out of Chavez Ravine is steep enough that goal pace will feel absurdly easy. Every veteran LA Marathoner I’ve talked to says the same thing: they went out too fast their first time. Target goal pace or 5–10 seconds slower per mile. Hold the reins. Your quads are writing checks your last 10K will need to cash.

Miles 3–7: The Climb

Out of downtown through Echo Park, the course climbs steadily. This is where you play defense. Keep your effort level even, not your pace. If goal pace was 9:00, run 9:15–9:20 up these rollers. You will get the time back.

Miles 7–13: Settle In

Hollywood is rolling, not brutal. Lock into race pace. The crowds at Hollywood/Highland will pull you if you let them — resist the urge to surge. The half-marathon split should feel controlled, not triumphant.

Miles 13–19: The Beverly Hills Stretch

West Hollywood into Beverly Hills is flat to gently rolling with the best crowd support of the day on Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica Blvd. This is where pace naturally holds. Fuel aggressively through mile 18 — you want calories and electrolytes in the system before the final downhill.

Miles 19–22: San Vicente Decline

The San Vicente descent after the Brentwood turnaround is where quad fatigue shows up. If you overcooked the start, this is where you pay. Run tall, keep your cadence quick, land softer on the descent — don’t let your heels pound.

Miles 22–26.2: The Free 10K

The final stretch east on Santa Monica and into Century City is mostly downhill. If you paced conservatively through 20, this is where you negative-split. If you didn’t, this is where you survive. Either way, Avenue of the Stars is less than a mile of flat running into the finish — pick a spot 400 meters from the line, commit, and go.

8 Additional Tips for Running the LA Marathon

1. Don’t try anything new on race day. Not shoes, not gels, not breakfast, not socks. If you haven’t run in it, eaten it, or used it on a 20-miler, Sunday isn’t the day.
2. Get your bib Friday if you can. Saturday afternoon at the expo is chaos, lines are long, and you’re on your feet burning energy you want for Sunday. Friday morning is the calmest time to pick up.
3. Park at the finish, shuttle to the start. This is the one logistics decision that saves you stress on race morning. Don’t fight traffic into Chavez Ravine.
4. Drop a warm layer in your gear bag. Your core temperature crashes fast after you stop running. A sweatshirt and dry socks waiting at gear pickup is worth the two minutes it takes to pack.
5. Pace the first 5K like it’s the back half of a tune-up. The downhill start will lie to you about fitness. Don’t trust it.
6. Sunscreen and a hat. LA sun is direct and dry. Even 65°F feels different when you’re exposed for four hours.
7. Family spectator plan: Hollywood/Highland (~mile 11), Rodeo Drive (~mile 18), and the finish at Century City are the three most reliable cheer points. Download the official race-tracking app so they can follow you in real time.
8. Visualize the course before race day. Look at the elevation profile, know where the climbs are, know where the downhill gift comes. Mental rehearsal the night before pays off when you hit mile 21 and recognize exactly where you are.

Where to Stay During the LA Marathon

If you’re coming to LA from out of town, there are hundreds of places to stay in and around the Los Angeles area. Many provide early-morning go-bag breakfasts or open early so you can grab a pre-race breakfast. Just be sure to call ahead and ask.

Pro tip: Find a hotel close to the finish line in Century City if possible. Walking far after running over 26 miles is not fun when you’re sore and tired. Shuttles take you from the finish area to the starting line before the race but not after. Most of the hotel and dining options in this guide are located in Century City for that reason.

Hotels Closest to the Finish Line (Century City / Beverly Hills)

Fairmont Century Plaza

The Fairmont Century Plaza is home to the French brasserie Lumiere, serving delicious dishes with a luxurious feel and attentive staff. The hotel is modern, the employees are friendly, and the spa, pool, and gym are clean and inviting. About half a mile from the finish line.

2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067 • (310) 424-3030

InterContinental Los Angeles Century City

The InterContinental Los Angeles Century City is a safe and comfortable hotel with beautiful views. Great staff and restaurant. You might see a movie or commercial shot on-site. Directly adjacent to the finish area.

2151 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067 • (310) 284-6500

Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

The Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills has live music, salsa nights, and some of the best drinks in the area. Plenty of food options nearby. A short drive or rideshare to the finish.

8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 • (310) 278-5444

The Shay — Destination by Hyatt

The Shay — Destination by Hyatt is a dog-friendly hotel with a beautiful rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a wide variety of food and drinks. Spacious tubs and soft robes are a nice touch many guests mention. Culver City location, quick ride to both start and finish.

8801 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 • (424) 361-6700

The Culver Hotel

The Culver Hotel is a historic boutique hotel that goes beyond just providing rooms — live music, a bar with pianist, a strong restaurant, and complimentary champagne on arrival. In the heart of Culver City’s walkable downtown.

9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 • (310) 558-9400

The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

With a rooftop pool and a great view from most rooms, the London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills is a luxurious hotel many guests rave about. The fitness center and complimentary breakfast buffet are often mentioned as highlights.

1020 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 • (844) 489-9660

Hotels Near the Starting Line (Downtown LA)

Staying downtown puts you close to the Dodger Stadium shuttle pickup and the start itself. The trade-off is that getting back to downtown after the Century City finish takes a rideshare or a long walk to the Expo Line. Consider these if you want the shortest morning commute or if finish-line hotels are sold out.

The Sheraton Grand Los Angeles

About 2 miles from the starting line shuttle area. Clean, friendly staff, valet parking, and a convenient location across from the Metro Rail.

711 S Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 • (213) 488-3500

Ace Hotel Downtown LA

Less than 2 miles from the start, the Ace Hotel is a vintage, minimalist hotel with 24-hour security. The rooftop bar has a fun atmosphere and one of the best downtown views.

929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015 • (213) 623-3233

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites LA

If you want a hotel less than 2 miles from the start line, the Westin Bonaventure fits. It’s housed in an iconic building, the exterior glass elevators are famous, and LA Prime on the upper floor has gorgeous views and fresh seafood. Can be crowded on big event weekends.

404 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 • (213) 624-1000

Omni Hotel Los Angeles at California Plaza

One of the best-rated hotels near the start line. Helpful and friendly staff, good restaurant, bar, and complimentary car service within a small radius.

251 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 • (213) 617-3300

Alternatives

Hotels near the finish line are often expensive, albeit luxurious. If you’re traveling solo or on a budget, Airbnb is an excellent option — especially if you book early. Look for places near either the starting line at Dodger Stadium or, ideally, near the finish line in Century City.

Hostels are another low-cost option; LA has plenty. A few that come up in runner conversations:

• The Rumi — 820 S Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005 • (310) 920-0006
• Banana Bungalow West Hollywood — 603 N Fairfax Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90036 • (323) 655-2002

Where to Eat Before and After the Marathon

The Century City and Beverly Hills area has more food options than you could eat through in a month. A few I’d keep on your list — mix of casual, reliable, and celebratory. Make reservations ahead. LA dining fills up on marathon weekend.

Before the Race (Pre-Race Meals)

Din Tai Fung (Century City)

You might not have time to watch the staff make hand-crafted dumplings as you’ll be too busy eating. Pork dumplings, spicy wontons, garlic green beans, fried noodles, and house desserts are all crowd-pleasers. Reservations strongly recommended. Open Sunday until 9 p.m. — good post-race option too.

10250 Santa Monica Boulevard #2400, Level 2, Los Angeles, CA 90067 • (424) 382-1118

Ramen Nagi

Fast service and customizable ramen. Try the black ramen with squid ink, the chicken karaage, or the fried chicken. One of the few places where you can drop in without a reservation and still expect a table. Open Sunday until 9 p.m.

10250 Santa Monica Blvd #2850, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Clementine

A highly rated American cafe and bakery serving mouthwatering dishes like avocado toast with poached egg, the “Fernando Sandwich” (a perfectly saucy chicken sandwich on ciabatta), grilled peaches, burrata salad, and a wide assortment of pastries. Closed Sundays — great pre-race breakfast or Friday/Saturday lunch.

1751 Ensley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 • (310) 552-1080

Mrs. Winston’s — LA’s Best Salad & Juice Bar

Quick, healthy meals. Make-your-own sandwich bar, many salad options, protein add-ons like salmon and chicken — a good spot for runners with food allergies. Closed Saturday and Sunday, so plan a weekday visit.

1999 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, CA 90067 • (310) 553-4100

Pure Pressed Juice & Vitamins

Some of the best smoothies in the LA area — no small claim. Try the Greena Colada, the Athlete, the Cleanse Juice, or the Reishi Cappuccino. Open Saturday and Sunday until 6 p.m. Good for a morning carb boost on race eve.

10844 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 • (424) 293-8776

After the Race (Celebration)

Once you cross the line in Century City, it’s time to celebrate with family and friends. Here are some of the best-rated options near the finish.

Bar Verde (Nordstrom, The Grove)

Located inside Nordstrom at The Grove. If you’re hungry after the race, you can get a full meal and a solid drink list. Try the Wild Shrimp Tagliatelle, Wild Salmon Nicoise Salad, or Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos. Check hours — closes earlier on Sundays.

189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036 • (323) 900-1610

The Rooftop by JG (Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills)

At the top of the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills, The Rooftop features panoramic sunsets and expertly made drinks. Cobb salad, Wagyu beef tenderloin with salsa verde, and crispy salmon sushi are the usual raves.

9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 • (310) 860-6798

The Stalking Horse Brewery & Freehouse

House-made beer on tap and a menu of British classics. Try the Crazy Clucker Fries with beer cheese, the ale-battered Icelandic cod, or the RRRRawdy Burger (Wagyu, beer cheese, bacon). Open until 10 p.m. on weekends.

10543 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 • (424) 832-7511

The Six Chow House

Italian pizzas, Buffalo Cauliflower, banana pudding pie, sweet potato fries, and bottomless mimosas. Closes at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. Excellent calorie-replenishment venue after 26.2.

10668 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 • (310) 837-6662

Cozy Inn

A dive bar of the best kind — billiards, shuffleboard, fun crowd, attentive staff. Open until 2 a.m. on weekends. No website or menu, but it’s a safe bet for an after-marathon beer.

11155 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90232 • (310) 838-3826

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Don’t get overwhelmed by the menu — you’re unlikely to be disappointed. Candied bacon, umami fries, bison burger, and broccoli ham mac and cheese are all standouts. Open Sunday until 11 p.m.

Multiple LA-area locations • (310) 921-6080

Where to Wander and Relax After the Marathon

Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and if you’re already here for the race, stay an extra day or two. Here are the stops I’d make sure to hit.

Iconic LA

The Hollywood Sign — Located on Mount Lee in the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s appeared in countless movies and TV shows and has become a symbol of Hollywood itself. The best viewing points are Griffith Observatory and the Lake Hollywood Park overlook.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame — Spanning 18 blocks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. The famous brass stars are right in the sidewalks. You’ll actually run right through here around mile 11 of the marathon — come back and walk it slowly.

Hollywood Boulevard & Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Urban Light at LACMA — At the entrance of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Over 200 restored street lamps arranged as a sculpture. Absolutely breathtaking once the sun goes down.

5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 • (323) 857-6000

Muscle Beach Outdoor Gym (Venice) — The birthplace of the American fitness boom. Platforms for rock climbing, weightlifting, gymnastics, and more. There’s a fee to use the equipment, but it’s free to watch.

Historic and Architectural

Dodger Stadium — The home of the LA Dodgers is also where you started the marathon. More than just a ballpark — it’s a beautiful spot full of plants, souvenir shops, dining options, and a view of downtown. Tours run when the team is on the road.

1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 • (866) 363-4377

Union Station — An iconic Art Deco / Mission Revival landmark and LA’s main railway station. Countless photo spots, and there’s usually something happening — concerts, exhibits, food events. Check the Happenings page for what’s on.

800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Angels Flight Railway — A landmark since the early 1900s, Angels Flight is the shortest railway in the world. It takes you between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill for $1 each way. Appeared in The Muppets (2011) and La La Land.

351 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 • (213) 626-1901

Venice Canal Historic District — These artificial canals were built to recreate Venice, Italy, in Southern California. The district is on the National Register of Historic Places. Sidewalks and bridges make it a great place to walk. Venice Beach is at the end.

Venice, CA 90292

Watts Towers — Seventeen sculptures considered "a paramount work of folk art of the 20th century" by the International Conference of Museum Curators. Closed on weekends, but you can still see them from outside the fence.

1727 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002 • (213) 847-4646

Museums and Culture

The Getty Center — Free admission. Spectacular gardens, a stunning hilltop campus designed by Richard Meier, and one of the strongest European and photography collections in the country. Parking is paid; the tram ride up is free.

1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049

LACMA — Los Angeles County Museum of Art — The largest art museum on the West Coast, with collections spanning 6,000 years. Home of Urban Light. Check the current exhibitions before you go.

5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Griffith Observatory — Free public observatory with planetarium shows, telescopes open to the public, and the best views of the Hollywood Sign and downtown. A solid sunset destination the day after the race.

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

LA Marathon FAQs

When is the 2027 LA Marathon?

Sunday, March 7, 2027. The Big 5K is Saturday, March 6, 2027.

Is there a lottery?

No. The LA Marathon uses open registration — first-come, first-served. It usually sells out, so register early for the lowest tier pricing.

How much does it cost to enter?

Pricing is tiered and based on 2026 ran roughly $179–$225. 2027 prices hadn’t been published as of spring 2026. Check the official registration page for current fees.

Is there a qualifying time?

No. LA is an open marathon — anyone 16 or older on race day can enter. The only time constraint is the 6 hours 30 minutes course limit during the race itself.

Can I defer my entry or get a refund?

No. The McCourt Foundation’s policy is firm: no deferrals, no transfers, no refunds. If you can’t run, you’re out the entry fee.

How do I get in if the race is sold out?

Run for one of the ~125 official charity partners. Each sets its own fundraising minimum — Team TMF starts at $675, and most partners fall in the $725–$2,500 range.

Where is the start and finish?

Start: Dodger Stadium, Lot G (1000 Vin Scully Ave, Chavez Ravine). Finish: Avenue of the Stars, south of Santa Monica Blvd, in Century City.

How do I get to Dodger Stadium on race morning?

Park near the finish line in Century City and take the free shuttle. Shuttles run continuously from 3:00–5:30 a.m. from Avenue of the Stars (south of Olympic) and from 500 S. Figueroa in downtown LA.

When and where is the expo?

Dodger Stadium Lot G, Friday and Saturday of race week (expected March 5–6, 2027). Hours are roughly 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday. No race-day packet pickup.

What’s the course time limit?

6 hours 30 minutes from the last wave start, which works out to about 15:00 per mile. Slower runners are moved to the sidewalk as streets re-open rolling.

Is the course flat?

No. It’s net downhill — about 566 ft high at the start to 203 ft at the finish — but there are rollers in the middle and about 955 ft of total climbing. Don’t expect a flat fast course.

What’s the weather usually like?

March LA averages a high of 68°F and low of 49°F. Typical start-line temp is 55–62°F; finish temps range 65–78°F depending on finish time. 2026 was an outlier heat year (highs near 92°F) — plan for warmer than you expect.

What happens if it gets too hot?

In 2026, TMF implemented mid-course safety modifications and a voluntary 18-mile honorary-finisher option. That was a one-off response to specific conditions, not a permanent policy. On any race day, follow official on-course guidance and listen to your body.

Sources and Official Information

• Official event page: mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon
• Registration: mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon/register
• FAQs: mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon/faqs
• Run for Charity: mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon/run-for-charity
• Parking & Transportation: mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon/parking-transportation
• Finish Line info: mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon/finish-line
• Race Weekend Overview: mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon/race-weekend-overview
• Students Run LA: srla.org

All details confirmed through April 2026 against the official McCourt Foundation site. 2027 specifics (course map, final expo hours, shuttle schedule, entry pricing) are finalized closer to race day in the official race Final Info PDF.