The Los Angeles Marathon takes runners on a point-to-point "Stadium to the Stars" course from Dodger Stadium through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood before finishing in Century City. The course passes iconic landmarks including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip. With its movie-star glamour, incredible diversity of food, and early-March California sunshine, LA delivers a uniquely entertaining marathon experience.
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Race day gear matters. A major marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Los Angeles Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, March 8, 2026 |
| Venue | Dodger Stadium (Start) / Century City (Finish) |
| Address | 1000 Vin Scully Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
| Airport | Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) |
March in LA is mild with temperatures around 12–22°C (54–72°F) and mostly sunny skies, though mornings can be cool. Our weather and marathon performance analysis explains how these conditions affect pacing.
Where to Stay
Hollywood and West Hollywood are centrally located along the course. Downtown LA is close to the start at Dodger Stadium. Santa Monica and Century City are near the finish area. LA is spread out, so pick a location based on whether you prioritize start or finish access.
Getting There
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAX FlyAway Bus | 30–50 min | $9.75 | To Union Station (Downtown) |
| Ride-share (Uber/Lyft) | 25–60 min | $25–50 | Depends heavily on traffic and destination |
LA is a car city. Ride-share is most practical; the Metro is expanding but coverage is still limited compared to other major cities.
Where to Eat
Los Angeles has one of the most diverse food scenes in the world, with incredible Mexican, Korean, Japanese, Thai, and farm-to-table California cuisine. Grand Central Market downtown is a food lover's paradise. Koreatown, East LA, and the San Gabriel Valley are goldmines for authentic international food.
Local Food to Try
- Tacos — Street-style tacos from a taco truck — carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas with salsa verde
- Korean BBQ — LA's Koreatown has the best Korean BBQ outside Seoul — unlimited meat grilled at your table
- In-N-Out Burger — California's beloved fast-food chain; order a Double-Double "animal style"
Essential Tips
Currency. US Dollar (USD). Cash vs card. Cards accepted everywhere. Cash useful for taco trucks and food stalls. Tipping. 18–20% at restaurants; $1–2 per drink at bars. Language. English. Spanish is widely spoken throughout LA. Weather. Mild and sunny, 12–22°C (54–72°F). Safety. Tourist areas are safe. Be aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
What to See
- Griffith Observatory — Free admission observatory with stunning views of the Hollywood Sign and LA skyline
- Santa Monica Pier — Iconic pier with a Ferris wheel, arcade, and the end of Route 66
- The Getty Center — World-class art museum with beautiful gardens and panoramic views, free admission
- Hollywood Walk of Fame — Over 2,700 star-shaped plaques honouring entertainment industry legends
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | LAX, ~35 min by FlyAway bus |
| Venue | Dodger Stadium (Start) / Century City (Finish) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely |
| Language | English / Spanish |
| Weather | 12–22°C (54–72°F) |
| Emergency | 911 |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your time
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: June 2026.