Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks

This blog shares Los Angeles Marathon tips and tricks. If you have wanted to run the LA Marathon and are considering it, read this to make your final decision. Before running the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS, I had a few questions:

• Is there a marathon in Los Angeles? Yes, it’s usually around St. Patrick’s Day.
• How many people run the Los Angeles Marathon? In 2023, it was over 25,000!
• Is there a time limit for the LA Marathon? The time limit for the LA Marathon is 6 hours and 30 minutes after the last runner crosses the finish line.
• How do you qualify for the Los Angeles Marathon? You don’t have to!
• Why doesn’t the Los Angeles Marathon finish in Santa Monica anymore? Santa Monica decided to raise their prices for road closures, and since the Los Angeles Marathon benefits the McCourt Foundation, it could no longer afford it. It isn’t because they are “against runners.”
• When is the cheapest time to buy your race entry for the Los Angeles Marathon? The cheapest time is now. The LA Marathon does not have sales so you know at the time you’re buying it, you are never going to get a better deal.

So, you want to run the LA Marathon?

Why run the LA Marathon? The Los Angeles Marathon is not a world major. BUT, it is a big city race with crowd support almost the entire way. You can find a hotel for less than $200 in Los Angeles, and even the hotels at the finish line are usually less than $500 if you book early enough. (Try getting a Nrew York City Marathon finish line hotel for $500 LOL). Another huge benefit of the race not ending in Santa Monica is that finish line hotels are not as expensive.

Finally, unlike most big city marathons, the LA Marathon sells out much closer to the race date, so you can really feel out your training and sign up the month before. I wouldn’t wait much later than that, though. As someone who has injured themselves during a couple of marathon cycles, I appreciate that I don’t have to commit years in advance (okay, like 6 months in advance).

Why me to write the Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks?

I’ve run the Los Angeles Marathon twice now. In 2023, I fundraised for Team TMF. In 2024, I ran in the age group elite corral and got to run at the front of the race. Really, it meant I ran the entire marathon alone (literally, Strava didn’t say I ran with anyone), and got to really know the course. I also helped with the kids’ runs and ran the Big 5 5k the day before. I’m familiar with the LA Marathon.

Consider getting the Start Line Hospitality Tent:

First, what is the Start Line Hospitality tent at the Los Angeles Marathon? The VIP/Hospitality on race day is huge. They have snacks like bagels, private gear check, private bathrooms, and even a warmup station that included bikes and massage therapists. There are tables to sit down so you aren’t sitting on the cold pavement. They even allow you to pick up your bib on race day if you need it.

Bonus: If you fundraise for Team TMF, you automatically get start line hospitality.

Why fundraise with Team TMF at the Los Angeles Marathon?

So this is close to my heart since I did it for the Rose Bowl Half Marathon and the Los Angeles Marathon in 2023. Of course, you are making a difference for those with neurological diseases. There are also a lot of perks for fundraising with Team TMF at the Los Angeles Marathon, including a free bib if you raise $600. You are on the hook to raise that money, and they will automatically charge your credit card if you don’t. But you also get start line hospitality, your name on your shirt, plus a free shirt! Fundraising for Team TMF actually gets you a lot of perks and helps those with neurological diseases.

Big 5 5k:

Consider doing the challenging Big 5 5k Race the day before the Los Angeles Marathon as a shakeout. With 260+ feet of elevation gain, it’s not an easy course, BUT you do get a medal and a bonus medal for doing both races, so why not have a fun 8000 person shakeout race the day before? Register early, because like the LA Marathon, it does sell out.

Important LA Marathon Tips and Tricks:

Train for Rolling Hills

Despite the LA Marathon’s net downhill profile, don’t be fooled—rolling hills are there almost the entire way from start to finish. This cannot be stated enough, but the Los Angeles Marathon Presented by ASICS is not an easy marathon. The biggest Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks is to train for rolling hills.

In fact, the Los Angeles Marathon finishes uphill. Incorporating hill repeats and hilly routes into your training will pay dividends on race day, helping you tackle the course’s total elevation gain of approximately 950 feet with ease. That’s more than both New York City and Boston.

Stay Near the Finish Line

Logistics on race day can be a headache, especially with the point-to-point nature of the LA Marathon. Opting to stay near the finish line simplifies post-race recovery, with easy access to shuttles back to the start, avoiding the hassle of parking and navigating closed roads. There are hotels right near the finish line of the LA Marathon, and there is a shuttle that will take you right to Dodger Stadium. If you are from out of town, I suggest it because the first year I ran the LA Marathon, I stayed a bit further, and we didn’t know the road closures well. It can make parking challenging.

Be Prepared for the Heat

LA weather can be unpredictable, and even a start temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit might feel warm. Both years I’ve run the Los Angeles Marathon, it’s been on the warmer side, with highs between 70-80 degrees. Plus, there is little to no shade in California. So, after coming off a winter season, a big Los Angeles Marathon tip and trick is to remember to heat train. How can you heat train when it’s -30 degrees outside? Run on your treadmill. Run in clothing that makes you feel on the warm side. But please, be safe.

Plan for Race Morning

Planning for race morning is essential for any marathon, but make sure you are in the know for the Los Angeles Marathon. Familiarize yourself with the starting area logistics well in advance. Gear check options, security procedures, and corral assignments are all pivotal to a stress-free morning. Arriving with enough time to settle in, yet not so early that you’re left standing for hours, will help conserve energy for the miles ahead. Another big Los Angeles Marathon tip and trick is that you need to get to the race earlier than you think. Dodger Stadium only has a few entrances and exits, so it causes everyone to funnel into one lane. There will be traffic!

Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks for the LA Marathon Course:

Is the LA Marathon course easy? No. The LA Marathon is a challenging course. It is not considered a “PR course,” although any runner can run a PR on it. Here is an LA Marathon course guide.

Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks: Miles 1-5: Downhill Start 

As the race begins, the excitement is there. It’s a huge crowd. The first 3 miles of the LA Marathon are downhill as you leave the Dodger Stadium area. It is so easy to start out way too fast on the course, but don’t. There are a few “rolling hills,” but most of the course drops downhill.

This early stretch is characterized by numerous turns and dense urban scenery. Mile 4 of the LA Marathon actually brings the biggest hill of the race, but that doesn’t mean the hills are over after that. Take your time and remember you get to do this.

Like any big city race, early congestion may slow your pace, but try not to weave. Weaving is what adds extra mileage, and you want to run as close to 26.2 as possible. Run as straight of a line as you can and take the turns as close to the tangents as possible. Another big Los Angeles Marathon tip and trick is to run in your correct corral. Running in a too fast corral can cause you to get trampled, and running in a slower corral is going to cause you to weave.

Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks: Miles 5-8: Hills

Miles 5-9 of the Los Angeles Marathon are some of my favorites. You go by trees and water, and it’s fairly scenic with crowds. While there are some rolling hills here, there are some downhills too. In fact, mile 8 of the Los Angeles Marathon in 2024 was my fastest. Harness the crowd and remember to relax. Your goal pace and running should feel “easy” right now.

Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks Miles 9-14: Hollywood 

Hollywood!!! Who doesn’t love that part of Los Angeles? There are a lot of crowds in this section. Crowds, aid stations, bands, and the energy is awesome. This is a great area to harness the crowds. There are some bigger rolling hills, especially climbing uphill at the exact halfway point of the race, but there are also many downhills.

Los Angeles Marathon Tips and TricksMile 15: The Biggest Downhill

Mile 15ish drops over 100 feet. It’s fast. I always wish I pushed it a little bit more there because it truly is the fastest mile of the race, but I’m always worried for the end and not having enough energy.

Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks: Miles 16-18: Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is one of the more quiet areas of the course. Not quiet with no spectators but quieter than much of the rest of the course. As you traverse Beverly Hills, the picturesque views serve as a distraction from the fatigue. A solid nutrition and hydration plan is essential to avoid hitting the proverbial wall during this critical phase.

Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks: Miles 19-25: The Out and Back

The course now loops back, allowing you to see runners on the opposite side, which can psychologically signal that the finish is approaching. The turnaround at mile 22 marks the final 4.2 miles—use the collective energy of the crowd to propel you forward.

Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks: Miles 25 – 26.2: The Uphill Finish

Sorry to say, but the Los Angeles Marathon finishes uphill. It’s not an easy course, and as you look up, you’re still in true marathon fashion, the course culminates with a gentle incline. It’s crucial not to let this final challenge deter you. Keep your eyes on the prize, drawing on the crowd’s support to cross the finish line with determination.

Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks Conclusion:

Hopefully this blog about the Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks helps you decide if you want to run. If you do, hopefully it helps you create your training plan to run your best. The Los Angeles Marathon is one of the best marathons in the United States, and there is a good reason for it.

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Questions for you:

What are your Los Angeles Marathon Tips and Tricks?

Have you run the LA Marathon?