More than 26,000 runners will take to the streets of Los Angeles this weekend for the 40th annual L.A. Marathon, a race that winds from Dodger Stadium to Century City.
Whether you are running, spectating, or just trying to avoid road closures, here are the 10 key things to know about this year’s race.Race day, start times
The L.A. Marathon kicks off early in the morning on Sunday at Dodger Stadium and winds through the city before finishing up around 9:15 a.m. on the Avenue of the Stars in Century City. The first event, the pro wheelchair race, starts at 6:30 a.m. in Dodger Stadium’s Lot H.
The route is a mini tour of L.A.
The entire course goes through or near Chinatown, El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park, Los Angeles City Hall, Little Tokyo, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Center of Los Angeles County, the Dolby Theatre, parts of historic Route 66 in West Hollywood, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and more.
Even if you’re not racing, you might want to check out the best viewing spots along the way.
Major road closures
Expect significant street closures along the 26.2 mile route from Dodger Stadium to Century City, with some side streets in Elysian Park, downtown L.A., Echo Park, Silver Lake, Hollywood, West Hollywood and West L.A. also affected. “No parking” signs will be posted 72 hours in advance and vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed.
While no freeways will be closed, some on-ramps and off-ramps will be temporarily blocked.
Road closures begin as early as 3 a.m. in some areas, with streets reopening in phases from late morning to early afternoon, depending on their location along the route.
Some areas in Century City, home to the finish line and festival zones, will see closures starting Saturday at 8 a.m. until Sunday at 8 p.m.
For exact closure times and detour info, check the official road closure map: www.mccourtfoundation.org/event/los-angeles-marathon/road-closures/
Who’s participating?
The Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS isn’t just a race—it’s one of the four largest marathons in the U.S. and ranks among the top 10 globally.
This year, more than 26,000 runners from all 50 states and more than 70 countries will take on the 26.2-mile challenge. Among them are 93 legacy runners, a dedicated group of men and women who have completed every L.A. Marathon since its debut in 1986.
The mix of runners is as dynamic and varied as the city they’re racing through, spanning from students to a 90-year-old competitor. Nearly 40% are first-time marathoners.
Elite contenders
A mix of seasoned pros, rising stars and local favorites will be racing for glory. Here are a few standout runners to watch.
Elite women
Savannah Berry (U.S.): A two-time U.S. Olympic Trials competitor from Bakersfield with a personal best of 2 hours, 29 minutes, 13 seconds.
Antonina Kwambai (Kenya): Runner-up in the 2022 L.A. Marathon, now looking to claim victory. Personal best: 2:23:20.
Rita Jelagat (Kenya): Making her L.A. Marathon debut after placing second in the 2024 Hamburg Half Marathon.
Elite men
Matthew Richtman (U.S.): A fast-rising American who placed 4th at the 2024 Twin Cities Marathon with a 2:10:47 debut.
Gizealew Ayana (Ethiopia): The 2023 Paris Marathon champion, with a blazing 2:07:15 personal best.
Esteban Prado (U.S.): Won the 2024 Orange County Marathon, though his win was overturned due to an unusual water break rule violation.
800,000 and up
What started as an ambitious post-Olympic vision after the success of the 1984 Los Angeles Games became a reality when the Los Angeles City Council opened bids for a city marathon in 1985. Since then, more than 800,000 runners have logged more than 20 million miles through L.A.’s streets.
The inaugural event in 1986 set a U.S. record as the largest first-time marathon, with 10,787 registrants lacing up for the challenge. Since then, the race has evolved, changing ownership five times and solidifying its place as one of the nation’s premier marathons.
Winner prizes
Speed pays off at the L.A. Marathon, with a $40,000 prize purse up for grabs in both the men’s and women’s divisions. The first-place finisher in each takes home $10,000, while second place earns $5,000, and third place pockets $3,500.
But the real thrill? The Marathon Chase Bonus, which awards $10,000 to the first runner — male or female — to cross the finish line.
The wheelchair division also brings fierce competition, with a $10,000 prize purse. The top finishers take home $2,500 for first, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third.
Running for a cause
The L.A. Marathon isn’t just about competition—it’s also a powerful force for good. Each year, runners help raise millions for charity.
This year, more than 4,200 charity runners representing more than 105 official charities are expected to raise more than $4 million across the 5K, half-marathon and marathon events.
A key initiative is Together L.A., a fundraising effort led by The McCourt Foundation, which organizes the marathon, to support communities affected by wildfires.
One way that runners can contribute is through Together L.A. wildfire relief entries — 100 exclusive marathon entries that require a $450 donation to the Together L.A. Wildfire Relief Fund in addition to the race entry fee.
More than a marathon
Marathon weekend offers more than just the big race:
L.A. Big 5K (today) — A fun 5K at Dodger Stadium, perfect for all fitness levels.
L.A. Kids Run (today) — A short-distance race for young runners to get in on the action.
Lifestyle Expo (today and Sunday) — A free event with race packet pickup, fitness gear and interactive exhibits.
How to watch
Can’t make it to the race? Live coverage will be available on TV and multiple streaming platforms, including the marathon’s Facebook page, so you won’t miss a mile.
For full details on where to watch, visit the official L.A. Marathon website or follow their social media pages.
