LA Marathon Running Every Year in March

It may be true that “nobody walks in LA,” but a lot of people still run, at least if the LA Marathon is any indication.

Regularly attracting more than 25,000 participants, this great Los Angeles running race is held every year during the spring – typically in March, though the month varies – and usually begins at Dodger Stadium, detours briefly through parts of downtown LA, and then follows Sunset Boulevard all the way to the ocean.

The LA Marathon route can obviously change year-to-year, but one thing that remains consistent is the mass of spectators – officials estimated there were over a million people in attendance in recent years – all of whom pack the sidewalk along the route to cheer on elite athletes, amateur runners, and tenacious walkers alike.

The finish line (which changes depending on the year) is obviously the most popular destination for LA Marathon spectators (to say nothing of the runners!), so those looking to catch the final action are wise to show up as early as possible to grab a prime view. Los Angeles Marathon officials organize several shuttles to the finish line for those who don’t want to drive, while neighborhood lots usually open early to make room for the massive audience.

Like most major races, dozens of live bands at the LA Marathon set up along the route, though their locations also vary year-to-year and often aren’t finalized until a few weeks before the race itself. Organized cheering squads are also in attendance, typically hooting and hollering along the course in order to give runners some extra encouragement to press on through to the end.

LA Marathon entry fees range between $145 (online) and $155 (in person), though officials cap the total number of entrants each year, so anyone looking to run next season better grab their LA Marathon tickets early.

And buy some new shoes!