The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is a celebrated point-to-point journey taking runners from "Stadium to the Stars," showcasing the distinct neighborhoods and historic landmarks of this dynamic city. Starting at Dodger Stadium and weaving through the heart of Los Angeles before finishing in Century City, the course offers a culturally rich, architectural tour of Southern California.

The full field officially starts at 7:00 AM, just before sunrise at 7:12 AM, meaning runners will toe the line in brisk, pre-dawn conditions. Historical temperatures at the start hover in the low 40s°F, climbing into the mid-60s°F under mostly clear skies as the morning progresses—presenting favorable conditions for athletes who manage their hydration and pacing effectively.

Spanning 26.18 miles, the course profile is historically fast. Flat to Minor Incline and Minor Decline segments collectively account for nearly 88% of the route, with 954.53 feet of total ascent and 1,168.14 feet of total descent. The opening miles trend net downhill but are interspersed with punchy climbs, making disciplined early pacing essential for protecting the quadriceps.

The middle and later stages guide runners through the vibrant thoroughfares of Hollywood and the manicured streets of Beverly Hills, transitioning from the historic Walk of Fame to the famed Rodeo Drive. While the course remains predominantly flat throughout, runners should anticipate a Challenging Decline on North San Vicente Boulevard just past the halfway point.

From there, the final 10K offers extended downhill sections that reward those who have managed their effort evenly across the subtle rollers, setting up a strong and steady finish in Century City.

• Event Date: March 8, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 26.18 mi
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 37.62
• Total Ascent: 954.53 ft
• Total Descent: 1168.14 ft
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 3.56, 0.92 mi at an average grade of 2.61%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 23.46, 0.92 mi at an average grade of -1.46%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Mile 4.79, 0.62 mi at an average grade of 3.37%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Mile 14.49, 0.41 mi at an average grade of -6.33%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 5 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 12 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 48.2%
  • Minor Incline: 22.2%
  • Minor Decline: 17.1%
  • Moderate Decline: 7.8%
  • Moderate Incline: 2.7%
  • Challenging Decline: 1.2%
  • Challenging Incline: 0.8%

The race begins at historic Dodger Stadium, sending runners out onto Stadium Way and Lilac Terrace. With the full field starting at 07:00 AM—just minutes before the 7:12 AM sunrise—expect to run the opening miles in pre-dawn twilight. Temperatures will likely be brisk, sitting in the low 40s°F, so starting in discardable layers is strongly recommended to stay warm in the corrals.

This opening stretch features a significant net elevation loss, dropping from the hills of Chavez Ravine down into the grid of Downtown LA. The terrain fluctuates quickly, with a short Moderate Incline out of the gates followed almost immediately by a series of Moderate Declines and one pronounced Challenging Decline.

As you cross over the freeway and weave through Chinatown and the Civic Center, you'll pass the iconic Chinatown Gateway Monument and the bustling Grand Central Market—familiar landmarks that help keep your mind engaged as you settle into your early race rhythm.

• Early Descent Pacing: Resist the urge to fly down the initial declines out of Dodger Stadium. A steep drop around mile 0.7 requires careful braking to save your quadriceps for the late miles.
• Pre-Sunrise Chills: With a start time right before sunrise, temperatures will be brisk. Rely on arm warmers or throwaway layers until your core temperature rises.

• Climb #1: Mile 0.1 to Mile 0.31, 0.21 mi, avg grade 4.08%, total gain 44.36 ft

• Descent #1: Mile 0.31 to Mile 0.61, 0.3 mi, avg grade -4.62%, total drop 73.75 ft
• Descent #2: Mile 0.71 to Mile 0.81, 0.1 mi, avg grade -7.21%, total drop 38.52 ft
• Descent #3: Mile 1.02 to Mile 1.43, 0.41 mi, avg grade -2.79%, total drop 60.27 ft
• Descent #4: Mile 1.73 to Mile 2.03, 0.3 mi, avg grade -3.08%, total drop 49.41 ft
• Descent #5: Mile 2.95 to Mile 3.25, 0.3 mi, avg grade -2.15%, total drop 34.28 ft

• Broadway & Cesar Chavez Ave (Mile 2)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• 1st St & Main St (Mile 3)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Grand Ave & 1st St (Mile 4)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes

• Dodger Stadium - Left Field Pavilion (~Mile 0.71): Iconic baseball stadium and the starting venue for the marathon.
• Chinatown Gateway Monument (~Mile 2.03) (Spectator Zone): A historic landmark signaling your entrance into vibrant Chinatown.
• Grand Central Market (~Mile 3.97) (Spectator Zone): Historic open-air market and famous LA food destination.

Leaving the immediate Downtown core, runners will encounter a notable Moderate Incline past the Walt Disney Concert Hall along 1st Street, followed by a series of punchy rollers along Temple Street. This stretch represents the steepest continuous climbing on the entire course, so managing your effort carefully here will pay dividends later.

The route then carries you onto Glendale Boulevard and West Sunset Boulevard, winding through the artistic, tree-lined neighborhoods of Echo Park and Silver Lake. The terrain here alternates between Minor Inclines and Moderate Declines. Focusing on even effort rather than a fixed pace is the most effective way to work through these rolling miles before the course eventually flattens out.

• The Temple Street Rollers: Miles 4.7 to 5.4 present the steepest continuous uphill stretch of the course (averaging 3.37% grade). Maintain a relaxed, steady effort rather than attacking the climb.
• Pacing the Transitions: The constant shift between Minor Inclines and Declines through Silver Lake can disrupt your rhythm. Focus on breathing and mechanical efficiency.

• Climb #2: Mile 4.17 to Mile 4.38, 0.21 mi, avg grade 6.75%, total gain 73.23 ft
• Climb #3: Mile 4.9 to Mile 5.41, 0.51 mi, avg grade 3.68%, total gain 99.54 ft
• Climb #4: Mile 6.23 to Mile 6.44, 0.2 mi, avg grade 2.46%, total gain 26.61 ft

• Descent #6: Mile 4.59 to Mile 4.79, 0.21 mi, avg grade -5.64%, total drop 61.29 ft
• Descent #7: Mile 5.51 to Mile 5.72, 0.21 mi, avg grade -3.95%, total drop 43.54 ft
• Descent #8: Mile 6.84 to Mile 7.05, 0.2 mi, avg grade -2.57%, total drop 27.66 ft

• Glendale Blvd & Santa Ynez St (Mile 5)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Sunset Blvd & Descanso Dr (Mile 7)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Hollywood Blvd & Lyman Pl (Mile 8)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes

• Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain / Grand Park (~Mile 4.48) (Spectator Zone): Scenic civic park in the cultural center of Los Angeles.
• Sunset Triangle Plaza (~Mile 7.66) (Spectator Zone): A vibrant pedestrian plaza in the heart of Silver Lake.

Turning westward onto Hollywood Boulevard marks a distinct shift in the course profile. Runners will find an extended, largely flat stretch with only the gentlest of inclines and declines. This predictable terrain is an ideal opportunity to settle into goal marathon pace and find your rhythm.

This segment serves as both the geographic and entertainment centerpiece of the race. You will run directly over the iconic stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, passing landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre. Spectator energy here tends to be electric, providing a welcome mental boost as you approach the halfway point.

• Crowd-Induced Surging: The sheer excitement of Hollywood Boulevard and the dense spectator support can easily cause an adrenaline spike. Keep your pace strictly controlled through this Flat and fast section to avoid burning matches too early.

• None.

• Descent #9: Mile 11.64 to Mile 11.84, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.77%, total drop 40.45 ft

• Hollywood Blvd & Hobart Blvd (Mile 9)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Hollywood Blvd & Cahuenga Blvd (Mile 11)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Sunset Blvd & Vista St (Mile 12)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit, Precision Fuel & Hydration gel station
  • Toilet: Yes

• Hollywood Walk of Fame (~Mile 11.03) (Spectator Zone): The world-famous sidewalks embedded with stars honoring entertainment legends.
• TCL Chinese Theatre (~Mile 11.64) (Spectator Zone): Historic movie palace known for celebrity handprints in the forecourt.
• Dolby Theatre (~Mile 11.64) (Spectator Zone): Home of the Academy Awards ceremony.

Leaving the Walk of Fame, the course dips back onto Sunset Boulevard, guiding runners through West Hollywood and onto the legendary Sunset Strip. This segment begins with a gradual, rolling net uphill before dropping into a notably challenging decline on North San Vicente Boulevard just past mile 14.5. The steep descent calls for short, light footfalls to minimize impact on the legs.

As the route levels out, it enters the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills. The energy shifts subtly from the neon buzz of the Strip to the quieter elegance of high-end residential neighborhoods. The section culminates with a pass along the world-famous boutiques of Rodeo Drive — a welcome visual distraction as the fatigue of the middle miles begins to set in.

• The San Vicente Plunge: A steep, half-mile drop (-6.33% average grade) occurs around mile 14.5. Run with a light, quick turnover to minimize the eccentric load on your quadriceps.
• Mid-Race Lull: As you transition from the Sunset Strip into the quieter streets of Beverly Hills, crowd density drops. Stay mentally engaged and adhere strictly to your fueling schedule.

• None.

• Descent #10: Mile 14.19 to Mile 14.39, 0.2 mi, avg grade -3.21%, total drop 34.25 ft
• Descent #11: Mile 14.49 to Mile 14.9, 0.41 mi, avg grade -6.33%, total drop 135.76 ft

• Sunset Blvd & Laurel Ave (Mile 13)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Sunset Blvd & Sunset Plaza Dr (Mile 14)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Santa Monica Blvd & Ramage Dr (Mile 15)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Burton Way & Foothill Rd (Mile 16)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• S Santa Monica Blvd & Charleville Blvd (Mile 17)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes

• The Comedy Store (~Mile 13.78): World-renowned comedy club on the Sunset Strip.
• Rodeo Drive (~Mile 17.04) (Spectator Zone): Internationally famous two-mile stretch of luxury boutiques and fashion houses.

This critical phase takes runners along a long, mostly straight stretch down Santa Monica Boulevard and into Wilshire Boulevard. The terrain is largely forgiving, with flat stretches and the occasional gentle decline. The wide avenues offer plenty of room to run the tangents efficiently.

As you cross into Century City and pass the Los Angeles Country Club, expect a gentle but sustained uphill drag. This is where the race truly begins from a physiological standpoint — muscle fatigue starts to peak, and maintaining strong form becomes increasingly important. Break the remaining distance down into manageable chunks, using aid stations as natural checkpoints to stay focused.

• The Wall Approaches: Navigating the 18-20 mile mark requires supreme mental focus. The long, straight nature of Santa Monica Blvd can feel visually monotonous; focus entirely on the runner ahead of you.
• Century City Drag: Around mile 20 on Sepulveda Boulevard, there is a subtle Minor Incline that will feel much harder than its actual 1.5% grade. Use the energy from the Mile 20 aid station to power through.

• None.

• Descent #12: Mile 18.37 to Mile 18.57, 0.21 mi, avg grade -3.38%, total drop 36.81 ft

• Santa Monica Blvd & Thayer Ave (Mile 18)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit, Precision Fuel & Hydration gel station
  • Toilet: Yes
• Sepulveda Blvd & Ohio Ave (Outbound) (Mile 20)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• San Vicente Blvd & Montana Ave (Mile 22)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes

• Beverly Hills Shield (~Mile 17.86) (Spectator Zone): The iconic sign marking the border of Beverly Hills.

The final miles weave through West Los Angeles, guiding runners along San Vicente Boulevard before feeding back onto Sepulveda and Santa Monica Boulevards. The elevation profile here is highly favorable for the closing stages of a marathon.

A mile-long Minor Decline beginning at mile 23.4 allows runners to carry momentum and offset late-race fatigue. The final push is predominantly Flat, providing a fast runway to the finish line. Runners must overcome one last punchy Minor Incline just before mile 26, but once that small bump is crested, the course levels out for a sprint down the Avenue of the Stars to the finish line.

• Capitalizing on the Descent: The long, gentle decline from mile 23.4 to 24.3 is a strategic gift. Relax your shoulders and let gravity assist you, but be careful not to overstride.
• The Final Kick: A small climb awaits right at mile 25.8 (averaging ~2.5% grade). Dig deep and use your arms to power over this final hurdle before the flat sprint to the finish line.

• Climb #5: Mile 25.81 to Mile 26.02, 0.2 mi, avg grade 2.47%, total gain 26.54 ft

• None.

• Sepulveda Blvd & Ohio Ave (Inbound) (Mile 24)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Santa Monica Blvd & Prosser Ave (Mile 25)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.