LA Marathon
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Elevation Gain
260m
Elevation Range
102m
Avg Temperature
62°F / 17°C
Course Profile
rolling
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A net-downhill, point-to-point course dropping 100m from Dodger Stadium (130m) to Century City (30m), with 260m of total climbing concentrated in rolling hills through Silver Lake and Hollywood. The one thing that makes LA unique is that the rolling mid-course climbs hide inside what looks like a downhill race on paper, punishing runners who only see the net drop.
Key Segments
Dodger Stadium Descent through Silver Lake
Terrain: Steep early descent from 130m to 60m, then a sustained climb back up to 100m through Echo Park and Silver Lake
Challenge: The initial downhill tempts fast starts, then the Silver Lake climb (km 8-12, gaining 40m) catches aggressive openers
Tactic: Run 5-10 sec/km slower than goal pace on the opening descent. Shorten stride on the Silver Lake climb and run by effort.
Hollywood & Sunset Strip
Terrain: Gradual descent from 100m through Hollywood (78m at km 15) with a subtle rise through West Hollywood to 60m
Challenge: Excellent crowd support on the Walk of Fame and Sunset Strip makes it tempting to surge before the real work begins
Tactic: Settle into goal pace. Use the Hollywood scenery as mental fuel but keep effort controlled. Take final gel by km 20.
Beverly Hills to Brentwood
Terrain: Gentle descent from 62m to 34m through Beverly Hills and along San Vicente Blvd. Mostly flat with minor rolls.
Challenge: Long exposed stretches on Santa Monica Blvd with limited shade. Mental fatigue sets in as the glamorous miles are behind you.
Tactic: This is where patience pays off. Lock into rhythm on the flat terrain and stay hydrated on exposed stretches.
Final Push to Century City
Terrain: Flat, 34m to 30m. Straight, exposed roads into the finish on Avenue of the Stars.
Challenge: No hills to vary effort — pure mental and physical endurance on tired legs with warming temperatures
Tactic: Maintain cadence, stay present. The flat finish rewards runners who saved energy through the middle miles.
Race-Specific Training
- •Train for heat and sun exposure — include at least 4-6 long runs in warm conditions (15-20°C+) since March in LA can get hot by mid-morning
- •Practice running rolling hills with net descent: long runs that start with 3-5km downhill, then alternate climb-and-descent segments
- •Include exposed, shadeless road runs in training to mentally prepare for the long sun-baked stretches on Sunset and Santa Monica Blvds
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Start at 130m (Dodger Stadium), finish at 30m (Century City). No altitude concerns.
Weather
March race. Typical morning temps 10-14°C (50-57°F) at the gun, warming to 17-24°C (63-75°F) by late morning. Can occasionally exceed 27°C (80°F).
Sun & Wind
Strong morning sun exposure on east-facing stretches through Hollywood. Sunset Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd offer very little shade. Occasional Santa Ana winds can raise temperatures dramatically.
What to Wear
Singlet and shorts. Sunscreen is essential — apply before the gun. Light hat or visor mandatory. Consider sunglasses.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-12 | 5-10 sec/km slower than goal pace | Protect quads on the early descent. Run the Silver Lake climb by effort, not pace. |
| km 12-22 | Goal pace | Hollywood crowds will help. Stay disciplined through Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills. |
| km 22-35 | Goal pace, steady effort | Flat and exposed. Lock into rhythm. Stay on top of hydration. |
| km 35-42.195 | Goal pace or best sustainable effort | Flat finish into Century City. This is where conserved energy pays dividends. |
Race Day Tip
The start at Dodger Stadium requires an early shuttle or rideshare. Parking is extremely limited and the area is not walkable. Plan to arrive 90+ minutes early and bring warm throwaway layers for the wait — it can be cool at dawn even in LA.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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