The 2026 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon has more than 27,000 participants who will tackle the streets of Los Angeles this weekend for the 41st time, a race that winds from Dodger Stadium to Century City. The marathon sold out Jan. 5.
The marathon weekend also includes today’s L.A. 5K and the L.A. Charity Half Marathon on Sunday. More than 36,000 runners have registered for the three races.
For those running, watching or just trying to avoid road closures, here are 10 key things to know:
Race day and start time
The marathon starts at 6:30 a.m. Sunday at Dodger Stadium and winds through L.A. before finishing on the Avenue of the Stars in Century City.
The first group to start are the professional elite wheelchair athletes at 6:30 a.m., followed by handcycles and para athletes at 6:35 a.m. The elite women start at 6:40 a.m. and the elite men and the full field begin at 7 a.m. The Charity Half Marathon starts at 8:15 a.m.
Who’s hitting the pavement?
The race is one of the four largest marathons in the U.S. and ranks among the top 10 globally.
This year, more than 27,000 runners from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and more than 63 countries will take on the 26.2-mile challenge. Among them are 86 legacy runners, a dedicated group of men and women who have completed every L.A. Marathon since its debut in 1986.
Runners range in age from 12 to 87 and 79% fall in Millennial or Generation Z year-born groups. Nearly 41% (a little more than 9,100) indicated that they are running their first marathon. In addition, 6,468 indicate they have run two or more Los Angeles Marathons.
In 2026, there are 3,472 student runners from the Students Run LA program.
Landmarks and neighborhoods
Runners start at Dodger Stadium. Along the way they experience –or see in the distance — Chinatown, the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument (Olvera Street), City Hall, Little Tokyo, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Center, the Pantages Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, parts of Historic Route 66 in West Hollywood, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Westwood, Brentwood and the finish line in Century City.
Marathoners can enjoy the more than 100 entertainment and “cheer” zones at various mile-markers.
Also See: Los Angeles Marathon: Here’s the route map for Sunday’s race
Road closures
Expect significant street closures along the 26.2-mile route, with some side streets in Elysian Park, downtown L.A., Echo Park, Silver Lake, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles 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.
Also See: LA Marathon: Freeway ramps and street closures for the March 8 race
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 zone, will see closures starting at 8 a.m. today and lasting until 8 p.m. Sunday.
Defending their 2025 titles
These runners will try for repeat victories: Matthew Richtman of the U.S., who won in 2 hours, 7 minutes, 56 seconds, and Tejinesh Tulu of Ethiopia, who won in 2:30:16, will race again.
800,000 runners and counting
What started as an ambitious post-Olympic vision after the success of the 1984 L.A. Olympic Games became a reality when the City Council opened bids for a 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.
What do winners get
The first-place male and female finishers each take home $25,000. In addition, the Marathon Chase bonus adds $10,000 to the first runner — male or female — to cross the finish line. The women will receive a 15:45 head start.
Running for a cause
The marathon isn’t just about competition — it’s also a powerful force for good. Each year, runners help raise millions for charity.
In 2026, more than 1,600 charity runners representing more than 125 official charities are expected to raise more than $4 million across the 5K, half marathon and marathon events.
The McCourt Foundation, which organizes the marathon, has more than 650 runners in its Team TMF, who have raised money for the foundation.
More than a marathon
Marathon weekend offers more than just the big race. These events take place at Dodger Stadium:
Lifestyle Expo (today): A free event with race packet pickup for marathon participants (required in advance) and also a chance to see fitness gear, exhibits, purchase souvenirs and have photo opportunities.
L.A. 5K (today): This event is good for families, runners and walkers of all ages. The race begins at 8 a.m.
L.A. Kids Run (today): A short-distance race for ages 3-8. It has 450 registrants and begins at 9:45 a.m.
L.A. Charity Half Marathon (Sunday) – This special event begins at 8:15 a.m. More than 1,000 are running for a cause and 350 of them are with Team TMF.
How to watch
If you can’t go to the marathon, you can watch the race from home. Live coverage will be available on KNBC4 and multiple streaming platforms, including the marathon’s Facebook page.
Also See: LA Marathon: How to watch the race live on Sunday on TV
