The Los Angeles Marathon features the iconic Stadium to the Stars course, a point-to-point journey from the elevated grounds of Dodger Stadium to a finish amid the skyline of Century City. The route weaves through a diverse collection of neighborhoods, passing world-renowned cultural landmarks and offering an immersive tour of the city's rich history.

Participants can expect near-ideal racing conditions. The full field sets off at 07:00 AM, just moments before sunrise at 07:12 AM, with starting temperatures of around 4 to 5 degrees Celsius under clear skies. The California sun will gradually warm the course as the morning progresses, reaching a comfortable 17 degrees Celsius by early afternoon.

The course presents a fast, net-downhill profile, with nearly half the distance classified as Flat. Long stretches of Minor Incline are blended with rewarding Moderate Decline and Challenging Decline sections. Runners should be prepared for a Moderate Incline out of the stadium and a series of rolling climbs midway through, though the overall grade distribution remains favorable throughout.

The predominantly Flat and Minor Decline terrain makes this an exceptionally approachable and rhythmic marathon. Runners who respect the early climbs, manage the descents with care, and maintain a disciplined pace through the level Hollywood miles will find themselves well positioned to finish strong.

• Event Date: March 8, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 42.14 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 37.62
• Total Ascent: 290.94 m
• Total Descent: 356.05 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 5.73, 1.49 km at an average grade of 2.61%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 37.76, 1.47 km at an average grade of -1.46%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 7.71, 0.99 km at an average grade of 3.37%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 23.33, 0.65 km 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%

Beginning at Dodger Stadium, this opening section establishes a majestic tone with a 7:00 AM full field start in the pre-sunrise twilight. As you navigate the sweeping roads out of the stadium, the sun rises at 7:12 AM, creating an electric atmosphere unique to this early morning hour.

The course transitions quickly from the elevated stadium grounds down into the historic core of Downtown Los Angeles, passing significant cultural landmarks including the Chinatown Gateway Monument and Grand Central Market. Terrain through this section is varied, mixing level stretches with rolling hills.

Notably, the early miles feature a sweeping descent out of the stadium area followed by a strenuous ascent approaching Grand Avenue. Runners should exercise disciplined pacing in these opening miles to avoid paying for it later in the race.

• Early Elevation Swings: The immediate sequence of a steady climb followed by a rapid descent out of Dodger Stadium requires careful pace control to protect fresh legs.
• Crowd Navigation: Pre-sunrise visibility and dense starting corrals mean you must stay focused on footing. Avoid the temptation to surge too early while adrenaline is high.

• Climb #1: Km 0.16 to Km 0.5, 0.33 km, avg grade 4.08%, total gain 13.52 m
• Climb #2: Km 6.72 to Km 7.05, 0.33 km, avg grade 6.75%, total gain 22.32 m

• Descent #1: Km 0.5 to Km 0.98, 0.49 km, avg grade -4.62%, total drop 22.48 m
• Descent #2: Km 1.15 to Km 1.31, 0.16 km, avg grade -7.21%, total drop 11.74 m
• Descent #3: Km 1.63 to Km 2.29, 0.66 km, avg grade -2.79%, total drop 18.37 m
• Descent #4: Km 2.79 to Km 3.27, 0.49 km, avg grade -3.08%, total drop 15.06 m
• Descent #5: Km 4.75 to Km 5.24, 0.49 km, avg grade -2.15%, total drop 10.45 m

• Broadway & Cesar Chavez Ave (Km 3.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.

Leaving Downtown, the course weaves northwest through the vibrant, artistic neighborhoods of Echo Park and Silver Lake.

This stretch is characterized by historic stairways visible from the course and sweeping, tree-lined boulevards. You will encounter a series of gentle rises and steady climbs, offset by extended, rewarding downhills that give the route a rolling, rhythmic feel. The terrain follows the natural contours of the Silver Lake hills before gradually flattening as you approach the eastern edge of Hollywood.

Focus on maintaining a steady effort level through this section rather than chasing an exact pace over the rollers.

• The Silver Lake Rollers: Constant transitioning between steady climbs and rapid descents can fatigue the quads. Keep a high cadence and stay relaxed on the downhills.
• Pacing Discipline: With the excitement of entering Hollywood building, it is easy to overextend on the significant climb starting around km 7.88.

• Climb #3: Km 7.88 to Km 8.7, 0.82 km, avg grade 3.68%, total gain 30.34 m
• Climb #4: Km 10.03 to Km 10.36, 0.33 km, avg grade 2.46%, total gain 8.11 m

• Descent #6: Km 7.38 to Km 7.71, 0.33 km, avg grade -5.64%, total drop 18.68 m
• Descent #7: Km 8.87 to Km 9.21, 0.34 km, avg grade -3.95%, total drop 13.27 m
• Descent #8: Km 11.01 to Km 11.34, 0.33 km, avg grade -2.57%, total drop 8.43 m

• Glendale Blvd & Santa Ynez St (Km 8)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.

This section runs through the glamorous heart of the course along Hollywood Boulevard, taking you directly over the famous stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame past iconic venues like the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre.

The terrain here is exceptionally forgiving, with level ground and only a few gentle downhills. The minimal elevation change makes this an ideal stretch to settle into your target marathon pace while soaking in the dense spectator crowds and historic entertainment landmarks. Expect a loud, visually stimulating, and fast environment.

• Sensory Overload: The dense crowds and iconic sights of Hollywood Boulevard can cause an unintentional pace surge. Rely on your watch and perceived exertion to stay grounded.
• Surface Awareness: While mostly level, running over diverse street surfaces and star plaques requires focus to maintain efficient biomechanics.

• None.

• Descent #9: Km 18.73 to Km 19.06, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.77%, total drop 12.33 m

• Hollywood Blvd & Hobart Blvd (Km 14.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.

Leaving Hollywood, the course enters the legendary Sunset Strip in West Hollywood before dropping into the tree-lined streets of Beverly Hills. Throughout this section, you are skirting the base of the Hollywood Hills, which produces a gentle, persistent downhill trend broken up by the steepest descent of the entire race on North San Vicente Boulevard.

Along the way, expect to pass well-known comedy clubs, legendary music venues, and the high-end boutiques of Rodeo Drive. The terrain alternates between level pavement and sharp elevation drops. Use the steeper descents to your advantage, but stay light on your feet to protect your legs for the final 14 kilometers.

• The San Vicente Drop: The steepest downhill of the course occurs near kilometer 23.33, dropping sharply into Beverly Hills. Avoid heavy braking to save your quadriceps; lean forward slightly and let your cadence naturally increase.
• Mid-Race Lull: Passing the halfway mark, the course transitions from the chaotic energy of Hollywood to the manicured streets of Beverly Hills. Maintain mental engagement as the spectator density fluctuates.

• None.

• Descent #10: Km 22.84 to Km 23.16, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.21%, total drop 10.44 m
• Descent #11: Km 23.33 to Km 23.98, 0.65 km, avg grade -6.33%, total drop 41.38 m

• Sunset Blvd & Laurel Ave (Km 20.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.

The final segment takes you through Westwood, past the sprawling Veterans Administration campus, and into the modern high-rise skyline of Century City. This stretch is predominantly flat, with a long, gentle downhill along Santa Monica Boulevard that helps carry tired legs toward the finish.

That said, the course still has a couple of late challenges in store. A steady, sneaky climb near kilometer 41.5 is the most notable, arriving just when your legs would prefer otherwise. Temperatures will be approaching their daily high of 17 degrees Celsius by this point, making heat management and hydration increasingly important.

The wide, straight roads of this final section give you a clear sightline to the finish, which is as much a mental test as a physical one. Staying focused and composed over these last few kilometers will be key to a strong close.

• Late-Race Incline: Just when you expect a pure flat finish, a noticeable uphill segment hits near kilometer 41.5. Prepare mentally for this final physical demand.
• Thermal Shift: As you enter the late morning or early afternoon, the temperature will reach its peak. Utilize the remaining aid stations for hydration and cooling.
• Long Sightlines: The straight boulevards can make the finish feel further away than it is. Break the remaining distance down into aid station intervals to stay present.

• Climb #5: Km 41.54 to Km 41.87, 0.33 km, avg grade 2.47%, total gain 8.09 m

• Descent #12: Km 29.56 to Km 29.89, 0.33 km, avg grade -3.38%, total drop 11.22 m

• Santa Monica Blvd & Thayer Ave (Km 29)
  • Offerings: Water, Electrolit, Precision Fuel & Hydration gel station
  • Toilet: Yes

• None.