Running Races in Los Angeles
Los Angeles might be known as a car city, but the running scene is booming. With perfect weather nearly every day, you can race year round from the beaches of Santa Monica to the trails of Griffith Park. The LA Marathon takes you from Dodger Stadium to the ocean, and there are beach runs, trail races, and neighborhood 5Ks happening every single weekend.
Best Months
Year round, October to April is ideal
State
California
Top Race
LA Marathon
Total Races
5+ featured
Major Races in Los Angeles
LA Marathon
MarathonStadium to the Sea course. Point to point from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Classic
5K/10KCoastal race with ocean views and a great post race party.
Rose Bowl Half Marathon
Half MarathonNew Year race around the iconic Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena.
Malibu Half Marathon
Half MarathonScenic PCH course along the Malibu coast.
Griffith Park Trail Marathon
Marathon/HalfTrail race through the Hollywood Hills. Challenging elevation.
Course Preview Video
Course Terrain
Mix of flat coastal routes and hilly trails. Beach runs along the Strand are flat. Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon add serious elevation.
Point to Point Logistics Across the City
The LA Marathon closes streets across the city all morning rather than looping back through the same stretch, which means runners need to plan gear drop off and family meetup points around a finish line that sits miles from the start rather than a few blocks from it.
There is no lottery for the LA Marathon. Registration runs first come, first served on tiered pricing, which keeps the field size steadier year to year than a lottery race but also means the entry price climbs the closer someone registers to race day.
Every Kind of Terrain LA Has to Offer
A single race weekend in LA can pair a flat beach 5K on the sand in Santa Monica with a climbing trail race through Griffith Park a few weeks later, unusual for a city this size and a reflection of how spread out and varied the LA running scene actually is.
The Griffith Park Trail Marathon and its accompanying 50K and half marathon distances run almost entirely on singletrack and fire roads inside the park, drawing enough of a following that Runners World named it one of the best races people have never heard of. Local racers treat it as the real proving ground for anyone claiming to be a strong LA runner outside of road racing.
Race Day Tips for Los Angeles
Start early. LA heats up fast, even in winter months. Most races start before 7am for a reason.
Sunscreen is mandatory. UV exposure is high even on overcast mornings.
Traffic to race starts can be brutal. Leave way earlier than you think or use rideshare.
Hydrate extra. The dry air dehydrates you faster than you realize.
This page covers the 5 races in Los Angeles we track closely, but there is always more happening on any given weekend. If none of these fit your schedule, search for a race anywhere in the country using registration platforms, club calendars, and local resources.
Sharpening your speed before race day matters as much as picking the right course. If your training block calls for measured intervals, find a running track near you in Los Angeles for accurate splits away from traffic and stoplights.
Running Clubs in Los Angeles
LA Road Runners
Active club with group runs from Santa Monica to Pasadena.
Koreatown Run Club
Community focused crew with evening runs and social events.
Trail Runners of Los Angeles
Trail running group exploring Griffith Park, Topanga, and beyond.
The clubs above are a starting point, not the full picture. For more ways to connect with training partners in Los Angeles or anywhere else, see our guide to finding a running club.
Turn Your Los Angeles Runs Into a Game
LA is massive and spread out. Every neighborhood is a new territory to capture. From Venice Beach to Silver Lake, Motera turns your city runs into a real world conquest.
MoteraExplore Los Angeles Running Routes
Looking for where to train between races? Check out our full running guide for Los Angeles with top routes, terrain info, and local tips.
Running in Los Angeles GuideFrequently Asked Questions
When is the LA Marathon?
The LA Marathon is held in March. The course runs point to point from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier, which is known as the Stadium to the Sea route.
Can you run year round in Los Angeles?
Yes. LA has near perfect running weather year round. Summer months (June to September) can be hot, so early morning races are best. Fall through spring is ideal with temps in the 55 to 75F range.
What are the best trail races near LA?
Griffith Park Trail Marathon, Angeles Crest 100, Malibu Creek Trail Run, and Topanga Canyon races are all popular trail events near Los Angeles.
Are there beach races in Los Angeles?
Yes. The Strand in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach hosts several races. The Santa Monica Classic and various beach 5Ks offer flat coastal courses.
How do I sign up for the LA Marathon?
Registration opens online typically in the summer. There is no lottery. It is first come first served until spots fill up. Charity entries are also available.
