Running in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers runners an unmatched variety of terrain and scenery. You can run along the Pacific Ocean on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, climb into the Hollywood Hills on Runyon Canyon, or explore miles of urban paths through diverse neighborhoods. The sunny weather means you can train outdoors nearly every day of the year. LA has a thriving running culture fueled by running crews, trail groups, and one of the oldest marathons in the country.
Best Seasons
Year-round
Terrain
LA offers remarkable terrain variety
Top Race
LA Marathon
Country
US
Climate and Weather
Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, dry weather year-round. Summer temperatures average between 75F and 90F, while winters stay mild at 55F to 70F. Rain is rare, mostly falling between December and March. Morning fog near the coast can make early runs cool and comfortable even in summer.
Terrain and Landscape
LA offers remarkable terrain variety. Coastal paths are flat and paved, while the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica Mountains provide steep, technical trails. Urban routes are mostly concrete and asphalt. Griffith Park and the San Gabriel foothills give trail runners access to dirt fire roads and single track within the city.
Top Running Routes
Santa Monica Beach Path (The Strand)
8.5 milesEasyA flat, paved path along the coast from Santa Monica Pier to Redondo Beach. Ocean breezes keep you cool and the views are stunning. Perfect for long, easy runs or recovery days.
Runyon Canyon Loop
3.5 milesChallengingA popular trail run in the Hollywood Hills with steep climbs and panoramic city views. The main loop gains about 800 feet of elevation. A favorite among locals and visiting runners alike.
Griffith Park Trails
5 to 10 milesModerateGriffith Park offers a network of dirt and paved trails with views of the Hollywood Sign and downtown LA. Popular routes include the trail to the Observatory and the fire roads that loop through the park. Great for trail running of all distances.
Silver Lake Reservoir Loop
2.2 milesEasyA paved path circling the Silver Lake Reservoir, popular with neighborhood runners and dog walkers. The loop is flat, shaded in parts, and offers views of the Hollywood Hills. Great for speed work or an easy shakeout run.
Rose Bowl Loop
3.1 milesEasyA flat, wide path circling the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. It is one of the most popular running spots in the LA area. The loop is well maintained and busy with runners, walkers, and cyclists every morning.
Popular Races
LA Marathon
A point-to-point marathon from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier. The course passes through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West LA with ocean views at the finish.
Santa Monica Classic
A fun community race along the streets and paths of Santa Monica. The 10K course runs along Ocean Avenue with stunning Pacific views throughout.
Griffith Park Trail Marathon
A challenging trail race through the fire roads and single track of Griffith Park. Runners tackle significant elevation gain with rewarding views of the LA basin and Hollywood Sign.
Pasadena Half Marathon
A fast, mostly flat half marathon through the streets of Pasadena, finishing near the Rose Bowl. It is a popular way to kick off the new year of racing in Southern California.
Running Culture
LA has a diverse and growing running community. Crews like Koreatown Run Club, Midnight Runners LA, and the LA Leggers organize regular group runs across the city. Trail running is huge here, with access to mountains and canyons within city limits. The LA Marathon and countless local 5Ks and 10Ks keep the race calendar packed year-round.
Local Runner Tips
Run the beach path early before winds pick up in the afternoon
Carry water on any trail run since shade is limited in the hills
The Rose Bowl loop in Pasadena is best before 8 AM on weekends
Join a local crew like Koreatown Run Club or LA Road Runners for group runs
Safety Tips
Wear sunscreen and a hat for any daytime run
Watch for rattlesnakes on trail runs in Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon
Stay visible on roads since LA drivers are not always attentive to runners
Carry water on runs longer than 30 minutes in warm weather
Check air quality on the AQI index before running during wildfire season
Make Running in Los Angeles a Game
Los Angeles is a massive territory waiting to be claimed. From the beaches of Santa Monica to the trails of Griffith Park, Motera turns every LA run into a game of strategy and exploration. Capture neighborhoods across the sprawling city, compete with local runners on the leaderboard, and use the Fog of War mechanic to discover new routes you never knew existed.
Download Motera Free
MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best running route in Los Angeles?
The Santa Monica Beach Path (The Strand) is the most popular flat route at 8.5 miles along the coast. For hill lovers, Runyon Canyon offers a challenging 3.5 mile loop with incredible city views.
Can you run outdoors year-round in Los Angeles?
Yes, LA has mild weather throughout the year with very little rain. Summer can be warm, so early morning runs are recommended from June through September. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 50F.
Are there good trail running options in Los Angeles?
Absolutely. Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, Topanga State Park, and the Santa Monica Mountains all offer excellent trail running. You can find routes ranging from easy fire roads to technical single track within the city.
What running clubs are popular in Los Angeles?
Popular clubs include Koreatown Run Club, LA Road Runners, LA Leggers, and Midnight Runners LA. Most offer free weekly group runs and cater to all paces and distances.
When is the LA Marathon?
The LA Marathon is held in March each year. The course runs point to point from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica Pier, passing through some of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city.
Explore Nearby Cities
More from Motera
What's Your Runner Type?
Take our free personality quiz to discover your running style
GPS Art Route Planner
Draw shapes on a map and generate runnable routes
Running Guides by State
Explore our state-by-state running guides across America
App Comparisons
Compare top running apps side by side and find your perfect fit
