How to Enter the Los Angeles Marathon

The second-largest city in the United States, the global capital of cinema and a permanent backdrop for films and TV series, Los Angeles is as famous for its glamour as it is for its sporting energy. Between the Pacific Ocean, the Hollywood Hills and California’s wide avenues, the City of Angels offers a unique playground for runners from around the world. Every spring, the Los Angeles Marathon turns the city into one huge celebration, bringing together tens of thousands of participants for the “Stadium to the Stars” experience. But before you can cross the finish line against the Century City skyline, you first need to secure a place on the starting line. So how do you enter the Los Angeles Marathon, and what are the different ways to get a race bib? Here’s everything you need to know.

✓ How do you enter the Los Angeles Marathon and secure that coveted race bib? We explain everything in this article.

General entry: direct access, with prices rising over time

The Los Angeles Marathon does not use a lottery. Registration opens several months before race day and takes place directly through the event’s official website. Entry fees increase in stages: the earlier you register, the better the price. As race day approaches, prices rise and bibs become harder to find. The minimum age for the marathon is generally 16 or 18, depending on the category, with parental consent required for younger runners. Once the field reaches its capacity, around 25,000 runners for the flagship distance, registration closes. It pays to plan ahead, especially since the race attracts a large international field every year.

Entry typically includes:

Official race bib
Finisher medal
ASICS participant T-shirt
Official timing
Regular aid stations with water and sports drinks
Medical support on the course
Access to the Running Expo
Photos and additional services available as paid extras

A marathon with a purpose: running for a cause

Like many major US marathons, the Los Angeles Marathon places a strong emphasis on its charity programme. Through charity entries, you can support a partner organisation in return for committing to a fundraising target. This option can secure you a bib even when the race is sold out. By joining a charity team, you will often receive dedicated support, fundraising tools and sometimes access to charity spaces on race day. It is a meaningful way to add purpose to your training while taking part in a major event on the US running calendar.

Book through an official tour operator

For international runners, some authorised travel agencies offer packages that include a race bib, accommodation and sometimes transfers or guided tours. This makes the logistics easier, particularly in a city as sprawling as Los Angeles. The total cost is higher than a standard entry, but this option secures your place and allows you to make the most of your stay in California. Be sure to check that your chosen agency is listed among the race’s official partners.

Our advice: plan your trip well in advance with the agency.

The course: from Dodger Stadium to Century City

The Los Angeles Marathon course lives up to its “Stadium to the Stars” slogan. The race starts at the legendary Dodger Stadium, home of the Dodgers, before winding through several iconic neighbourhoods. Runners pass through Chinatown, Downtown LA and Hollywood, including a stretch along famous Hollywood Boulevard, then continue through Beverly Hills and along Rodeo Drive before finishing in Century City. The course is rolling, particularly in the first half, with total elevation gain of roughly 300 to 350 metres. The second half is faster, although a few false flats can still weigh on tired legs.

The race records underline the course’s performance potential:

Women’s record: 2:25:44 (Delvine Meringor, 2022)
Men’s record: 2:06:35 (Markos Geneti, 2011)

Running as a relay or team

The Los Angeles Marathon is primarily focused on the individual distance, but some editions also offer team formats, notably through corporate or charity challenges. These options let runners experience the event together, even though the marathon remains the weekend’s headline race.

The other races: 5K and charity half marathon

Marathon weekend is about more than 26.2 miles. The organisers also offer a 5K, open to a broad range of participants and ideal for beginners or supporters who want to join the celebrations. The shorter distance has a friendly atmosphere and offers a chance to see part of the city in a controlled setting. A charity half marathon is also on the programme. It attracts runners looking for an intermediate challenge while supporting a good cause. As with the marathon, entry can be secured through a charity programme with a fundraising commitment.

Elite runner entry

The Los Angeles Marathon elite field is primarily invitation-only. The organisers select national and international athletes capable of challenging for top-level performances. Elite runners receive specific benefits, including a priority starting area, dedicated logistics, accommodation and performance bonuses.

If you want to take the start in the City of Angels, the safest approach is to register early. And if 26.2 miles feels like a stretch, the 5K or charity half marathon offer an excellent way to experience the Californian race weekend for yourself.

✓ Find all the Los Angeles Marathon entry details