The LA Marathon, originally called the City of Los Angeles Marathon, and now The Honda LA Marathon takes place this spring 2012 on March 18.
LA Marathon Route
This marathon is a great way to see LA and the surrounding landmarks. The race starts near downtown LA and moves through the eclectic communities of West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles and Santa Monica.
Here’s a summary of the course. The race begins in LA with views of Dodger Stadium and the Twin Dragon Towers Gateway in Chinatown. Then it moves onto Sunset Boulevard with amazing views of the Hollywood sign. Then for eight mile you experience sight after sight of Hollywood’s best including the Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Comedy Store, the House of Blues Sunset Strip and Whiskey A Go Go. After leaving West Hollywood, the course wends through the heart of Beverly Hills and straight down Rodeo Drive. From Beverly Hills, the course moves west to Century City, home of the backlot for 20th Century Fox studios. Then six miles along Historic Route 66. After thrashing through Brentwood, the route moves along San Vicente Boulevard. The last three miles of the marathon are through Santa Monica past the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It finishes on Ocean Avenue near the Santa Monica Pier.
Born from the Olympics
The LA Marathon was inspired by the 1984 Summer Olympics and ran the first race on March 9, 1986.
Fast Course
To increase the popularity of the LA Marathon, the route has been optimized to help create a 2:10 marathon. Enjoy the speed as you experience a net elevation drop of 430 feet.
La Marathon Celebrity Runners
If you are looking for celebrity joggers you are likely familiar with San Vicente Boulevard and the popularity among celebs of the LA Marathon. Most notable of the famous runners Freddie Prinze Jr., Shia Labeouf, Gordon Ramsay, David James Elliot, Flea, Chris O’Donnell, even Audrina Partridge from the Hills ran part of the course.
Marathon Training
Before trying the cause you should go through a progressive marathon training schedule.
To prepare for the LA Marathon, begin with half marathon training.