LA Marathon: More than 26,000 runners gather for milestone 40th race

Just before dawn on Sunday, March 16, thousands of athletes gathered at Dodger Stadium, the massive starting point of the Los Angeles Marathon. Some stretched, adjusting their bibs, while others sneak in a quick nap, before taking on the 26.2 mile journey ahead.

This year marks the 40th edition of the LA Marathon, a milestone for one of the country’s four largest marathons and a fixture among the world’s top 10. With more than 26,000 runners from all 50 states and 70 countries, this year’s event comes close to its all-time participation record of 27,150 set in 2020.

Runners keep warm while waiting for the start of the LA Marathon at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Thousands of runners will take on the course from Dodger Stadium to Century City in the 40th running of the marathon. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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The race kicks off at 7 a.m. and takes runners on a winding route through some of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks, from Los Angeles City Hall and Little Tokyo to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and Historic Route 66, before finishing at the Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

Runners span all ages and experience levels, from middle schoolers to 90-year-olds. While 40% are first-time marathoners chasing personal milestones, others are seasoned athletes striving for new records. Some run to support a cause, raise awareness or as a form of personal therapy. Yet, they are all united by a single goal: crossing the finish line.

For a special group known as the Legacy Runners, who haven’t missed a single LA Marathon since its inception in 1986, participation is about tradition, resilience and a commitment they refuse to break.

At 6:30 a.m., with the air crisp and cool at 46 degrees—ideal for marathon running, the wheelchair division kicks off the race. Five minutes later, the hand crank division follows at 6:35 a.m.

At 6:40 a.m., the professional women and elite age-group female runners take their turn, before the professional men and general competitors set off at 7.a.m. Later in the morning, the charity half marathon begins at 8: 15 a.m., bringing even more participants onto the course.