The Los Angeles Marathon is this weekend! The race is in February this year. I think they switched it for cooler weather – LA has been super hot in the past. I’ve run it a few times now so I wanted to share some tips for the race.
I am sporting my I Run This City LA Marathon tech tee for my run this morning. Yesterday was a rest day so I’m ready to head out for a tempo run today! What’s your workout this beautiful day?
Last Minute Tips for LA Marathon
1. Plan for the warm weather. It’s going to be warm again this year. Race officials just sent out a weather advisory email. Last year they even made the race earlier to try and ‘beat the heat’.
I have a post here on some tips for dealing with running a marathon or half marathon in HOT weather.
2. Parking and Logistics are key. The race is point to point – and in a more dramatic way than any other race I’ve run.
It starts at Dodger Stadium and ends 26.2 miles away in Santa Monica.
So you must take a shuttle to the start or get dropped off by Uber or a nice friend.
In the past I’ve taken a shuttle then had a hotel room near the beach finish line to shower and relax.
I also got dropped off at Dodger Stadium and had Ben pick me up at the finish line. Either way works, just make sure you have it all planned out.
LA Marathon Parking and Shuttle info
3. Study the course map and aid stations.
I love the LA Marathon course! I’m a California girl through and through so I appreciate all the different areas of Los Angeles the course covers.
Enjoy the only time you’ll see the normally traffic jammed streets open to RUN!
Take a picture of the Hollywood sign.
And most importantly, know where the aid stations are so you can fuel appropriately. If you have a sensitive stomach bring your own solid fuel (gus, energy bars, etc) and drink water on the course.
Bonus: Have your spectators sign up for runner tracking so they know where you are on the course. Since it’s point to point it’s hard to see someone run by more than once. Runner tracking helps know where your person is out there.
4. Remember it’s Valentine’s Day!
This year the LA Marathon is on February 14th. So if you or your significant other is running the race all the hype of race weekend might push that lil fact out of your mind. Well, you’ve been reminded. Plan your Valentine’s Day celebrations before hand.
5. HAVE FUN!
You’re in SoCal. You’re running a race. Enjoy every second!!
Los Angeles Marathon Recap from last year
Thanks for sharing this last minute marathon tips. It is important to study the course map before the race to avoid confusion and to be also familiarize with the place. It is important to be physically fit also so that you can perform better in the race. Best of luck to you.
I was feeling pangs of regret for not running LA this year…..until the weather forecast came out with temps in the 80’s. Major props to everybody running LA on Sunday. I’ll be out there cheering on a few old friends!
Nope. I’m not running…..at all….:( I’ve got some sort of upper respiratory infection that might be pneumonia. Sidelined….Guess i’ll just eat too much chocolate instead.
When I get back into long distant events I intend to tick off some marathons one year and the LA one is on my west coast to do list. London -> Paris ->New York -> LA -> Then one in Asia!
I am not, but this race is on my bucket list for sure! I heard they moved it to accommodate the Olympic Trials. So next year maybe it’ll be back in March. It never seems to be moderate on the weekend of this race, it’s either sweltering or raining cats and dogs.
Running in the heat is tough! I’d take the rain any day; even for 26.2 miles.
I do love California, this race seems like it would be a ton of fun! Especially if the weather is a little cooler.
elainea
toast the girl almighty
i’m not running on sunday, but i am watching the trials on saturady. should be a good weekend of racing!
me too! so excited!
i haven’t run any races in California but it’s on my bucket list, so maybe i’ll check out an LA half or full one day. looks like a fun race.