2018 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon: Stadium to the Sea

Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Marathon, Facebook
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On Sunday, March 18, thousands of runners will navigate their way from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica in the 33rd annual Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon. The iconic “Stadium to the Sea” course takes runners from Dodger Stadium to the endpoint near the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica. Runners pass many of L.A.’s world‐famous landmarks along the way, including Walt Disney Concert Hall, TCL Chinese Theatre, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and the Santa Monica Pier. Dozens of bands and over 500 local cheerleaders will entertain spectators and motivate runners. More than 24,000 runners from all 50 states and 63 countries are expected to participate in the race, which is one of the four largest marathons in the U.S. and one of the top 10 worldwide.

Health & Fitness Expo (March 16-17, 2018)

Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon booth at the Health & Fitness Expo
Los Angeles Marathon booth at the Health & Fitness Expo | Photo courtesy of Skechers

Each year, the Health & Fitness Expo hosts more than 120 exhibitors, featuring the latest designs in running gear and shoes, as well as cutting edge developments in sports, fitness and nutrition. In addition, the Expo is the home of Participant Packet Pick-Up for all marathon runners. Taking place in West Hall A at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the two-day Health & Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.

  • Friday, March 16 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 17 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

LA BIG 5K (March 17, 2018)

LA Big 5K finish line
Photo courtesy of LA Big 5K

Early on St. Patrick's Day, the day before the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon, people of all ages and abilities will take part in the LA BIG 5K at Dodger Stadium. Kicking off at 8 a.m., the family-friendly event features beautiful city views as the course takes participants through Elysian Park before a rewarding finish set against the backdrop of Dodger Stadium.

"STADIUM TO THE SEA" (March 18, 2018)

Map of L.A. Marathon Stadium to the Sea 2018 course
Map courtesy of L.A. Marathon

The Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon has one of the most spectacular courses of any marathon in the world, taking runners through some of L.A.'s most historic and beautiful neighborhoods. Read on for highlights of the iconic "Stadium to the Sea" course.

Downtown Los Angeles

Dodger Stadium | Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Marathon, Flickr

After starting the marathon at Dodger Stadium, runners will encounter Downtown L.A. landmarks in rapid succession over the next few miles, including Olvera Street, City Hall and the Twin Dragon Towers Gateway in Chinatown.

Hollywood

TLC Chinese Theatre | Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Marathon, Flickr

Once they’ve entered the Hollywood area, marathon participants run along Hollywood Boulevard, where thousands of people were gathered for the grand opening of Grauman's Chinese Theatre (now known as TCL Chinese Theatre) on May 18, 1927. The film that premiered that night was Cecil B. DeMille's The King of Kings, which was preceded by Glories of the Scriptures, a live prologue devised by master showman Sid Grauman. The theatre opened to the public the following day, May 19. Besides its Chinese design, the TCL Chinese Theatre’s most distinct feature are the nearly 200 Hollywood celebrity handprints, footprints and autographs in the concrete of the theater's famed Forecourt to the Stars. From Marilyn Monroe to Tom Hanks, Betty Grable’s legs to Jimmy Durante’s nose, Grauman helped Hollywood leave its impression on not only Los Angeles, but the world.

West Hollywood

Chateau Marmont | Photo courtesy of Keturah Stickann, Flickr

Next up on the Marathon course is the legendary Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, where the Chateau Marmont provides a secluded hideaway for its famous (and infamous) clientele. Built in 1927 and modeled after a royal residence in France's Loire Valley, the hotel’s sixty-three rooms, cottages and bungalows offer all of the comforts of home, accompanied by panoramic views of the city from its perch above Sunset Boulevard. Generations of artists, musicians, photographers, novelists and screenwriters have found inspiration at the Chateau, including Tim Burton, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Annie Leibovitz, Dorothy Parker, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hunter S. Thompson and Bruce Weber.

Beverly Hills

Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Marathon, Flickr

From West Hollywood, the Marathon course enters Beverly Hills and continues on Rodeo Drive, the famed shopping street known as the epicenter of luxury and fashion. Visitors from around the world stroll the three-block stretch of Rodeo Drive to experience over 100 exclusive boutiques, restaurants and hotels. As runners leave Beverly Hills and head towards historic Route 66, they’re greeted by hundreds of local cheerleaders making noise, encouraging them to keep going to the marathon's finish line. Cheer Alley is the Pep-Rally of the year, and features Middle and High School cheerleaders from Southern California.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier at sunset
Santa Monica Pier | Photo courtesy of Shabdro Photo, Flickr

The finish line of the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon is located at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and California Avenue in Santa Monica. Spectators are encouraged to head north of California Avenue along Ocean Avenue to welcome their runner as they get to the finish. Note that there will not be spectator access to Ocean Avenue south of California Avenue.

The Stadium to the Sea course ends just north of the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, home to Pacific Park amusement park; Heal The Bay Aquarium; a historic Carousel; plus restaurants, specialty shops/carts, and an old-fashioned soda fountain.

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