01 / KNOW THE ROUTE
What the course asks of you
Enjoy the city one section at a time
The organiser calls the course Stadium to the Stars: a journey from Dodger Stadium through Los Angeles communities to Century City. Treat each change of setting as another manageable section, with a simple check of effort and posture before settling again.
Prepare for the finish you are actually running
The published finish is in Century City. Use the current organiser map to learn the broad shape of your route, then plan the journey after the race around that finish. Knowing where you are heading helps make both the run and the logistics feel more familiar.
02 / BUILD THE BLOCK
How to prepare
Build comfort on varied roads
Use suitable rolling roads for some easy and longer runs so changes of gradient feel ordinary. Let your stride fit the ground while keeping effort comfortable. Increase the hillier work gradually and recover before adding more.
Rehearse a flexible effort plan
On selected longer runs, practise judging the work from breathing and overall feel alongside your watch. When exposure or conditions change, adjust pace and settle again. That gives you a familiar process to use between different city sections.
Keep food and carrying arrangements simple
Test the breakfast, products and carrying setup you intend to use before travelling. Practise reaching fuel while running comfortably and resetting after a short drink stop. Use the longer runs to refine the routine one useful change at a time.
Bring the running and strength work into one place. Explore MaxMile for your Los Angeles Marathon preparation, or compare our personal coaching options.
03 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Pace the race you have trained for
Begin with an effort that lets you settle into the space and terrain around you. Enjoy the crowds and landmarks while keeping the rhythm you have rehearsed. Allow changes in gradient to shape the pace naturally.
As the day develops, keep the fuelling routine familiar and adjust effort to the conditions. Work through the route in manageable sections, then focus on a comfortable, purposeful final approach into Century City.
04 / MAKE ROOM FOR TRAINING
When should your block start?
A marathon-specific block often spans around 16 to 20 weeks, with consistent running already in place. Choose the length from your experience, current training and available time, and allow longer if you first need to establish a running base.
Once you have an entry, work backwards from your confirmed race day to place long runs, fuelling rehearsals, recovery and a taper. Plan travel and other commitments into the same calendar so the training fits the life around it.
05 / SORT THE PRACTICAL BITS
Kit and race-weekend planning
The start and finish are in different parts of Los Angeles. Use the organiser’s current shuttle, parking and start-area guidance to plan both journeys. Recheck collection and meeting arrangements with supporters against the published road closures.
Choose kit from your training experience and the actual forecast. Rehearse the way you carry fuel and drink before packing, and give yourself time for number collection and rest around the race.