Los Angeles Marathon Training Plans

The L.A. Marathon is known less as a fast, PR-friendly course and more of a course that allows you to enjoy the landmarks of downtown L.A., Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. True to its “Stadium to the Sea” nickname, the L.A. Marathon starts at Dodger Stadium. The race makes its way through four cities, and though the course is net downhill, it is still considered to be a hilly course. The route weaves past Chinatown’s Dragon Gate and the Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles before turning toward the sea. Many of the hills come early in the race between miles 3 and 6, as you make your way out of downtown L.A. toward Echo Park. CTP’s customized L.A. Marathon training plan gets you ready to tackle the first set of hills mindfully, making sure to conserve your strength for the many miles ahead.

The next few miles are a chance to get some steady, fast miles under your belt as you take a running tour of Los Angeles. You’ll pass the Capitol Records Tower, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre as you make your way through Silverlake, Los Feliz, and Thai Town toward the Sunset Strip. If you opt to prepare for the race using a free marathon training plan, keep in mind that a typical free marathon training schedule online is created for an average runner on an average course. An L.A. Marathon training plan from CTP helps you train for specific course features so you have enough gas left in the tank for the second half.

Just after the marathon’s halfway point near the Chateau Marmont, runners descend into West Hollywood. However, you must be prepared for the long, gradual uphill to the 405 at mile 20. Our L.A. Marathon training schedule helps you build strength and endurance so you can face race-specific features like the 405 climb with confidence. When you train with an L.A. marathon training plan from CTP, you’ll have enough energy left to take advantage of the long downhill toward the finish line near the Santa Monica Pier so you can finish strong.

Free marathon training plans don’t consider your current level of fitness, any previous running and racing experience, or the L.A. Marathon’s unique route. Customized Training Plans is here to give you a more thoughtful path toward race day. Our plans give beginners the chance to avoid injuries and increase their fitness steadily and help more experienced long-distance racers to set new PRs and increase endurance. When you’re ready to start preparing the right way, get your L.A. Marathon training plan here.