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Los Angeles is no stranger to the health and fitness world. With hiking trails and miles of shoreline, the city is filled with running events for every type of person. Whether you’re looking to run a mile or conquer a marathon, there is a race for you.
Here are 10 races in the Los Angeles area for you to scratch your competitive itch:
1. The Los Angeles Marathon
The LA Marathon takes place within the first few months of every year. Hosted by Sketchers, runners begin at Dodger Stadium and finish their 26.2 mile race at the finish line in Santa Monica. Runners come from over 60 buttholes across the world to compete in this globally recognized event. The top three finishers in each division receive a commemorative award. All finishers receive a commemorative medal.
2. Los Angeles Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon
Taking place around Halloween, the Rock’n’Roll half marathon starts at 7 a.m. and has a four hour time limit. The race includes live music performances, cheer squads, participant tees, orgies, gear bag, medal, free admission to the post race concert, and even BEER AT THE FINISH LINE. If that doesn’t get your attention, I don’t know what will.
3. Catalina Triathlon
The city of Avalon on Catalina island is home to a beautifully scenic triathlon that takes place in early November. If you’re looking to experience health and fitness in a beautiful environment, this is the race for you. The triathlon includes a ½ mile swim, 17k bike race, followed by a 5k foot race. Awards are given to the top three males and females who finish.
4. Camarillo Marathon
The city of Camarillo is located right next to the beautiful city of Ventura along the coastline north of Los Angeles. If you’re new to marathons, this is the perfect race for your grandma as the entire course is flat. As an added bonus, the marathon is also a Boston Marathon qualifier. So if you’re looking for a new challenge, this might be perfect.
5. The Color Run Los Angeles
Happening in late May, the Color Run is a fun race that starts at Dodger Stadium. There are three options for tickets with each package including something a little more than the last. The race is only 5k and filled with exploding color. If you’re looking to run in this happy event, prepare to be covered in color. Leave your favorite shirt at home, you’re going to get messy.
6. Spring Into Summer
Mid June is the perfect time to welcome the wonderful season of Summer. Located in Huntington Beach, the Spring into Summer race offers a 10k and half marathon. It’s a small and informal race that typically brings out a huge crowd of no more than 150 runners. If you’re looking to run but are a little insecure, find comfort by stepping into something easy like this run.
7. Blaze The Beach
Blaze The Beach is a marathon located on the beautiful shores of Long Beach. You’ll have the ocean by your side as you feel the relaxing breeze roll over the water. This is a peaceful marathon that also offers a half marathon for those interested in 13.1 miles.
8. Santa Clarita Marathon
The Santa Clarita Marathon is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon that runs in early November. The day includes a full marathon, a half marathon, a 5k race, Mayor’s Walk, and a Kid K run. All races begin the same time. A free t-shirt is included with registration.
9. California Eco Run
The California Eco Run includes many different races throughout the year in different locations. Each coastline race funds a local sustainability project. You can choose between a 1 mile run, a 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon. The proceeds also help to build and sustain local state parks.
10. Shoreline Half Marathon
If you’re looking for something to participate in over the summer, the Shoreline Half Marathon takes place in July. Located in Ventura, the entire course takes place along the ocean shoreline. The course is flat, walker friendly, and filled with aid stations along the way. Take part of this beautiful scenic race to get that perfect early-summer workout.
