Los Angeles Marathon Frequently Asked Questions

FOR RESIDENTS

How long will the streets be closed?

Eastbound San Vicente Blvd. and parts of Ocean Ave. will close starting at 9 p.m. with most other downtown street closures happening at 3 a.m. (see next question). Santa Monica Police Officers will reopen the streets after the majority of the race participants have finished. We anticipate most of San Vicente Blvd. will be completely reopened by 4 p.m. Ocean Ave. between San Vicente Blvd. and Moomat Ahiko Way will open at approximately 6 p.m. with the exception of Ocean Ave between Washington Ave. and Wilshire Blvd., which will remain closed until 9 p.m. For live updates on street closures and re-openings on race day, visit www.smgov.net/lamarathon

What streets will be closed?

San Vicente Blvd. will be closed to eastbound traffic along the entire length of San Vicente Blvd. between Ocean Ave. and 26th St. No vehicles will be allowed to cross San Vicente Blvd. in the northbound or southbound direction for the duration of the closure. Westbound travel will be maintained with left turn restrictions. Closures will begin on Sunday at midnight.

Ocean Ave. between Montana and Wilshire avenues will be closed to both northbound and southbound traffic beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Temporary No Parking signs will be posted along Ocean with the restrictions and impounding will begin at 9 p.m. on Saturday.

Ocean Ave. will be closed to both northbound and southbound traffic from San Vicente Blvd. to Moomat Ahiko Way. No vehicles will be allowed to enter Ocean Ave. from the westbound direction for the duration of the closure. Closures will begin at midnight.

Westbound Olympic Dr. will be closed between Main St. and 4th St. Eastbound and westbound Olympic Dr. will be closed between Ocean Ave. and Avenida Mazatlán. Closures will begin around 6 a.m. on Sunday.

Additional closures listed below will begin at 3 a.m. on Sunday:

  • Main St. will be closed from Pico Blvd. to Colorado Ave.
  • Colorado Ave. will be closed between 5th St. and 4th St.
  • 4th St. will be closed in both directions between Colorado Ave. and Broadway until noon
  • Southbound 2nd St. will be closed between Wilshire Blvd. and Colorado Ave. Northbound traffic will not be permitted to turn right at each intersection.

Northbound 5th St. will have left turn restrictions between Colorado Ave. and Arizona Ave and all traffic will be directed to Wilshire Blvd. to access the parking garages via 4th St. on Sunday.

Can I use the pedestrian bridges to get to the beach?

If people are walking on the sidewalk along the beach, they will not be able to cross the pedestrian bridges over Pacific Coast Highway to get into Palisades Park, all pedestrian bridges will be closed. and will be reopened when Ocean Ave. is reopened. In order to access Ocean, all pedestrians will need to use the Pier Bridge or streets south of Colorado.

I’m a resident. Who do I contact if I have a problem on the day of the race?

Normal service requests or complaints, including blocked driveways, noise or other non-life-threatening safety issues, should be directed to the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491.  As always, call 9-1-1 in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

Marathon-related issues should be directed to info@goconqur.com or (213) 542.3000.

What are the helicopters for?

Several helicopters will be tracking the race for news media and public safety purposes.  They are expected to enter Santa Monica at approximately 8:45 – 9:15 a.m.

l live and/or work along the race route. How will I get there and where will I park?

All streets, alleys, and driveways that intersect any portion of the race course will be closed to all traffic.  For those buildings directly abutting the race course (e.g., on the east side of Ocean Ave. or south side of San Vicente Blvd.) only pedestrian access along the sidewalk will be allowed.  Side streets and alleys will remain open for vehicle access to garages and/or pedestrian access to alternate building entrances, if available. On-street parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on side streets. Please see street closures section for additional information.

I live/work near the race route. Will my neighborhood be flooded with traffic?

The City is working with the marathon organizers to ensure that appropriate signage is placed well in advance of the race route designating streets for “Local Access Only.” Additional signage will be placed throughout the City directing spectators and participants towards the Downtown area.  Based on the experience of previous marathons, it is expected that the major focal point for spectators will occur near the finish line.

How do I get from NORTH of San Vicente to points SOUTH of San Vicente?

Travel west along San Vicente Blvd. and turn right at 7th St. or Ocean Ave. (northbound) to access the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

How do I get from points SOUTH of San Vicente to points NORTH of San Vicente?

I-405 to Sunset Blvd. or Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Channel Rd. is recommended as a means of crossing the race course to access points north of San Vicente Blvd.


Will the Main St. Farmers' Market be open?

The Santa Monica Farmers Markets will remain open as an option for local agricultural product onlyat this time. Any additional type of product such as prepared or prepackaged food and retail has been suspended effective immediately. The markets will also discontinue any non-essential programming such as entertainment and community activities. 
The Farmers Markets will be an option for shoppers to continue to have access to fresh produce in an open setting to maximize social distancing. All markets will continue offering CalFresh/EBT for low income shoppers to access healthy produce. The market's continuation of service will also minimize economic impacts to participating small Farmers, so they remain able to serve the market community in the months and years to come.
All vendors and customers are requested to avoid the market for non-essential visits, if ill, and if concerned of potential COVID-19 transmission. Market Staff is working to provide additional options for hand washing in addition to plumbed restrooms that are available on site. Any updates to market programming will be provided on both the City of Santa Monica & Santa Monica Farmers Market social media and website. (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @SMFMS)

How will public transportation be affected?

This year’s course will detour Big Blue Bus (BBB) Routes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, Rapid 12, 14, 17, and 18 from the start of service until approximately 4 p.m.

Metro will run enhanced service on the E (Expo) Line, meaning shorter time intervals on the day of event to meet ridership demand. Metro bus lines 4/704, 20/720, 33/733, and 534 will also be on detour.

To make taking transit to/from Santa Monica easier on race day, BBB and Metro will offer all transit service from a single Bus Hub at the 17th St/SMC E Line Station. All BBB service that operates in Santa Monica on Sunday will arrive/depart from the Bus Hub.

Getting To and From the Bus Hub

BBB customers can ride the Metro E Line between downtown Santa Monica and the Bus Hub on race day.

To Downtown Santa Monica

Catch the free Route 18 from the Bus Hub to Downtown Santa Monica. Buses will drop you off as far west as Lincoln Blvd.

To the Bus Hub

Catch the free Route 18 on Lincoln Blvd. between Montana Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd. to the Bus Hub.

Will the Los Angeles Marathon take place on March 8?

All Los Angeles Marathon weekend activities are scheduled to take place as planned. Here is information from the LA Marathon. Safety is always the City’s first priority and the LA Marathon’s operations team has been in regular dialogue with local authorities and monitoring developments related to all safety aspects of the Marathon including the coronavirus. For the latest news and updates related to the LA Marathon, please visit their website, lamarathon.com/news


FOR VISITORS

What is the Reunion Area?

The Santa Monica Police Department will set up a Reunion Area at the finish line, which visitors can enter after passing through security. The Reunion Area will be on Ocean Ave. stretching from Santa Monica Blvd. to Colorado Ave. Entry points will be at Broadway and Colorado Ave.

How can I get race-day information on traffic and parking?

Finish Line Map

Real-Time Parking Information: Santa Monica Parking ParkMe App ParkMe.com

Big Blue Bus Customer Service: (310) 451-5444

Big Blue Bus: bigbluebus.com/marathon

City of Santa Monica Twitter: twitter.com/santamonicacity

KRSM 1680 AM

CityTV Channel 16 (Verizon, Spectrum)

How can I help support the runners and the event?

The LA Marathon is a total community effort, and runners need support and encouragement at every mile!  Residents are welcome to visit the race route and cheer on the runners.  For those who’d like to a little more than cheer, there are many volunteer positions available to help with the pre-race dinner, water stations, finish line activities, clothing check and more. Visit the LA Marathon website for more information. 

Will there be bike valet services in Santa Monica?

Free bike valet services will be offered in three locations:

How do I access the reunion area? 

The Santa Monica Police Department will set up a Reunion Area at the finish line, which visitors can enter after passing through security. The Reunion Area will be on Ocean Ave stretching from Santa Monica Blvd to Colorado Ave.

Closest to the Finish Line

  • Closest to the finish line: Washington Ave. at 2nd St. from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Access via Washington Ave. or 2nd St.

Downtown

  • The Bike Center on Colorado Ave. at 2nd from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., first two hours free, $1 per hour after. Access via Broadway, Colorado Ave., Main St., or 2ndSt.

Main Street 

  • Main Street Farmers’ Market at 2640 Main St. from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Access via Main St. or Ocean Park Blvd.

Additionally, the Bike Center (at the corner of 2nd St. and Colorado Ave.) will offer secure bike valet from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. The first two hours at the Bike Center are free and $1 per hour after that.

Can I ride Shared Mobility Devices along the marathon route?

Shared Mobility Devices are not allowed anywhere on the race route, reunion area and within road closure areas.

There are seven designated shared mobility drop zones at the intersections:

  • Washington Ave. at 2nd St.
  • California Ave. at 2nd St.
  • Wilshire Blvd. at 2nd St.
  • Arizona Ave. at 2nd St.
  • Santa Monica Blvd. at 2nd St
  • Broadway at 2nd St.

Where can I find a Breeze Bike Share?

Bicycles at the following Breeze Bike Share stations along the race route will be temporarily removed: 

  • San Vicente Blvd. and Ocean Ave.
  • 4th St. and San Vicente Blvd.
  • Ocean Ave. and Montana.
  • Ocean Ave. and California Ave.

 For a complete list of Breeze Bike Share stations, please visit www.santamonicabikeshare.com.

Where can I park in Santa Monica on the day of the LA Marathon?

Parking is expected to be very limited in the City's public parking spaces with event rates, as well as private lots that choose to open to the public that day. Walking, biking and using public transportation options are strongly encouraged. View public transit options at www.bigbluebus.com and www.metro.net.

Vehicle parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in Downtown Santa Monica at city-owned and private parking facilities and at city-owned beach lots. Please use the our Finish Line map for locations and parking rates: www.santamonica.gov/marathon

The following guidelines will be in effect for all city-owned lots and structures on Sunday, March 8:

Midnight – 7 a.m. – Reserved parking for race participants only in the Civic Center Lots and Lot 4 South.  Lot 1 North and Lot 5 South will be open for un-reserved spectator parking. All other lots and structures will have normal operating hours.   Parking at on-street meters will be subject to normal regulations.

7 a.m. – Vehicles entering lots and structures will pay posted event rates, when applicable. No free Main Street Farmer’s Market parking in the beach lots that day.

In addition to city-owned facilities, the LA Marathon continues to work with additional private parking facility owners.

Real-time parking information for public on-street spaces, public off-street lots, and private lots open for public parking is now available on your smartphone. Download the new Santa Monica Parking Powered by ParkMe app at www.ParkMe.com

What else is there to do in Santa Monica?

Looking to spend the entire day in Santa Monica? Visit Santa Monica Travel and Tourism to explore the many things to do in Santa Monica.

What's going on after the Marathon?  Can I attend? 

The Promenade will be open for normal business on Sunday, March 8. Santa Monica residents, running or not, are welcome at the Finish Line Fesitval on the Promenade between Santa Monica Blvd. and Wilshire. Join us to celebrate the runners. There will be a number of exhibitors, live music and other interactive exhibits for fans of all ages. 

Now that we’ve answered all of your questions, we’d like to know how we can improve residents’ experience with this exciting event for next year. Please send your comments to communications@smgov.net


FOR RUNNERS

Where is the Reunion Area and Finish Festival? 

Once runners cross the Finish Line, they will enter the Runner Secured Finish Zone, which is closed to the non-credentialed public. The Runner Secured Finish Zone is located on Ocean Ave from California Ave to Santa Monica Blvd. The Finish Festival is on the Third Street Promenade between Santa Monica Blvd. and Wilshire. The Festival is home to the Beer Garden, music, and other fun entertainment.

Where can I park my bike?

Bike parking for marathon participants is available in the Civic Center Parking Structure, located at 333 Civic Center Drive at 4th St.  There are approximately 16 free Bike Lockers available with 24-hour access for a maximum parking duration of 48 hours. Patrons must supply their own padlocks or disc locks. There are also many on-street bike racks located throughout the Downtown and Civic Center areas, including many on the east side of Ocean Avenue between Colorado Avenue and Pico Boulevard. Be sure to use a secure U-lock when locking your bike.

Ride BBB for free with your bib on race day!

BBB’s Customer Service line will be open for customers who have questions at (310) 451-5444. For more information visit bigbluebus.com/marathon.

Where can I park my car?

Vehicle parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in Downtown Santa Monica at city-owned and private parking facilities and at city-owned beach lots. Please use our Finish Line map for locations and parking rates: www.santamonica.gov/marathon

The following guidelines will be in effect for all city-owned lots and structures on Sunday, March 8:

Midnight – 7 a.m. – Reserved parking for race participants only in the Civic Center Lots and Lot 4 South.  Lot 1 North and Lot 5 South will be open for un-reserved spectator parking. All other lots and structures will have normal operating hours.   Parking at on-street meters will be subject to normal regulations.

7 a.m. – Vehicles entering lots and structures will pay posted event rates, when applicable. No free Main Street Farmer’s Market parking in the beach lots that day.

In addition to city-owned facilities, the LA Marathon continues to work with additional private parking facility owners.

Real-time parking information for public on-street spaces, public off-street lots, and private lots open for public parking is now available on your smartphone. Download the new Santa Monica Parking Powered by ParkMe app at www.ParkMe.com

Where can I pick up a marathon runner?  

Pick-up area for runners will be along the eastside of 5th St between Broadway and Wilshire Blvd. City message boards will direct vehicles to this location from the freeway off-ramp. The 5th St pick-up location should be considered similar to an airport arrivals terminal.  The length of 5th St on the eastside between Broadway and Wilshire Blvd. will be signed “No Parking,” therefore, no parking or standing will be allowed at any time. Santa Monica Police will be enforcing the parking and stopping restrictions. 

To pick up a marathon runner, from I-10 westbound, exit Lincoln Blvd. or 4th/5th St. and follow signs and traffic service officers to available parking. Park your vehicle and meet your runner(s) at your pre-identified meeting point.

Anyone wanting to park or stand should do so in an available on-street parking space or off-street parking facility.  

Can I run in the Asics Los Angeles Marathon?

Of course, register early at the LA Marathon website. Proper training, nutrition and good overall physical health are necessary to complete the 26.2-mile course. Only registered runners may run the course – anyone without an LA Marathon bib will be directed off the course immediately.