Long Beach Marathon
Long Beach Marathon offers a scenic, fast course along the Pacific Ocean.
Race Date
Oct 11, 2026
Location
Long Beach, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Location
- Long Beach, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 180,701
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Long Beach Marathon, first run in 1999 and now in its 23rd edition, is a significant event in Southern California, drawing around 11,500 finishers annually. This growing race attracts participants from approximately 46 states, with a notable 25% repeat-runner rate, underscoring its established appeal.
The course is celebrated for its scenic beauty, taking runners from Downtown Long Beach past the historic Queen Mary and through Shoreline Village. A highlight is the stretch along the Pacific Ocean on a flat beach path, offering ocean views before the marathon course ventures toward Belmont Shore and Marine Stadium.
With typical race-day temperatures between 59-75°F and minimal precipitation, the Long Beach Marathon provides a favorable environment for achieving personal bests. The flat profile of the course, with minimal elevation change, makes it particularly attractive to those aiming for fast times or Boston Marathon qualifying marks.
Race-provided description
Come experience one of the most scenic events in California, “Run Long Beach”. Starting in Downtown Long Beach, runners head towards the historic Queen Mary and then through Shoreline Village. After running next to the Pacific Ocean on the flat beach path, half marathoners will continue down Ocean Boulevard while full marathoners veer right and head through Belmont Shore toward Marine Stadium.Event details and scheduleSecure your hotel room for race weekend from the Official Hotel Reservation Site!
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Quality Score
Standout8023 years running
~10,378 finishers a year
growing or steady
25% returning runners
2 timing sources
runners from 46 states
winner 1:03:53
typical high 75°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
75°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
79%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 180,701 finishers actually crossed the line across 23 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
180,701
Median time
2:29:46
Latest turnout
11,565
States
51
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
About the Organizer
Frequently asked
When is the Long Beach Marathon?
The Long Beach Marathon is held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM.
Where does the Long Beach Marathon take place?
It takes place in Long Beach, California.
What distances does the Long Beach Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Long Beach Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Long Beach Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Long Beach Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 180,701 runners who have completed the Long Beach Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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