Long Beach Marathon 2025: Your Guide To A Scenic Run!
Ready to push your limits and experience the thrill of a lifetime? The Long Beach Marathon, with its fast, flat course and breathtaking coastal views, is calling your name, promising an unforgettable journey for every runner.
The allure of the Long Beach Marathon extends far beyond the mere act of running. It's an experience, a celebration, a testament to human endurance and the spirit of community. This iconic event, set against the backdrop of the vibrant Southern California coastline, offers a unique blend of challenge and enjoyment, making it a must-do for both seasoned marathoners and those embarking on their first long-distance race. With options ranging from the full marathon to the 5k, along with a bike tour, there's a distance for every fitness level and ambition. Join the 2025 Long Beach Marathon on October 5, 2025, and discover why its a highlight on the running calendar.
| Event Name: | Long Beach Marathon |
| Date: | October 5, 2025 |
| Location: | Long Beach, CA |
| Distances Offered: | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k, Bike Tour, Virtual Races |
| Course: | Fast and Flat, Sea Level Elevation, Scenic Views |
| Key Features: | Oceanfront, Marina, Neighborhoods, Monuments, Vibrant Finish Festival |
| Start Location: | Intersection of Shoreline Drive and Linden Ave, Long Beach, CA |
| Past Participants: | Reported on Flat and Scenic Courses, Swag, Production, and Beach Cities Challenge |
| Legacy Runners: | Dedicated group of members in their 70s and 80s who have competed in all 37 marathons. |
| Boston Marathon Qualifiers: | 3.8% of finishers qualified in the previous year, and 8.9% the year prior |
| Race Records: | Information available on the official website |
| Registration Deadline: | When the race is full |
| Entry Fee: | $149 |
| Official Website for Reference: | runlongbeach.com |
The Long Beach Marathon, a fixture on the running calendar, has a rich history. For the 41st time, the event will weave its way through the city's streets and along the shoreline, showcasing the best of Long Beach. The marathon weekend is a comprehensive experience, including a series of races that span over two days, offering participants a chance to customize their racing experience. Whether youre aiming for a personal best or simply seeking to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow runners, the Long Beach Marathon has something to offer.
The course itself is a significant draw. Its reputation for being relatively flat and fast, with minimal elevation changes, makes it an attractive option for those chasing a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon or simply seeking a course conducive to a personal best. The route starts in the heart of downtown Long Beach, taking runners past iconic landmarks such as the historic Queen Mary and through the charming Shoreline Village. As they navigate the course, participants will enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean along the flat beach path before moving through the picturesque Belmont Shore. The combination of a challenging yet manageable course and the scenic beauty of Long Beach creates an unforgettable experience for all who participate.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Long Beach Marathon is a celebration of community and athleticism. The event welcomes runners from across the globe, drawing athletes from 32 different countries. The event also features Legacy Runners, dedicated individuals who have participated in the marathon for many years, embodying the enduring spirit of the race. Additionally, the event is inclusive, encouraging challenged athletes to contact the Long Beach Marathon team for specific accommodations and considerations, ensuring the event is accessible to all.
The atmosphere on race day is electric. The 40th annual Long Beach Marathon welcomes thousands of runners, creating a vibrant and enthusiastic environment. The start line, located at the intersection of Shoreline Drive and Linden Avenue, sets the stage for a day of challenge and triumph. In past events, the conditions have been favorable, with overcast skies, mild temperatures, and minimal wind, contributing to optimal running conditions. The course's design allows runners to experience diverse elements of Long Beach, from the bustling downtown area to the serene beachfront, providing a dynamic backdrop to the race.
The Long Beach Marathon isn't just a race; it's an event that captures and cherishes the spirit of endurance, community, and personal achievement. With the option to choose from marathon, half marathon, 5k, and bike tour distances, the race offers a range of challenges for athletes of every ability. Participants also have the opportunity to create their own combo of events, offering a unique and personalized experience.
The organizers ensure that the marathon weekend is well-planned and enjoyable, with attention given to all details, from the course layout to the amenities provided for participants. Runners can expect comprehensive race reports, access to ratings, photos, and videos from previous events, and a seamless registration process. The opportunity to save up to $10 with Active Advantage adds another incentive to participate.
Runners and spectators alike benefit from the organizational excellence and attention to detail that define the Long Beach Marathon. The event is designed not only to challenge athletes but also to create a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved. From the early planning stages through to the celebration at the finish line, the Long Beach Marathon team is dedicated to ensuring a successful and enjoyable event.
The long beach marathon has also seen an increase in participation over recent years. The 39th Long Beach Marathon attracted the largest fleet of runners since the pandemic, indicating a strong resurgence of interest in this popular event. Similarly, the 40th annual marathon saw an incredible turnout with over 22,000 runners taking over the city streets.
The race is also celebrated by the "Legacy Runners." These are a dedicated group whose members are in their 70s and 80s and have competed in almost every edition of the Long Beach Marathon. They represent the commitment and dedication to the event and are a testament to the long-lasting impact of the race within the community.
The Long Beach Marathon is more than just a race; it's a cultural celebration that attracts not just runners but also spectators. The vibrant finish festival adds to the excitement, making the event a memorable experience for everyone involved. The scenic views, closed roads, and enthusiastic atmosphere create a fantastic setting, promoting the joys of athleticism.
In addition to the marathon, the event includes various race distances, such as half marathons and 5ks. It caters to a wider range of participants, allowing individuals of different skill levels and goals to take part. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner looking to set a personal record or a beginner just wanting to experience the atmosphere of a race, the Long Beach Marathon provides an inclusive environment that invites everyone to participate. Those participating in their 10th consecutive Long Beach Marathon or half marathon will receive a special 10-year Beach Bum medal, and those continuing for 11 or more years will get an exclusive yearly pin. The race is also a great opportunity to create lasting memories.
For those interested in reliving or sharing their race day experiences, the marathon offers race photos through FinisherPix. They will be at each event to capture the runners memories. The FinisherPix photo pack includes all photos of the participant in all digital formats. For more information, to register, or to delve deeper into the Long Beach Marathon experience, visit the official race website and prepare to make history on October 5, 2025.
