Los Angeles Marathon - Los Angeles Hotels .com

Begun in 1986, the Los Angeles Marathon has become one of the world's most well-attended marathons, with upwards of 1 million spectators and the 25,000-plus runners ranging from internationally recognized competitors to beginning marathoners. The fairly flat marathon route is 26.2 miles long and includes many of LA's distinctive districts and landmarks, such as Universal Studios, the Crenshaw district in South Central LA, the University of Southern California, Beverly Hills, and a myriad of cultural communities in Downtown LA.

Entertainment Centers are set up along the route that not only provide general services and good views of the race, but are also cultural festivals unto themselves with traditional performances, food, and arts offered by different ethnic communities in each neighborhood. At the end of the route, the Finish Line Festival offers more music, food, and entertainment from the beginning of the race at 8:00 a.m. and into the night.

For those who wish to participate in this early March marathon, it is important to register beforehand -- and registering before the end of December will ensure your name is printed with your number so onlookers can cheer you on by name.

URL: http://www.lamarathon.com