While Los Angeles is known around the globe for its laid back, chill lifestyle. The winter season seems to be the time when Los Angeles truly hits its stride. From the historic 10th anniversary celebration in Pasadena to the traditional firecrackers of Chinatown and the world-famous L.A. Marathon, the 2026 winter racing calendar is packed. Here is a consolidated look at the upcoming “Winter of Marathons”.
A Decade of Tradition at the Rose Bowl
Pasadena’s premier race returns on Sunday, January 18, 2026, marking a decade of running through the Crown City. Over 10,000 participants are expected to tackle scenic routes that start and finish at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium. The Half Marathon and 5K courses offer a grand tour of landmarks including the Colorado Street Bridge, the historic corridors of Old Town Pasadena, and the prestigious Caltech campus. For families, the Kids Run invites children ages three to eight to enjoy a fun 1/2 km course that concludes right on the stadium’s legendary turf.
The energy continues long after the finish line at a lively post-race festival featuring food, music, and family-friendly entertainment. Runners age 21 and older can celebrate their achievement with a complimentary Michelob Ultra. Produced by The McCourt Foundation, the event directly supports the organization’s mission to cure neurological diseases and promote community wellness. Since its inception in 1992, the foundation has donated more than $6.7 million to neurology research and generated more than $76 million for over 125 nonprofit charity partners.
For those preparing for race weekend, bib pick-up begins Friday, January 16, at Rose Bowl Stadium Lot K from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A second pick-up window is available on Saturday, January 17, at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday also features a shakeout run hosted by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® and the LA Road Runners. On race day, Sunday, January 18, free shuttles and parking open at 4 a.m., with the main events starting at 7 a.m. and the Kids Run following at 10:45 a.m.
Culture and Competition at the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker
The “Year of the Horse” celebration brings one of the nation’s largest Lunar New Year charity runs to the heart of Chinatown on February 21 and 22. This massive weekend-long event kicks off at Los Angeles Chinatown Plaza with the traditional lighting of 100,000 firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune. The 5K route takes participants past the historic entrance of Dodger Stadium, while the challenging 10K course winds through the hills of Elysian Park, offering 180-degree views of the Los Angeles skyline. Both the 5K and 10K races start and finish in the heart of Chinatown, and all proceeds are reinvested into local schools and community non-profits.
The weekend schedule is packed with activities beyond the traditional runs. On Saturday, February 21, the event hosts 50-mile and 20-mile bike rides as well as the “PAW’er” Dog Walk for furry athletes. Sunday, February 22, serves as the main race day for the 5K, 10K, and the 1K Kiddie Run. This event remains a vital pillar of the Downtown Los Angeles community, blending athletic endurance with the rich cultural heritage of the neighborhood.
Record-Breaking Demand for the L.A. Marathon
The 2026 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon has officially sold out in record time for its 41st anniversary. Over 26,000 runners have claimed their spots for the “Stadium to the Stars” course (a.k.a. the official Marathon route), which begins at Dodger Stadium and reaches its grand finish on Avenue of the Stars in Century City. This marks the fastest sell-out in the event’s history, with maximum capacity reached more than two months before the March 8 race day. Stacy Embretson, the marathon’s vice president and race director, noted that the 26.2-mile distance is more popular than ever, stating that “Running is becoming an ‘it’ sport, which is reflected in all things connected to the marathon.”
While general entries are closed, those still wishing to participate can join the exclusive Charity Half Marathon by fundraising for Team TMF or one of over 100 official charity partners. Entries remain open for the LA 5K, which takes place at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, March 7, offering a family-friendly distance for all abilities. The weekend also features the LA Kids Run and a two-day Lifestyle Expo on March 6 and 7. The free expo attracts over 70,000 attendees and features 100 exhibitors alongside official race merchandise.
Whether you are sprinting through the Rose Bowl, navigating the hills of Elysian Park, or trekking the 26.2 miles to Century City, these events define the pulse of Los Angeles in the new year. This season of racing proves that the city’s spirit is moving faster than ever, turning local streets into a massive stage for health, heritage, and philanthropy. As thousands of athletes prepare to lace up their shoes, the “Winter of Marathons” stands as a testament to the strength and unity of our Southern California community.
