Long Beach Marathon Returns Oct. 4-5, 2025
For the 41st time, the Long Beach Marathon will wind itself through the city’s streets and shoreline, showcasing the very best of the LBC. Marathon weekend includes a series of races that take place over two days, October 4 and 5.
Along with the 26.2-mile marathon itself, other intriguing events can be walked, run, and ridden. It’s all a celebration of what makes the International City so great: community, natural beauty, individual achievement, and a whole lot of fun. Here’s a rundown:
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC 5K
The course begins and ends at the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) and can be walked or run, making it a perfect race for all abilities. Besides receiving an aquarium-themed medal, 5K participants will also get access to the aquarium that morning at a discounted rate (registered participants will receive a link via email to secure a discount).
MARATHON
Long Beach has always been known for its flat marathon course, ideal for those looking to run a fast time or qualify for the Granddaddy of all road races: the Boston Marathon. This year’s race starts in Downtown Long Beach, heads by the Queen Mary, through Shoreline Village, along the beach path, through Belmont Shore, and around Cal State Long Beach before finishing on Ocean Boulevard.
HALF MARATHON
The half-marathon features a spectacular course, 90 percent of which has views of the Pacific Ocean. Flat? Its highest elevation is just 45 feet as it winds by the Pike, Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Lions Lighthouse, finishing above the ocean at the bluffs.
LONG BEACH COMBO
If you’re looking for an added challenge, register for a Long Beach Combo (LBC), i.e. participating in two events during the weekend. The available combinations are:
– Aquarium of the Pacific 5K/Bike Tour
– Aquarium of the Pacific 5K/Half Marathon
– Aquarium of the Pacific 5K/Marathon
– Bike Tour/Half Marathon
Those completing their combo will earn themselves an additional LBC medal!
PARKING
Parking for Sunday’s marathon, half-marathon, and bike tour is available in multiple lots around Downtown Long Beach:
- Long Beach Convention Center Parking (400 E Seaside Way), $30
- City Place Shopping Center (50 E 6th Street), $20
- Pike Outlets Parking Garage (65 Cedar Ave), $20
- Civic Center Garage (322 W. Broadway), $20
- 200 Pine Ave, $20
- Landmark Square (111 W Ocean Ave), $25
- Willow Street Station Park and Ride (2750 American Ave), Free
REGISTRATION
Many events are already sold out, but you can sign up for races and challenges here.
DROP OFF
The best place to drop runners off on race morning is near the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Linden Avenue (448 E Ocean Blvd). Participants can walk down Linden Avenue and cut through the Long Beach Arena parking lot to access Marina Green and the start line on East Shoreline Drive.
ROAD CLOSURES
On Saturday, October 4, the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K begins and ends at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Minor road closures will be in place from 8am to 9:30am. Impacted roads include, but are not limited to, Shoreline Dr, Queensway Bridge, and Queensway Dr.
Sunday, October 5, the marathon and bike event will begin at 5:30am, starting in Downtown Long Beach and ending on Ocean Boulevard. The half marathon begins at 7:00am. Road closures will be in effect from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Impacted roads include, but are not limited to, E Livingston Dr, Park Ave, E Anaheim St, Clark Ave, E Atherton St, Shoreline Dr, Queensway Bridge, and Queensway Dr.
To learn more, click here.
October 4 to October 5
Downtown Long Beach
E Shoreline Dr
Long Beach, California 90802
Website
Long Beach MarathonE Shoreline Dr
Long Beach, California 90802
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, California 90802
(562) 590-3100
Website
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, California 90802
