Long Beach Marathon Returns Oct. 5-6, 2024
For the 40th 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 takes place over two days, Oct. 5 and 6. Along with the 26.2-mile marathon itself, there are other intriguing events that 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 having a flat marathon course, ideal if you’re 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), $15.
–City Place Shopping Center (50 E 6th Street), $12.
–Pike Outlets Parking Garage (65 Cedar Ave), $15.
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
Saturday, October 5, the Aquarium of the Pacific 5k begins and ends at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Minor road closures will be in place from 8am-9:30am. Impacted roads include, but not limited to, Shoreline Dr, Queensway Bridge and Queensway Dr.
Sunday, October 6, the marathon & bike event will begin at 6am, starting in Downtown Long Beach and ending on Ocean Boulevard. The half marathon starts at 7:00am. Road closures will be in place from 5am-2pm. Impacted roads include, but 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.
