The Honda LA Marathon (formerly the City of Los Angeles Marathon), inspired by the success of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, spans 26.219 miles and has been held every year since 1986. The 27th edition of the marathon is scheduled for March 18, 2012.

The Marathon's course starts near downtown LA with a net elevation drop of 430 feet, incorporating many iconic landmarks: historic Dodger Stadium, Chinatown, El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Park, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels. At mile 6, the course winds through the communities of Echo Park and Silver Lake before linking up to Sunset Boulevard, where it offers a picturesque view of the celebrated Hollywood sign. The course guides runners past such other notable Hollywood landmarks as the Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and the Sunset Strip. After leaving West Hollywood, the course wends through the heart of Beverly Hills and straight down Rodeo Drive, west to Century City along Historic Route 66 into the community of Brentwood. The final three miles in Santa Monica, along scenic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, conclude on Ocean Avenue near the famed Santa Monica Pier.

Attracting accomplished runners from around the globe, the LA Marathon offers a world-class competitive experience in the unrivaled diversity of the City Of Angels.

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  This Sunday, Val will be running the LA Marathon - and raising money for the United Service Organizations (USO).

  CLICK HERE to join Val's team or donate!

  The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at thousands of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors.