2026 Long Beach Marathon - Oct 11

2026 Long Beach Marathon - Oct 11 Countdown

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Race Information

Race2026 Long Beach Marathon - Oct 11
CityLong Beach
Date2026-10-11 at 05:30
Field Size~4,722 runners
Time Limit7 hours 30 min
TimezoneAmerica/Los_Angeles
Official SiteMOTIV Sports
RegistrationRegister

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature17°C / 63°F
Humidity75%
Wind11 km/h
Rain Chance5%
Typical ConditionsMild coastal SoCal morning, often a marine layer at the start

What to Prepare: Mid-October in Long Beach is warm-coastal rather than cold: a 5:30 a.m. start often begins under a gray marine layer near 61°F / 16°C with high humidity off the Pacific, then burns off and climbs into the upper 60s–70s°F (around 20–24°C) by late morning. There is little chance of rain. The humid early air and rising late-morning sun matter more than cold here — start hydrated, carry your own electrolytes, and don't be fooled by the cool, foggy gun into going out too hard.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 11 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Course Profile

Course TypeCity + coastal loop
Elevation Gain143m
TerrainRoad (downtown streets, beach path, and waterfront)
ProfileA flat, fast, sea-level course built for PRs and Boston qualifiers, hugging the Pacific shoreline for much of its 26.2 miles. Runners start downtown, pass the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village, then follow the scenic beach path along the ocean through Belmont Shore and Marine Stadium before a loop around the Cal State Long Beach campus. Total climbing is only about +470 ft (143 m) against -462 ft of descent — essentially net-flat, one of the lowest elevation profiles you will find on a 26.2-mile course. USATF-certified and an official Boston qualifier, with warm Southern California October weather as the main variable rather than the terrain.
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2026 Long Beach Marathon - Oct 11

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Featured In

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 Long Beach Marathon and what time does it start?

The 2026 Long Beach Marathon is on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with the full marathon starting at 5:30 a.m. PT. It anchors a two-day race weekend (October 10–11) that also includes the half marathon, the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K, and a bike tour.

How do you register for the Long Beach Marathon, and how much does it cost?

Entry is open registration (no lottery) through Active.com, linked from the official site at runlongbeach.com, on a tiered schedule that rises as race day nears — so the earliest pricing is the cheapest. All fees are non-refundable. Watch the official site and email list for early-bird and promo-code discount windows, which are the usual way to save on entry.

What is the Long Beach Marathon course like and what does the route cover?

It is a flat, scenic coastal course along the Pacific. You start downtown, pass the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village, then run the beach path along the ocean through Belmont Shore and Marine Stadium before looping the Cal State Long Beach campus and finishing back downtown. Much of the route is right on the waterfront, which is why it is known for ocean views.

Is the Long Beach Marathon flat, and how much elevation gain is there?

Yes — it is famously flat and sea-level. Total climbing is only about +470 ft (143 m) against roughly -462 ft of descent, making it essentially net-flat and one of the lowest-elevation 26.2-mile courses you will find. There is no significant hill, which is exactly why runners pick it for a fast time or a Boston-qualifying attempt.

Is the Long Beach Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. The course is USATF-certified and an official Boston qualifier, and its flat, sea-level profile makes it one of the more PR-friendly fall marathons on the West Coast. Check the time you need with our Boston Qualifying Calculator before you set a pace plan.

What is the time limit for the Long Beach Marathon?

The full marathon has a 7-hour-30-minute course limit, which works out to about a 17-minute-per-mile pace. Runners who fall behind that pace may be directed to the sweep vehicle as the course begins to reopen, so plan to hold the cutoff pace throughout.

Where do I park and how do I get to the start?

The start, finish, and expo are all in downtown Long Beach around the Convention Center and Shoreline area, where several public parking structures and lots are available (arrive early on race morning as they fill). The downtown Metro A Line light rail and rideshare drop-offs are practical alternatives to driving. Check the official site for the current race-weekend parking map and any road closures.

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