The Los Angeles Marathon is not only for people ready to run 26.2 miles. Race weekend includes a free public expo, an all-abilities 5K and a short Kids Run designed for young runners. Families can participate, cheer or simply enjoy the citywide energy without committing to the full marathon.

The 2027 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon takes place Sunday, March 7, with family-focused activities at Dodger Stadium on Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6. Because schedules and road closures affect a large part of Los Angeles, planning ahead matters whether someone in your family is racing or watching.

2027 Los Angeles Marathon Weekend Quick Facts

• Friday, March 5: Lifestyle Expo and bib pickup from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Dodger Stadium, Lot G.

• Saturday, March 6: LA 5K starts at 8 a.m. at Dodger Stadium.

• Saturday, March 6: LA Kids Run corrals open at 9:30 a.m.; the first age-group wave begins at approximately 9:45 a.m.

• Saturday, March 6: Lifestyle Expo and bib pickup from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dodger Stadium, Lot G.

• Sunday, March 7: ASICS Los Angeles Marathon full field starts at 7 a.m.

• Sunday, March 7: Charity Half Marathon starts at 8:15 a.m.

• Schedule note: Organizers state that times and locations are subject to change.

Check the current schedule on the official Los Angeles Marathon race-weekend page.

LA Kids Run: The Most Accessible Starting Point

The LA Kids Run is recommended for children ages 3 through 8. The point-to-point course is about one-half kilometer, beginning at the marathon start line and ending near the LA 5K finish area at Dodger Stadium. Registered children receive a bib, shirt and finisher medal.

Children run in age-group waves, beginning with ages 7–8 at approximately 9:45 a.m. and continuing every five minutes through the age-3 wave. Parents may run with their child, and organizers encourage an adult to accompany children age 6 and younger. Only one parent per child may enter the start corral, and the adult must have the matching parent bib.

Important Kids Run Safety Details

• Write a parent’s mobile number on the back of the child’s bib.

• Decide before the race whether the adult will run or meet the child in the reunion corral.

• Children running alone should understand that they must wait in the secured reunion area.

• Keep the duplicate parent bib; it is used when reuniting with the child.

• Pick up the child’s bib by 9:15 a.m. on race morning if it was not collected Friday.

• Have children lined up at least 15 minutes before their wave.

Registration instructions and updates are available on the official LA Kids Run page.

LA 5K: A Family-Friendly Race for Older Kids and Adults

The LA 5K begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and starts and finishes near Dodger Stadium, with a route through Elysian Park. It is open to runners and walkers of different abilities, making it a more approachable choice for teens, active families and relatives who want to participate in marathon weekend without the marathon distance.

Do not assume that every child is ready for a 5K simply because walking is allowed. Consider the hills, early start, weather and your child’s experience. A practice walk of similar distance before registration can answer that question better than enthusiasm alone.

Review course information and current participant rules on the official LA 5K course page.

The Lifestyle Expo Is Open to the Public

The two-day Lifestyle Expo at Dodger Stadium is free to attend and can be a low-commitment way for children to experience race weekend. Families can see running and fitness exhibitors, watch participants collect their bibs and talk about what goes into preparing for a large race.

Friday may be easier for families who want more time and fewer Saturday obligations. If your household has a marathon runner, remember that bib pickup is a task—not the ideal moment to browse every booth with tired children. Decide beforehand whether the family is exploring together or helping the runner get in and out efficiently.

Watching the Marathon With Children

Spectating can be exciting, but it also involves early hours, blocked streets, crowds and a great deal of waiting. Choose one viewing location, learn how you will reach it without crossing the race route and set a backup meeting plan in case mobile service becomes slow.

• Use public transportation when practical and check service changes.

• Bring water, simple snacks, sunscreen and layers.

• Pack a small activity for waiting periods.

• Write contact information for young children and photograph what they are wearing.

• Use hearing protection if your child is sensitive to amplified music or cheering.

• Do not promise that you will see your runner unless you have agreed on an exact side of the street and landmark.

• Check official road-closure and parking information shortly before race day.

Running for a Cause

The marathon’s charity-partner program has expanded to 194 nonprofit organizations for 2027. The organizer reports that the partner roster itself has reached capacity, but runners can still explore participating charity teams and their individual fundraising opportunities. Requirements and availability vary by organization.

Families can use this part of the weekend to talk about how physical activity and community fundraising connect. Older children may enjoy helping a runner choose a cause, make a sign or set a small fundraising goal.

A Simple Family Plan for Saturday

• Arrive early enough for parking, security and restroom stops.

• Run or cheer at the 8 a.m. LA 5K.

• Move to the Kids Run area before corrals open at 9:30 a.m.

• Complete the parent-bib and reunion plan before the child enters the corral.

• Visit the expo after the races only if everyone still has energy.

• Leave extra time when exiting Dodger Stadium.

Registration and Schedule Changes

Registration prices can increase, and race policies generally do not allow refunds, transfers or deferrals. Read the terms carefully before registering a child or adult. The event also notes that schedules and locations can change, so recheck the official pages during race week.

For registration options, participant benefits and the latest updates, visit the official 2027 Los Angeles Marathon registration page.

Bottom Line for Families

Marathon weekend can be a memorable family event without anyone in your household running the marathon. The Kids Run offers young children a short, structured race; the 5K welcomes older participants and walkers; and the expo gives curious families a free way to see the event from behind the scenes. Pick the piece that matches your children’s ages and energy, then keep the plan simple.

Cover image courtesy of the McCourt Foundation and the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon.

About the Author

Angela M. Cantoni is the founder and editor of FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® and a longtime Los Angeles parent who helps families find worthwhile things to do together.