Marathon season is officially upon us, and this year, three major cities—Los Angeles, Stuart, and Little Rock—are pulling out all the stops to ensure their signature races go off without a hitch. From the sprawling streets of Southern California to the scenic coastal routes of Florida and the bustling heart of Arkansas, runners and organizers alike are gearing up for what promises to be a memorable stretch of competition, community, and celebration.
In Los Angeles, anticipation is building for the 2026 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, set to take place on Sunday, March 8. More than 26,000 runners are expected to converge on the city, weaving their way from the iconic Dodger Stadium all the way to Avenue of the Stars in Century City—a 26.2-mile journey that captures the essence of L.A.'s diverse neighborhoods and legendary landmarks. But before the first runner crosses the starting line, a different kind of race has been underway: the sprint to repair and prepare the marathon route following a series of heavy rainstorms that battered the region in recent weeks.
"The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon operations team works closely with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, which drove and inspected the course late last week," said Meg Treat, a spokeswoman for the marathon. "They did observe potholes along the route and sent a list of those discovered to the [Los Angeles] Bureau of Street Services, as well as the cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, with a request that they be fixed before race day. Our team is appreciative of their assistance in creating a clear and safe race course."
City officials have responded with urgency. The Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services confirmed that crews have been dispatched to fill potholes and repair major road defects along the marathon path. Dan Halden, a spokesman for the bureau, emphasized the proactive nature of the preparations: "The Bureau of Street Services is proactively inspecting, repairing potholes and scheduling large asphalt repairs on the L.A. Marathon route. We are proud to once again help in the preparations for this annual event." Residents are even encouraged to report any additional hazards they spot using the MyLA311 system, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, both key segments along the marathon route, have taken similar measures. Sheri Lunn, public information officer for West Hollywood, detailed their comprehensive approach: "Facilities and Field Services street maintenance staff conducts its own pre-inspection of the West Hollywood portion of the route two weeks out from the event day. This involves staff inspecting both directions of the road searching for potholes, large cracks, fissures and any other major defects in the roadway that may present as a hazard for participants of the event." Any issues found are addressed immediately, with cold mix asphalt, grinding, or concrete patchwork as needed.
For Beverly Hills, safety and community pride go hand in hand. Lauren Santillana, the city's public information manager, stated, "The city proactively patches its streets and repairs any reported potholes throughout the year to ensure safety for its community and large events such as the L.A. Marathon that runs through Beverly Hills." The city has also issued detailed notices about road closures and detours, making sure residents and businesses are prepared and can plan accordingly.
Mayor Sharona Nazarian of Beverly Hills captured the spirit of the event, remarking, "The Los Angeles Marathon is always an exciting moment for Beverly Hills. It brings people together. Residents, visitors and athletes all cheering on the runners and sharing the incredible energy. Right now, that sense of connection is especially powerful. Our city is prepared and ready as we clearly communicate with our community so everyone feels engaged. I’m looking forward being out there, welcoming the runners and celebrating what makes Beverly Hills special – community and unity."
Of course, the marathon is more than just a race—it's a citywide celebration. The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, organized by the McCourt Foundation, will also feature a two-day Lifestyle Expo on March 6 and 7 at Dodger Stadium’s Lot G. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the free expo invites the public to explore over 100 vendors and exhibitors, offering everything from running gear to wellness advice.
On the other side of the country, the Marathon of the Treasure Coast in Stuart, Florida, is gearing up for its own weekend of festivities. Scheduled for March 1, 2026, this premier coastal running event is known for its full marathon, half marathon, and relay options, drawing athletes from across Florida and beyond. This year, the race welcomes a new Signature Sponsor: Cleveland Clinic. The partnership underscores the event’s commitment to health, wellness, and community impact, with Cleveland Clinic set to provide on-course engagement and participant education.
"We are thrilled to welcome Cleveland Clinic as our Signature Sponsor," said Willie Savoie, Race Director of the Marathon of the Treasure Coast. "Their dedication to world-class care and preventive health aligns perfectly with our goal of delivering a safe, inspiring, and memorable race for every participant." The event, now in its thirteenth year and produced by Game On Race Events, is a celebration of fitness and the natural beauty of Florida’s Treasure Coast, supporting local partners and charities while fostering a vibrant, active community.
Meanwhile, Little Rock, Arkansas, is preparing to host thousands of runners for the 2026 Little Rock Marathon, which kicks off on Sunday, March 1, at 7:00 a.m. along LaHarpe Blvd. The marathon weekend begins even earlier, with an expo and packet pick-up at the State House Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, offering participants a chance to gear up and soak in the pre-race excitement. The city is bracing for a series of road closures starting Thursday, February 26, to accommodate the influx of runners and spectators. Streets like LaHarpe Blvd., Markham Street, Clinton Avenue, and several others will see rolling closures, with access restored progressively as the marathon winds through downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
For locals and visitors alike, these closures may pose some logistical challenges, but city officials are urging everyone to plan ahead and embrace the unique energy that marathon weekend brings. After all, it’s not every day that the city’s streets are transformed into a stage for endurance, determination, and community spirit.
As marathon season unfolds, one thing is clear: across Los Angeles, Stuart, and Little Rock, the focus is on safety, celebration, and the shared joy of running. Whether it’s patching up potholes in Hollywood, introducing new health partnerships in Florida, or closing down city streets in Arkansas, organizers are working tirelessly to create unforgettable experiences for runners and fans alike. With the starting guns set to fire in the coming days, all eyes are on the finish lines—and the stories that will unfold along the way.
With each city rallying its resources and communities, this year’s marathons promise not just athletic achievement, but a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people come together for a common goal. The countdown is nearly over, and the excitement is only just beginning.