The 40th Skechers Los Angeles Marathon is set for Sunday, March 16, 2025, starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing near the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).[1][2]

Organizers have introduced a one-time option allowing runners who are struggling to end their race at the 18-mile marker, where they can collect a finisher's medal and any earned challenge medals without completing the full 26.2 miles (42.195 km).[3][4]

"If you're having a tough day and want to end your race before 26.2, you can choose to take the turn at Mile 18 and head into the finish line early," states the McCourt Foundation, which oversees the event, on its website. "You do not need to notify anyone of your decision and can opt to take this route at any time."[3]

Runners choosing this route will have their official results updated later to reflect their time and mileage up to that point, the foundation added.[3][4]

The policy responds to forecasted high temperatures of up to 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius) in the Los Angeles area on race day.[2][5]

Treat Public Relations, managing communications for the marathon, told Runner's World that weather monitoring with the Los Angeles Fire Department and National Weather Service began 10 days prior, with alerts about warmer conditions issued earlier in the week.[4]

"Our weather conversations have been ongoing… This was earlier this week that the team was alerted about the warmer temperatures… [and] we communicated to our runners about how they could have a safe race day," said Meg Treat.[4]

The early opt-out is available only for the 2025 edition amid heat concerns, with marathon organizers having adjusted start times or canceled events in past years due to extreme conditions.[1][3]

The decision has sparked discussion on social media, including some criticism.[2]

Sources

1. Organization for the Skechers Los Angeles Marathon. "Event Information." Accessed March 15, 2025. https://www.lamarathon.com/event-information/
2. Fox News. "LA Marathon organizers made a head-scratching decision to reward runners..." March 15, 2025. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/la-marathon-organizers-reward-runners-tough-day-18-miles
3. McCourt Foundation. "Race Day Information - Early Finish Option." Accessed March 15, 2025. https://mccourtfoundationla.org/la-marathon-race-info/
4. Runner's World. "LA Marathon Lets Runners DNF at Mile 18 and Still Get a Medal." March 14, 2025. https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a60237894/la-marathon-dnf-mile-18-medal/
5. National Weather Service. "Los Angeles, CA Weather Forecast." Accessed March 15, 2025. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.0522&lon=-118.2437