Whether you’re pounding the pavement or cheering from the sidelines this Sunday, the 2024 LA Marathon will offer an epic tour through the iconic heart of Los Angeles. For runners, these legendary landmarks will fuel your stride and keep you motivated to conquer all 26.2 miles. For spectators, get ready to experience the real LA, up close and personal, as you soak in all the gritty, gleaming glamor and star-studded legacy. The office at Smith & Berg Partners has had a ring-side Marathon seat for many years, so here’s a rundown of some of the can’t-miss landmarks on the LA Marathon course.
Featured photo: LA Times
1. Dodger Stadium (Mile 3)
Nothing screams LA like Dodger Stadium. As you post up or cruise by this baseball mecca, you’ll feel the electric energy of a million memories made under the bright lights and the roar of devoted fans cheering on their Boys in Blue. Pro tip: order a Dodger Dog while you’re in its [delicious] vicinity — just maybe not if you’re running.
Photo: Josh Fuhrman // @abovelosangeles
2. Chinatown Dragon Gate (Mile 7)
This ain't your average gateway arch. Found at the intersection of North Broadway and Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, the iconic Chinatown Dragon Gate is your portal into a cultural kaleidoscope. Breathe in the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant neighborhood as you make your way through.
FUN CHINATOWN FACT: F. Ron, Tracy, Evan, and Brandon Smith have spent decades eating at Yang Chow, which opened in the heart of Chinatown in 1977. Located beneath the Bing Wong Hotel, Yang Chow was started by five brothers who named the restaurant after their hometown. A 1980's LA Times article highlighting the restaurant’s signature dish, Slippery Shrimp, put Yang Chow on the map as a Chinatown must-visit.
Photo: Trip Savvy
3. Echo Park Lake (Mile 10)
Need a breather from the concrete jungle? Echo Park Lake is a lush, green oasis that'll give your soul a refreshing pause. Whether running or spectating, take in the serene views and peaceful vibes before tackling or watching the next stretch.
4. Capitol Records Building (Mile 13)
Designed by Louis Naidorf of Welton Becket Associates in 1965, the legendary Capitol Records Building has been the beacon of the entertainment biz for ages, blasting hits and making stars out of artists like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, The Beach Boys, and so many more.
5. Hollywood Walk of Fame (Mile 15)
Footprints to follow and handprints to high-five — that's what's in store as you stride along the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Spot your favorite stars and channel their fame-fueled energy as you walk or jog its 15 impressive blocks along Hollywood Boulevard.
6. Musso & Frank Grill (Mile 17)
This LA classic, with its historic red booths and wood paneling, has been a go-to since the golden age of Hollywood — aka 1919. As you roll by Musso & Frank, you can almost hear the clink of glasses and the buzz of Tinseltown's elite swapping stories over Musso's famed martinis (served with a sidecar on chilled ice) and late-night eats. Our go-to on the SBP team? Bone-in ribeye with bearnaise on the side and NY Cheesecake.
Photo: Secret Los Angeles
7. TCL Chinese Theater (Mile 20)
The marathon gets an extra dose of glitz and glam when you hit this historic movie palace that dates back to 1927. Prepare to be dazzled by the jaw-dropping architecture and A-lister handprints that turned every premiere into a movie-worthy affair at the TCL Chinese Theater, casually known as Grauman’s. 
8. Chateau Marmont (Mile 22)
If only these walls could talk. The lavish yet bohemian Chateau Marmont has hosted some of the wildest nights and biggest names in Hollywood history. Whether you set up shop along the sidewalk or huff and puff by, just try to imagine the star-studded bashes and secrets these svelte digs have witnessed since it opened in 1929. 
9. The Troubadour (Mile 24)
This tiny stage has commanded colossal talent for 67 years in West Hollywood, welcoming industry icons and up-and-comers alike to leave their mark on its legacy. Let the echoes of live performances from eras past keep your rhythm locked in and your cheering strong. 
10. Rodeo Drive (Finish Line)
You made it to the grand finale — a front-row view of the most luxurious stretch of real estate in LA. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is a shopper's nirvana, where eye-popping window displays, haute couture, and rare sports cars set the bar for opulent living. Runners, we think you deserve a little shopping spree post run.
BONUS STOP: SBP’s Brentwood Flagship Office (Mile 22)
A landmark in its own right, Smith & Berg Partners’ flagship office on San Vicente is a prime cheering section — mainly because you’ll be with us! Runners will cruise by our epic office space in San Vicente Plaza and get serious applause from our spirited group. “On Marathon day, we either hang out at the office or post up outside of Starbucks,” Director of Operations Courtney Welsh shares. “Inevitably, I always end up tearing up thinking about the preparation and commitment that went into this single act.”
