The Full Marathon starts next in Downtown Long Beach in the same spot that the Long Beach Grand Prix racecars start. Runners enjoy the sunrise while starting their journey through the 36th largest city in the United States. After a slight climb over the Queensway Bridge, runners circle the picturesque Shoreline Park Lighthouse and around Rainbow Harbor. A slight ocean breeze and cheering spectators greet runners as they pass by the start and finish Festival area at mile 6.5. Three miles next to the Pacific Ocean and a CLIF shot at mile 10 prepare full marathoners for the miles ahead, but not before a visit to the friendly Belmont Shore neighborhood. After passing The Split, runners head to Marine Stadium, pass Blair Field and Wilson High School and head to California State University, Long Beach. The campus is alive with cheerleaders, the CSULB band, sports teams, organizations and clubs, sororities and fraternities, faculty and the school Mascot, Prospector Pete. A quick 5K and a few minor hills on campus leaves runners with only 10K to go. Runners head back to Ocean Boulevard and make their way via a downhill finish to the Finish Line Festival where they are presented with their hard-earned medal and a full post-race festival with a great band, a beer garden, and plenty of food.

Long Beach Marathon

Post-Race Review/ Results

Lionel Avalos, 35, won the race for the second year in a row, crossing the finish line ahead of the pack in 2 hours 27 minutes and 57 seconds.

18K People Participate In Long Beach Marathon

Melissa Goode, 31, from Santa Barbara, won the women's race, finishing in 2 hours 58 minutes and 37 seconds; Lionel Avalos in 2 hours 27 minutes and 57 seconds.

Mexican Man, Santa Barbara Woman Win Long Beach Marathon

Fixing his sock may have been biggest challenge for winner

Leonel Avalos of Mexico was the men's champion with a tight time of 2:27:56.

Repeating Win at Long Beach Marathon is Little Problem for Avalos

Human Interest Story

The rain should taper off by Saturday afternoon and Sunday is expected to be partly cloudy or sunny for the Long Beach Marathon.

Marathon Summary

Marathon Results