I have done the LA Marathon multiple times. I know I am biased as it is my hometown race but it is my all time favorite. The expo is the best I’ve ever seen (though the official merch this year was awful). Living here it is the only way to see so much of LA in one day and to see it on foot is so amazing. The course is tough toward the end but if you pace yourself it’s not bad. The finish festival is always stellar.

This race is no frills but is ideal for getting that BQ. The elite water stop is so key and the volunteers are stellar. I thought the loops would get to me but really it was helpful as I had my husband on one end and my parents in the other. That way I had my own personal crew every 1.5(ish) miles. I would do this race over and over again!

I have done the international and US only half and love them both. The water stops are great because they have signs saying how much further to the next stop which is helpful. The people of Detroit really come out to support. Some of the best swag around! Plenty of parking and great places to eat and hang out after the race.