Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The JetBlue Long Beach Marathon is a flat, fast course through the Southern California port city, running along its waterfront, harbor, and marina. The level terrain and mild oceanside climate make it an accessible personal-best target with smooth, well-organized roads. Held in October, it typically offers pleasant coastal conditions, with sun and sea breeze the main variables. The shoreline setting gives the course a relaxed, scenic character. It suits runners who want a flat, breezy coastal race in a laid-back Southern California setting.
Course Insight
Long Beach is a flat, coastal October marathon along the Southern California waterfront, fast on level ground with warmth as its main variable. The flatness leaves pacing discipline to you on the open early miles. Sun and a sea breeze are worth managing with steady fluids. The shoreline setting is scenic and breezy. Pace it evenly and the flat coastal route delivers a clean day.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 132m
- Elevation loss
- 131m
- Highest point
- 25m
- Lowest point
- 2m
- Net elevation
- +1m
- Start
- Shoreline Drive and Shoreline Village Drive
- Cutoff time
- 7h 30m
Race History
The JetBlue Long Beach Marathon was first held in 1984, a flat, fast course through the Southern California port city along its waterfront, harbor, and marina. Its level terrain and mild oceanside climate made it an accessible personal-best target. From its founding it grew into a popular regional event. Held each October, it draws a field to the coastal city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Long Beach (LGB), Los Angeles (LAX) & John Wayne (SNA)
- Best area to stay
- The downtown waterfront for proximity to the route, the marina at Shoreline for scenic stays, and Belmont Shore for charming, quieter options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is downtown near the waterfront; walk from downtown hotels or take the Metro to a central stop.