Certifications
USATF Certified
The Los Angeles Marathon is USATF certified and can be used as a qualifier for other events. For more information please visit www.usatf.org
Council for Responsible Sport Certified
The 2022 Los Angeles Marathon received Gold level certification from the Council for Responsible Sport. This is Los Angeles Marathon’s fourth certification, which marks it among the ten longest-standing certified events in the world. In 2022, we applied for re-certification to the Council for Responsible Sport, an organization that independently verifies the social and environmental initiatives of sports events. Our sustainability efforts will receive 3rd party verification, with data reported by Three Squares Inc. (2nd party) and verified by the Council for Responsible Sport (3rd party).
Rules
Event Entry & Registration Requirements
Unless entered through Students Run LA, participants must be 16 years or older on race day to enter. Participants 16-17 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian present to pick up the participant’s race bib and sign the Event waiver.
Any participant not entered through Students Run LA discovered to be under the age of 16 will be disqualified. Any parent or legal guardian who enters a person under the age of 16 and also participates in the race will be disqualified and banned from the race for a period of up to 2 years.
All participants must show a government-issued photo ID when picking up their own race number verifying that they are the individual to whom the race number is assigned. Race numbers must be picked up at the Health & Fitness Expo as specified in the written instructions provided to participants. No special arrangements will be made except for participants entered through the Start Line Hospitality program.
The age of a participant on the day of the race determines his or her age division. If, for any reason, an age verification is requested, a birth certificate or a U.S. passport will be required in addition to a government-issued photo ID.
Without exception all participants must agree to and sign the Event waiver.
Any participant seeking accommodation in respect to a disability must submit a written request to the following email address: solutions@mccourtfoundation.org. Click href="https://tmfoundation.myshopify.com/pages/awd-rules">here for the AWD Rules.
For participants competing in the Elite Open Division, these Rules are supplemented by the Event’s Elite Open Rules. Please contact our Elite Coordinator for a copy of these rules.
Race entry fees and ancillary purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable under any and all circumstances.
Race Numbers & Timing Chips
All participants must wear the officially issued race number bib registered to the wearer. Participant race number bibs are specific personal identifiers and may not be exchanged or transferred, given or sold to any other person. The sale and/or transfer of race entries/bibs is strictly prohibited.
Participants are responsible for verifying that their timing chip is working properly prior to the race and worn correctly during the race. Timing chips can be tested at the pickup location and any problems with the timing device must be addressed at the time of packet pick-up.
Race numbers must be pinned on the front of the participant’s shorts/singlet and must be conspicuously visible at all times while on the race course. Participants who can’t be verified as they pass through official race photography and/or other check points due to missing or obscured race numbers may be determined to have cut the course and removed from the results or disqualified. Race numbers may not be altered, folded or cut.
Any person (1) wearing a counterfeit or copied race number bib or allowing their bib number to be copied, including posting their bib number online before the event resulting in duplicate bib numbers; (2) wearing or transporting two or more timing chips during the race; or (3) purchasing or transferring a bib will be disqualified and may be banned from the Los Angeles Marathon and other McCourt Foundation events for a period of years to be determined by the Race Organization.
Apparel & Costumes
While Costumes are allowed uniforms, costumes or outfits covering the face, or any non-formfitting bulky outfit extending beyond the perimeter of the body, are not permitted.
Race Course
The race course is defined as the roadway between its edges and curbs or as defined by marks or cones. [See Course Cutting below.]
Participants are responsible to recognize and understand Event signage and symbols relating to participant maps, facilities and directions.
The course has been measured and certified as to its distance (42.195 kilometers) in accordance with USATF requirements. As the elevation of the finish of the Event is more than 1 meter per kilometer lower than the start and as the finish is separated from the start by a distance greater than 50% of the race distance, performances in the Event are not eligible to be ratified as records.
The Race Start
Participants will be assigned to numbered “Start Corrals” in accordance with time qualifying standards and other factors determined each year by the Event Organization.
Participants are required to start in their designated Corral.
All participants must enter their Start Corral at the designated entry points. Any person who climbs the fence or otherwise enters improperly will be disqualified from the Event. Any participant attempting to enter a Start Corral to which they are not assigned will be required to start after all other participants have crossed the start line.
All participants are responsible for knowing the Event’s start time and check-in method for their Start Corral. All participants must be in their corral at the appointed time to receive instructions and to participate in the Official Start of the race. For participant safety, once a corral is closed for entry, late-arriving participants must report to the last corral.
Participants must begin the Event during the official recognized start times. Start timing mats will be removed after all participants in the last corral have had a reasonable opportunity to start, to be determined by the Race Organization.
False starts will not be recalled.
Time Limit
The Event has a maximum race day finish time of six hours and 30 minutes (15 minutes/mile pace) measured from the time the last on-time runner crosses the start line. The Marathon course will reopen for public use on a rolling schedule based on this time limit. Participants that fall behind this pace will be directed to the sidewalk and allowed to finish the race but will not be guaranteed a finishing time. Once directed to the sidewalk participants are required to obey all traffic and pedestrian laws. Aid stations will also close on the same rolling schedule as the streets.
The Event time requirement applies to all race divisions, forms of entry and Event participation.
Sportsmanship
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner during their participation in the Event. This means, for example, that urinating or defecating anywhere on or near the course shall be strictly prohibited except in toilet facilities. Anyone violating this rule of conduct shall be disqualified from the Event and will be asked to leave the course.
Participants shall immediately and respectfully comply with the directions of any race official or volunteer. Participants may not make any public protest or display of disgust with regard to the application of these Rules or any decision of any race marshal or official.
No Participant shall make a bad-faith protest against any other participant.
Conduct & Interference
At all times during the Event, Participants will act with due consideration of the safety and rights of other participants. Regardless of the circumstances or competitive disadvantage, no participant will commit any act that endangers any other participant. Participants shall not intentionally obstruct, impede or interfere with the forward progress of another participant.
Course-Cutting
Participants must stay on the race course which is defined as the roadway between its edges and curbs or as defined by marks or cones. Participants who intentionally shorten the route of the race (“course-cutting”) will be disqualified. Any participant leaving the race course for any reason must re-enter the race course where he or she left it or be disqualified for course-cutting. Course-cutting may be determined by eye-witness reports, by surveillance equipment and video, or by the participant failing to register times at timing mats or appearing in race photography. Participants with missing or irregular mile split times at official timing checkpoints will be reviewed and may be disqualified.
Unauthorized Persons
No unauthorized persons may enter the start, course, and secured finish areas. Such unauthorized persons include but are not limited to the children and other family members and friends of participating athletes. All unauthorized persons will be directed to leave the start and secured finish areas and the course.
Any person on the race course and not properly displaying an officially authorized and issued race number will be directed to leave the race course by race officials, race security or police.
Participant Safety
Unless specifically allowed below, participants may not use or carry on the course any objects or devices except pocket-sized cellular or photographic devices and hydration devices or bottles.
Prohibited items include:
Selfie sticks and any camera mount or rig that isn’t attached directly to the head or torso
Weapons & sharp objects
Signs & banners larger than 11” x17”
Duvets, sleeping bags, and large blankets or comforters
Alcoholic beverages and illegal substances of any kind
Unmanned aerial devices, drones, survey balloons, mini-copters, and any other flying device
Opaque trash bags and any non-transparent plastic bags (Clear trash bags are allowed)
Glass containers
Containers of liquid larger than one liter (except hydration packs – see below)
Backpacks and any bags other than the clear bag check bag
Weight vests and any vests with multiple pockets, especially those that can be used as a water reservoir
Allowed items include:
Pocket-sized mobile phones and mp3 players
Camelbaks® and other types of small hydration backpacks
Fuel belts and hand-held water bottles
All hydration packs are subject to search and may not hold anything other than liquids
Non-commercial flags on poles not exceeding 18”
Portable listening devices may not be used by participants starting in the Elite Open start (racing for prize money).
The use of wheeled devices by participants is strictly limited to authorized and officially registered wheelchair and handcycle participants (See AWD rules). Baby joggers, baby strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles or any other wheeled device are not permitted. The Event is a run\walk competition and participants may not use any device that assist in propelling them along the course except for shoes as defined by USATF rules.
No animals of any kind, including dogs, may be brought on the course or into the Start or Finish line areas. (For the use of service animals see AWD rules).
Participants may not carry an infant or child at any point on the race course or in the Start or Finish line areas.
Directions from Officials
Participants must comply with all directions given by race officials including immediately retiring from the race if directed to do so by a race official or any governmental authority, including fire and police officers.
Event officials reserve the right to delay, cancel, or suspend the race due to weather, safety or security concerns.
Directions from Medical Officials
Authorized medical personnel may require a participant to stop at any point on the race course for an examination. If in the sole opinion of authorized medical personnel, it is in the best interest of the participant’s health and welfare, medical personnel may remove a participant from the Event. Any participant failing to immediately accept the direction of an authorized medical personnel will be disqualified and may be banned from future Events. Participants allowed by medical personnel to continue on the race course will not have received illegal assistance and will not be penalized.
Participants are responsible and assume liability for any and all medical expenses incurred as a result of training for and/or participation in the Event, including but not limited to ambulance transport, hospital stays, physician and pharmaceutical goods and services.
Results & Awards
Age Group participants will compete in the following male and female age divisions:
15 & under (SRLA only), 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over
The top 3 finishers in each age division will receive a commemorative award. All official finishers will receive a commemorative medal.
Participants registered in the Elite Open Division will not be classified in their age groups and are not eligible to win age group awards. Participants registered in an age group division are not eligible to win prize money and will not be classified in the Elite Open Division.
Official times for all participants not entered in the Elite Open Division will be the electronic timing device time (net time) from when the participant crosses the start line to the point where the participant crosses the finish line. Participants must wear their assigned timing chip, which is permanently attached to their bib number, from start line to finish line to receive an official finish time. Times will be rounded to the next highest second.
Drug Testing & Sanction
All participants including age group participants, are subject to USATF, USADA, IAAF and WADA anti-doping rules. An anti-doping rule violation occurring during or in connection with the Event may lead to disqualification of the participants’ individual results, including forfeiture of all awards, points and prizes.
The Race will be conducted under current USATF Competition Rules. By entering the race, all participants agree to abide by these rules. Any participant who fails to comply with any applicable rule may be disqualified and/or banned from future Events as determined by the Event Organization.
Rule Waiver
Any individual requesting a waiver of any of these Rules (with the exception of refunds and packet pick up policy) must submit a written request to solutions@mccourtfoundation.org no less than 30 days prior to the Event date specifying the nature of and reasons for the request. The Event reserves the right to approve or deny any such request in its’ sole discretion.
Protests
Protests lodged against age group participants relating to matters that developed during the conduct of the competition must be made immediately if possible, but not later than noon local time the day after the Event. Protests must be made in writing and emailed to solutions@mccourtfoundation.org and marked “Protest” in the subject line. The Referee or Rules Committee shall decide protests as soon as possible as determined by the nature of the protest or the necessity of obtaining testimony or other evidence. For protests against Elite Open Division participants see the Elite Open Rules.
All results are tentative until they are marked and publicized as Official. Official results will be posted as soon as possible after race date as allowed by drug testing, protests (if any), and a full and complete review of timing and other data.
AWD Rules
Los Angeles Marathon
Participants with Disabilities Event Rules
The Los Angeles Marathon Rules applicable to general participants apply to those competing in Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) divisions unless replaced or supplemented by these Rules. The Los Angeles Marathon aggregate Rule Book, including AWD, general and Elite Open rules, are intended to successfully produce a large-scale mass-participation event, to ensure the safety of all participants, to meet the requirements of local government permits, and to comply with applicable USA Track & Field (USATF), International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) regulations for participant performance records and event liability. The Professional Wheelchair Program’s division rules are adopted from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
General Rules Applying To All AWD Participants
Participation
Any participant seeking accommodation in respect of a disability must submit a written request to the following email address: solutions@mccourtfoundation.org
AWD participants in the Los Angeles Marathon must be at least 16 years of age on the event date.
AWD participants must be capable of completing the full race distance within the event time limit requirements and to the strength and skill to control the speed and stop their wheelchairs on the course’s downhill sections. Participants may be asked to demonstrate these capabilities as a condition of entry. The determination of an AWD participant’s capability to complete the full race course within the time limit shall be made by the event’s officials, including the AWD coordinator, whose decision is final.
AWD participants are responsible for medical services that are rendered over and above the normal race day medical services, and for the costs required to transport any participants failing to complete the course or make the time limit from the race course to the finish line.
Exceptions
Any individual requesting a waiver of any of these rules must submit a written request no less than 30 days prior to the event date specifying the nature of and reasons for the request. There are no refunds and no exceptions to the packet pick-up policy.
Wheeled Devices
The use of wheeled devices by participants or any other person authorized to be on the course is strictly limited to: (a) authorized and registered Wheelchair and Handcycle participants and (b) authorized course marshals on bicycles. Baby joggers, baby strollers, carts, skateboards, rollerblades, non-conforming wheelchairs including day chairs, unauthorized bicycles or any other wheeled device is not permitted on the course.
Results & Timing
Wheelchair and Handcrank Division results are determined by gun time. Net times will not be used to determine ranking, results and awards in the Wheelchair and Handcrank Divisions. Wheelchair and Handcrank Division participants must start the race at the gun or immediately thereafter.
All times and placements of finish provisional until reviewed and declared official. Cash awards and prizes are distributed based on official results.
Radios, Music Players and Earphones
The use by AWD participants of radios, music players, earphones or similar devices is not permitted.
Anti-Doping
In accordance with IAAF and USATF competition rules and regulations, all participants, including AWD participants, are subject to anti-doping rules. An anti-doping rule violation occurring before, during or after the Event may lead to disqualification of the participant’s individual results and forfeiture of all awards, points and prizes.
Rules Applying to the Push Rim Wheelchair Division
Participation
Wheelchair Division participants must have at least 10% loss of function of their lower limbs. Participants without such a disability will be disqualified.
Prize Money Eligibility
The Wheelchair division is an open competition meaning that all registered participants are eligible to win prize money and awards.
Wheelchair Specifications
Wheelchair and Race Running Frame Requirements set out in World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations (2020-2021) apply to all professional, elite and age group participants. Please follow this link to read Rule 14: Wheelchair and Race Running Frame Requirements (pages 89-92). Link: https://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/2020-02/2020_02%20World%20Para%20Athletics%20Rules%20and%20Regulations%202020-2021_0.pdf
Note: All references in Rule 14 to WPA, Technical Delegates, ITOs, Technical Officials or Track Referee means the Race organization and/or Race officials. All reference to a call room means the pre-start line-up of wheelchair at the start line.
The use of fairings or similar devices specifically designed to improve the aerodynamic performance of the participant in the wheelchair are not permitted.
The use of mirrors is not permitted.
Wheelchairs are subject to inspection, and once inspected, must not be taken from the competition area before the start of the event. Wheelchairs can be re-examined by the officials before or after the event. It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that his or her wheelchair conforms to the requirements stipulated above and the start of the Event will not be delayed for any participant to adjust his/her wheelchair. If Event officials believe that a wheelchair and/or the participant using it represent a safety risk, the participant may be prohibited from participating in the Event or disqualified.
It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that no part of their lower limbs can fall from their wheelchair to the ground during the event.
Helmets
All participants must wear a protective helmet, undamaged and unaltered, which meets or exceeds the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and which is clearly labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying such standards. Helmets not labeled as approved by the CPSC, but meeting one or more of the following standards: Snell B-90, Snell B-95, ASTM 1447-12, CEN European Standard, Canadian Standards Association, Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand AS/NZS, and Japanese Industrial Standard JIS, may be used by participants residing outside of the United States. Removal of a helmet cover, if required for that helmet to meet such safety standards is an impermissible alteration rendering the helmet non-compliant.
The helmet must be properly placed on the head and fastened before the participant enters the Start corral or area and at all times when the participant is on the race course.
Any violation of these helmet requirements will result in disqualification. A participant will not be disqualified if his/her helmet strap unintentionally and temporarily becomes unattached, and the participant immediately comes to a full stop and repairs the strap and replaces the helmet while fully stopped.
Bib Numbers and Start Procedure
Athlete Bibs: Every athlete shall be provided with two bibs. One of the bibs shall be visibly displayed on the back of the racing chair and on the lateral side of the RaceRunning Frame.These bibs must be worn as issued and may not be cut, folded or obscured in any way.
Athletes entered in the women’s division may be required to place a blinking LED light on their wheelchair in a location to be specified by the Race Organization. This device is required to allow officials at the finish line to spot the approach of the lead women’s division participants in order to alert television, media and finish line tape holders.
Participants may be staged at the Start according to a slotting chart developed by the Event. Any Participant attempting to move out of his/her assigned Start slot prior to the Start signal will be disqualified. Notwithstanding for foregoing, any Participant may elect to start at the back of the Wheelchair Division field.
Participants will be disqualified for not starting with the official start or a flagrant false start.
Rules of the Road
Drafting
Drafting behind an athlete from the other gender division or any athletes in handcycle/hand crank divisions is prohibited. Drafting behind any vehicle, including lead vehicles, police cars or motorcycles, media trucks, cars or support cyclists, is prohibited. Drafting is defined as following another athlete in another division or a vehicle within a distance 5 meters for one minute or more.
Athletes violating this Rule shall be time-penalized or disqualified depending upon the severity of the infraction.
The Drafting Rule does not apply in the Controlled Start Area (Start Line to turn onto Sunset).
Passing Another Chair
Participants coming from behind and attempting to pass another chair are responsible for ensuring full clearance of the chair being overtaken before cutting in front. The participant being passed has the responsibility not to obstruct or impede the overtaking participant once the front wheel of the overtaking participant is in sight.
Chair Being Passed by Runners
If being passed by runners, Wheelchair participants must maintain control of their wheelchairs and yield to the right-of-way of runners. In every case, the right-of-way belongs to the runners.
Chair Being Passed by Vehicles
If being passed by vehicles, all wheelchair participants must move to the SIDE of the road until the vehicle has passed.
Participants failing to follow any of the Rules of the Road or causing a crash or spill by another participant, or otherwise improperly interfering with the progress of another Participant may be penalized or disqualified from the Event.
Outside Assistance
Except as provided in these rules, no participant in the Wheelchair Division may receive Outside Assistance during the progress of the race from any unofficial source, including an accompanying support cyclist. Outside Assistance means direct help conveyed by any means and includes:
Pacing by a person not officially entered in the race.
Engaging in conversations with persons in or on accompanying vehicles or support cyclists that could be deemed to constitute pacing or coaching or cheering on the part of such persons (e.g., providing advice as to the Participant’s position in the race).
The following assistance is permitted:
Participants may be assisted in righting and remounting their chairs.
Participants may receive mechanical or other assistance to repair their chairs, including wheels/tires, if such assistance does not impede the progress of other participants or result in the forward progress of the participant. If any replacement parts are used to accomplish on-course repairs, such parts must of the same size and sort as the original parts and the replaced parts made available for inspection if requested by Officials after the Event.
Participants may carry their own refreshments, which may be replenished at any of the refreshment stations provided by the race organizer.
Yellow Flag Areas
Yellow Flag Areas are speed controlled, no passing zones designed to neutralize dangerous at high speed sections of the race course such as downhills including turns. The locations, requirements, and penalties for Yellow Flag areas will be announced on the Event website, pre-race materials and/or at the pre-Event technical meeting. Participants are responsible to know and follow all rules and requirements of Yellow Flag Areas.
Finish Line
Male and Female Division leaders must cross the finish line between finish tape holders if present.
Participants cross the finish line when a front tire penetrates the imaginary vertical plane of the finish line. Results will be judged from this point.
Participants must be prepared to brake immediately after the finish chute
Prize money
The Event will comply with all local, state and federal filing and withholding requirements on all monies and benefits provided to Participants including prize money and appearance fees. To receive payments prize money winners will be required to fill out certain forms and provide his or her social security number or other tax ID number. The Event will also file reporting forms such as 1099, 1042-S and/or CA Form 592-B stating prize money payments. Prize Money winners must submit either a completed W9 (Resident), Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certificate, a Form 8233 (Foreign), Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding before any payments will be made. The Event will mail to prize money winners by the appropriate deadline IRS Forms 1099 (U.S. Resident) or 1042S (Foreign Resident) and California Form 592-B stating any earnings from The Event for the preceding calendar year. Prize Money winners are responsible for filing all required tax filings and returns.
Prize money winners are solely responsible for filling out all tax forms and waivers required by the Event as well as for the accuracy of all such forms. The Event will not amend any such forms and, beyond filing such forms, will not become involved in any communications or take any actions on behalf of the prize money winner with any tax or governmental agency.
Participants racing for prize money who are not United States citizens are required to obtain appropriate visa or other status required by the United States government to race as a professional and earn prize money in the United States.
Rules Applying to Handcycles
The Handcycle Division is an exhibition event and is not a competitive race division. There are no awards or prize money for this division. Handcycle results will be posted for informational reasons only.
The Handcycle Division is co-coordinated by Achilles International. Members of members of the Achilles International Team have preferred registration priority.
Handcyclists are required to comply with the following Rules as stated in the Wheelchair Rules, above:
Helmets
Bib Number & Start Procedures
Rules of the Road
Yellow Flag Areas
Able-bodied individuals may not participate in the Handcycle Division.
Handcyclists not complying with these and other applicable Rules will be removed from the results and not invited to participate in future Events.
It is mandatory for handcyclists who use catheters or other urinary diversion devices to prevent spillage by using a catheter bag at all times.
Handcycle Specifications
A handcycle is either an arm powered, arm-trunk powered or kneeling position, three-wheel device with an open frame of tubular construction. No motorized wheelchairs or “trikes” or any wheelchairs or handcycles that a participant cannot “propel” over the marathon course by himself or herself will be accepted. Achilles International may prevent a participant from using any handcycle or device that it determines not the meet the technical specifications or is otherwise unsafe. Any chair or device that is powered by the participant’s legs is a bicycle/tricycle and not permitted.
The single wheel may be of a different diameter to the double wheels. The front wheel, or wheels, shall be steerable; the single wheel, either front or rear, shall be driven through a system comprising handgrips and a chain.
The handcycle shall be propelled solely, through a chainset and conventional cycle drive train, of crank arms, chainwheels, chain and gears, with handgrips replacing foot pedals. It shall be propelled from the hands, arms and upper body.
In the recumbent position, the Participant must have a clear vision. The horizontal of the Participant’s eyeline must be above the crank housing/crank set, when he/she is sitting with his/her hands on the handlebars facing forward at full extent, the tip of his/her shoulder blades in contact with the backrest and his/her head in contact with the headrest, when applicable. A quick release body harness is permitted.
In the kneeling position, the Participant’s legs and feet must be supported and protected from the ground surface.
Handcycles must have two independent braking systems.
A handcycle shall not measure more than 250 cm in length. Its maximum width shall be 70 cm overall.
The largest chain ring shall have a guard securely fitted to protect the rider.
Leg and footrests shall be fitted as necessary, with a secure means of protecting static lower limbs from all moving parts.
Handcyclists must wear shoes or sufficiently stiff foot protection which covers completely the foot, for security measure, unless the handcycle has a shell / structure which allows the feet to rest with no risk of coming out. In such cases, participants should at minimum be wearing socks. In all cases, the feet should also be fixed to the bike with some sort of device which prevents the feet from falling out of the footrest.
The Event reserves the right to institute a maximum speed limit for handcycles.
Rules Applying to Duos
A Duo Team is comprised of one able bodied person pushing a permanently disabled person in a customized three-wheel wheelchair specific for outdoor racing. Both team members must be at least 16 years of age on Event day.
Duo Team Registration Requirements
Duo Team registration is done through an application process. An informal application including the following information must be sent to solutions@mccourtfoundation.org:
Name & age of the able-bodied person pusher
Name & age of the permanently disabled person being pushed with a description of his/her disability
Other events in which the Duo have participated
If more Duo registrations are received than the maximum number of registration slots, a lottery will be held to determine which teams will get the slots.
If accepted into the race, both individuals must complete the on-line registration process, and pay the full event registration fee.
Pair Requirements and Course/Safety Rules
Duos are required to comply with the following Rules as stated in the Wheelchair Rules, above:
Helmets
Bib Number & Start Procedures
Rules of the Road
The person with the permanent disability must be secured into the wheelchair and wear a helmet (see definition in Wheelchair Rules).
The able-bodied person must be tethered to the wheelchair and push the person with a permanent disability the entire race distance within the official race time limit of 6:30.
The able-bodied participant must maintain contact and control with the wheelchair at all times throughout the race.
Only the registered able-bodied participant can propel the customized racing wheelchair forward. No outside assistance is permitted.
Only the registered person with a disability can ride in the customized racing wheelchair.
Motor, pedals, cranks or gears are strictly prohibited.
Duo teams will start as directed by the Event organization.
The Event reserves the right to ask for further information and to verify applications with the USATF ADA accommodation procedures.
Registration Maximums
Due to space and safety constraints, field size maximums have been set for Athletes with Disabilities as follows:
Wheelchair - 50
Hand cycle – 50
Duo Teams – 6
Rules Applying To Running Guides
Running guides are for navigation and safety purposes, providing visual and audio communication to a specific Participant with a disability and to those in the immediate vicinity. A registered Participant with a permanent physical disability or visual impairment is allowed up to three (3) guide runners to assist him or her throughout the marathon, provided all team members meet the following event registration and pairing requirements.
Event registration requirements
The participant with the disability must be 16 years of age or older on Event day. Due to safety concerns, guides must be 18 years of age on race day. All individuals must be officially registered to participate. Guides will receive a complimentary entry.
A Participant with a disability may have a maximum of three (3) registered guide runners.
For safety reasons, all guides must have read the event rules and guidelines and be able to communicate any course information or alerts to the participant with the disability that they are guiding on race day. No Exceptions.
Participants requiring the assistance of a guide runner(s) must contact solutions@mccourtfoundation.org to organize and confirm his or her registration.
Guide requirements
The Participant with disabilities and his or her guide(s) must be able to complete the entire race distance within the official race time limit of 6:30.
The guides are permitted to be tethered to their Participant.
Only the registered guides are able to assist the Participant with a disability. No additional outside assistance is permitted.
All guides MUST wear the event issued guide bib and participant bib.
Guides will be tracked with a timing device but are not scored.
Participants with guides running a portion of the marathon distance are responsible for meeting their registered guides on the course.
Professional Division Rules & Technical Information
The Race will be conducted under current USATF Competition Rules. The list of specific rules that are incorporated by reference is set out at the end of this document. By entering the race all competitors agree to abide by these rules.
Any competitor who fails to comply with the rules may be penalized or disqualified.
Rule Highlights:
Course Cutting:
Competitors must stay on the race course which is defined as the roadway between its edges and curbs or as defined by marks or cones. Competitors who intentionally shorten the route of the race (“cutting the course”) will be disqualified. (Rules 243.4 & 163.6). Any participant leaving the race course for any reason must re-enter the race course where he or she left it.
Assistance:
Any competitor who has been found to have gained an unfair advantage by receiving assistance will be disqualified. “Assistance" is the conveying of advice, information or direct help to an athlete by any means, including a technical device. It also includes pacing by persons not participating in the event or by any kind of technical device including visible possession or use by athletes of video, audio, or communications devices in the competition area or during the race.
Competitors may carry or wear articles of personal equipment such as smart watches, wrist chronometers and heart-rate monitors that do not enable communications with others. Verbal or other communication, without the use of any technical device, from an individual who is not on the course shall not be considered assistance. Pacesetting, by a person entered in the event as an officially designated pacesetter, is permitted. A designated pacesetter is a competitor like all the others and is eligible to win the race.
Headsets:
Portable listening devices may not be used by competitors starting in the elite/professional corral or racing for prize money.
Race Numbers:
Race numbers must be pinned on the front of the runners’ shorts/singlet and may not be folded, cut or altered.
Start Time & Start Line:
All competitors are responsible for knowing the start time of the event(s), for knowing the registration or check-in method utilized at the start, and for being at the start line at the appointed time for instructions and the start of the race.
All runners must be at the start area, warmed up and ready to race no later than 10 minutes before the start time. Announcements giving the number of minutes to the start will be made at regular intervals.
Competitors must be lined up behind the start line two minutes before the start time. The last announcement will be given a reasonably short time before the starting signal.
False starts will not be recalled.
Directions from Officials:
Competitors must comply with all directions given by race officials including immediately retiring from the race if directed to do so by a race official or by an appropriately identified member of the race medical staff.
Protests and Appeals:
Any competitor in the ‘professional divisions’ of the race who intends to protest any matter that developed during the conduct of the competition should inform the Referee, Professional Athlete Coordinator or Race Director. All protests must be made in writing by the athlete, athlete’s coach or agent not later than 1 hour after the first runner in the competition to which the protest relates, crosses the finish line. The 1-hour time limit supersedes the time limit specified in Rule 146, below.
If possible, the Referee (or the Games Committee) shall decide protests at once. If the nature of the protest or the necessity of obtaining testimony or evidence prevents an immediate decision, the protest shall be decided within one week.
Applicable Rule Numbers
Prize Money:
Please scroll down to the Pro & Age Group Pro section read about prize money for the 2022 Los Angeles Marathon.
Note: As the elevation of the finish of the Los Angeles Marathon is more than 1 meter per kilometer lower than the start and as the finish is separated from the start by a distance greater than 50% of the race distance, performances in the Los Angeles Marathon are not eligible to be ratified as records.
2023 Los Angeles Marathon Pro & Elite Age Group Program
What is your Pro Program?
Pro Standards
Runners meeting these time standards* may elect** to race in the Professional Division:
Men: Full: <2:31:00 / Half: <71:00
Women: Full: <3:00:00 / Half: <81:00
* Times must have been achieved within the previous 24 months from race day
** Election to race as a pro is made by emailing coordinator@mccourtfoundation.org (before March 1, 2023 or until the race is sold-out) with proof of time standard.
What is your Elite Age Group Program?
Continuing its tradition of recognizing elite age group runners, the 2023 Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS will again host our Elite Age Group Program. This program intends to provide greater exposure and recognition to our fastest age group runners. Program benefits include:
• Access to a pre-race hospitality area with toilets dedicated to pro and elite age groupers.
• Direct access to the front of the start line from the hospitality area.
• Women elite age groupers will start in the feature pro women’s start before the Marathon’s 7:00 a.m. main start (time to be determined).
• Men elite age groupers will start alongside the pro men on the front lines of the 7:00 a.m. main start in front of Corral A.
As our registration numbers rebound and revenues normalize, we will continue to develop higher profile participation for elite age groups including selected elite age group men and women interviews for the Marathon’s live and streaming broadcast coverage, and other digital coverage.
Elite Age Group Program Qualifying Standards
Women
Marathon 3:20 or faster
Half Marathon 1:37 or faster
Men
Marathon 2:45 or faster
Half Marathon 1:16 or faster
Times must have been achieved within the previous 24 months from race day
Runners meeting the qualifying time wanting to take advantage of this program, please contact coordinator@mccourtfoundation.org for additional information. Please provide your qualifying time, race, and race date.
All runners (pro and age group) starting in the “pro” wave are eligible to win prize money. Age groupers starting in these waves are also eligible for age group awards.
Who is eligible to participate in the Pro & Elite Age Group Program?
Pro Standards
Runners meeting these time standards* may elect** to race in the Professional Division:
Men: Full: <2:31:00 / Half: <71:00
Women: Full: <3:00:00 / Half: <81:00
Elite Age Group Standards
Age group runners meeting these time standards* are eligible to start as Elite Age Group Athletes in the Pro Corral:
Men: Full: <2:45 Half: <76:00
Women: Full: <3:20 Half: <97:00
* Times must have been achieved within the previous 24 months from race day
** Election to race as a pro is made by emailing coordinator@mccourtfoundation.org (before March 1, 2023 or until the race is sold-out) with proof of time standard.
What is the 2023 Prize Money?
Men’s & Women’s Overall Prize Money*
1st $5,000
2nd $2,500
3rd $1,000
4th $ 500
1st U.S. Athlete: $1,000
The Marathon Chase Bonus: $10,000 (overall race winner)
What is the Marathon Challenge?
The Marathon Challenge is a winner-take-all competition that pays the first runner to cross the Marathon’s finish line – male or female -- $10,000. To facilitate the challenge, the women’s Pro starting time will be set based on the expected men’s and women’s winning times estimated at approximately 18-minutes before the men’s Pro start.
Who is Eligible for Prize Money?
All runners (Pro and Elite Age Group) starting in the “Pro” wave are eligible to win prize money. Age groupers starting in these waves are also eligible for age group awards. Prize money awards will be determined by gun times.
What is the Pro & Elite Age Group Start Procedure?
6:46 am Tentative Women’s Pro Start (to be set race week)
7:00 am: Men’s Pro Start
The Pro starts will include Pro and Elite Age Group Athletes.
Pros
• Pro runners will start in the front two rows.
• Athletes starting in this category are not eligible to win age group awards.
Elite Age Group
• Elite Age Group runners will line up behind the last line of Pros.
• Elite Age Group runners will be classified in their appropriate age group with runners starting in other Corrals and eligible to win age group awards. Age Group results will be determined by Chip Time.
• Any Elite Age Group runner creating any interference with the Pro start, including lining up in front of the Pros will be disqualified.
Pre-Race Staging Area
Pro and Elite Age Group runners will have access to a pre-race staging area adjacent to the start line with dedicated toilets and light hospitality.
Invited Pros
Invited Pro runners will have access to the on-course pro bottle program and other pre-race hospitality.
How do I get an Entry Fee Waiver?
Runners meeting the Pro standard are eligible for an entry fee waiver. To obtain a code for a free entry email coordinator@mccourtfoundation.org before March 1, 2023 with proof of time standard.
2023 Los Angeles Marathon Equity, Access, and Inclusion Policy
What is your Equity, Access, and Inclusion Policy?
Organizers of the Los Angeles Marathon recognize that every choice we make comes with the opportunity to benefit our friends, neighbors, and broader community by creating a safe and welcoming event for all interested participants, including accommodations and assistance to address any potential participation barriers.
Our comprehensive equity, access, and inclusion policy provides guidance for decision makers as well as event participants in the form of employees, partners, contractors, speakers, volunteers, visitors, attendees, or others affiliated with the Los Angeles Marathon.
Declaration of Inclusion
The 2022 Los Angeles Marathon invites all interested and willing parties to participate in the event. We intend to create an event that adheres to principles of social equity and inclusion and is open, welcoming, safe, and accessible for all who have an interest in participating provided that they have obtained a valid pass of entry to the event.
Statement of Accessibility
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The McCourt Foundation has established a process for accessibility matters pertaining to the event. The McCourt Foundation is committed to access for all participants and spectators involved with the Los Angeles Marathon.
Requests and Feedback Mechanisms
To ensure proper communication and to optimize organizer’s ability to best meet accommodation requests, requests must be received by Stacy Embretson, Senior Director of Operations, no later than 1 business week (7 days) prior to race day.
All requests for accommodations will be acknowledged within 72 hours. Clarification from the organizer to meet the request will be provided within one business week of the request and upon consultation with the participant requesting the accommodation. The following types of accommodations may be considered upon request—e.g. alternative format documents, interpreters, captioning, assistive listening devices.
For these and any other accommodation requests, or for more information, please contact Stacy Embretson at 949.439.0466 or via email at stacy@mccourtfoundation.org.
Conference organizers are committed to ensuring the best possible experience for participants and spectators. Participants and spectators can submit feedback regarding the activities and facilities at the event, including responsiveness to accommodation needs, by email at stacy@mccourtfoundation.org.
